Upcoming Events at the Ann Arbor District Library

Curriculum of Color: Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor Annual Student Art Exhibit

Now through February 28, 2012 -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room Exhibit and 3rd Floor Exhibit

This annual exhibit features the art of students at the Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor, kindergarten through grade twelve. The exhibit features student oil and watercolor paintings, drawings and mosaics. Of special interest this year is the work featured in the lower level display cases, including woodwork, handwork, and sculpture. Beautiful main lesson books, which span a curriculum that is unparalleled in diversity and richness, are also on display in the lower level cases.

In Waldorf education, the arts are an essential component of the curriculum, providing avenues for recognition and understanding of the world in which we live.

From the Painter's Eye: Watercolors from A2H2O

Now through March 13, 2012 -- Malletts Creek Branch: Exhibits

This exhibit features twenty-one local painters who have studied with watercolor instructor Jennifer Wolf through the Ann Arbor Public Schools Rec and Ed program. The group ranges in age from teen to octogenarian, and in skill level from beginner to advanced. Over thirty watercolor paintings are on display.

Over time, as students become more proficient in technique, they are able to explore subjects of personal meaning to them, including landscapes, seascapes, abstracts, botanical studies and collage works. Wolf explains the appeal of the group this way, "Regardless of age or skill level, a common thread in Rec and Ed classes is the enthusiasm for continuing to learn, the camaraderie, and a shared sense of adventure. I think those qualities are apparent in their work and hope it will inspire others to try something new and challenging."

Preschool Storytimes

Friday February 10, 2012: 10:00 am to 10:30 am -- Pittsfield Branch: Program Room

Join us for stories and songs for listeners age 2 to 5 years, accompanied by an adult. Siblings are welcome.

Playgroups

Friday February 10, 2012: 10:30 am to 11:30 am -- Traverwood Branch: Program Room

This is a time for babies up to 24 months and their grown-ups to gather and play. The Library will provide the space and a variety of toys.

Each playgroup includes 15 minutes of stories, rhymes and songs. Parents/guardians must remain with their children.

No older siblings, please.

English as a Second Language Conversation Group

Friday February 10, 2012: 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm -- Malletts Creek Branch: Program Room AB

Washtenaw Literacy's ESL groups focus on speaking and listening skills for adults in an informal, relaxed setting. TOEFL preparation is also available.

Saturday Stories!

Saturday February 11, 2012: 10:00 am to 10:30 am -- Malletts Creek Branch: Program Room AB

AADL staff will read aloud stories that the whole family can enjoy together.

Family Science Workshop: How You Get Sick

Saturday February 11, 2012: 10:00 am to 11:00 am -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Germs, parasites and allergies, oh my!

The UM Exhibit Museum of Natural History will help us look at what things make us sick and how our body protects itself. This event is for youth (grades K - 5) with a parent or caregiver. It will be repeated at 2:00 pm at the Traverwood Branch.

Roses Are Red. Valentines Are, Too - Make A Card For Someone You Love Or Share With Local Hospitals

Saturday February 11, 2012: 11:00 am to 12:00 pm -- Pittsfield Branch: Program Room

Join us to make awesome Valentine's Day cards and flowers for your special someone!

This Valentine's Day, you can also send a card to patients at the Veterans Hospital and C.S. Mott Children's Hospital! Make (at home or at this workshop) or buy a Valentine's Day card, fill it out, and drop it off at any AADL location from February 5 - 11. You can specify which hospital or let AADL staff decide. We will make sure it arrives safely!

Please avoid glitter and leave the envelope unsealed. Because many of the patients at these hospitals are long term, please do not include any messages about getting well or feeling better.

Thank you for making this Valentine's Day a little better for children and veterans!

Spanish Storytime

Saturday February 11, 2012: 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm -- Malletts Creek Branch: Program Room AB

Native Spanish speakers will tell stories and lead songs in Spanish for all levels of Spanish speakers. Even those with no prior Spanish knowledge.

Family Science Workshop: How You Get Sick

Saturday February 11, 2012: 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm -- Traverwood Branch: Program Room

Germs, parasites and allergies, oh my!

The UM Exhibit Museum of Natural History will help us look at what things make us sick and how our body protects itself. This event is for youth (grades K - 5) with a parent or caregiver.

Mark's Carts: All You Need to Know & Taste!

Saturday February 11, 2012: 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Mark Hodesh, along with folks from the Lunch Room and San Street Carts discusses Ann Arbor's first food cart courtyard, presents some sample tastes, and lets you know what you can look forward to, culinary and otherwise in 2012!

Mark's Carts is a brand new food venture in Ann Arbor, open in spring through fall, offering an array of fresh ethnic dishes in an intimate courtyard garden on Washington Street between First and Ashley. Each food cart is individually owned, and each presents a different style of ethnic or regional food. Join us and learn about this exciting new Ann Arbor venture!

The Lunch Room is run by Phillis Engelbert and Joel Panozzo. Their mission: to provide high-quality, delicious, and nutritious vegan food that demonstrates the breadth and versatility of plant-based whole foods.

Ji Hye Kim and Kristen Hogue Jackson own San Street and take their fond memories of home cooking and Asian street market treats to the streets of Ann Arbor, dishing up some really great Asian street food with the freshest ingredients.

This event is for adults and teens (grade 6 and up).

Dancing Babies with Aron Kaufman

Sunday February 12, 2012: 1:00 pm to 1:40 pm -- Pittsfield Branch: Program Room

Aron Kaufman, percussionist and teacher at Hebrew Day School, presents a program of music and movement.

Scandinavia Family Cultural Celebration

Sunday February 12, 2012: 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Celebrate Scandinavian culture through music, crafts, and traditional treats for the whole family!

Quilling Paper Craft Workshop

Sunday February 12, 2012: 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm -- Malletts Creek Branch: Program Room AB

Popular in Europe in the 18th century, quilling or paper filigree is an art form that involves the use of strips of paper that are rolled, shaped, and glued together to create decorative designs.

Learn how to make unique cards or prints in this hands-on workshop. This event is for adults and teens (grade 6 and up).

Homework help with Alpha Epsilon Delta

Sunday February 12, 2012: 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm -- Downtown Library: aadlfreespace

Need help with homework? Join us for homework help for K-12 students provided by volunteers for the University of Michigan chapter Alpha Epsilon Delta, the National Health Preprofessional Honor Society.

Playgroups

Monday February 13, 2012: 10:30 am to 11:30 am -- Downtown Library: Youth Story Corner

This is a time for babies up to 24 months and their grown-ups to gather and play. The Library will provide the space and a variety of toys.

Each playgroup includes 15 minutes of stories, rhymes and songs. Parents/guardians must remain with their children.

No older siblings, please.

English as a Second Language Conversation Group

Monday February 13, 2012: 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm -- Pittsfield Branch: Program Room

Washtenaw Literacy's ESL groups focus on speaking and listening skills for adults in an informal, relaxed setting. TOEFL preparation is also available.

Intermediate Excel

Monday February 13, 2012: 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm -- Pittsfield Branch: Training Center

Sort and filter data and use absolute references, the IF function, conditional formatting, cell and object linking and charts. This class requires knowledge of Excel basics. class handouts Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Classrooms will open 15 minutes before the class start times.

Circle K Homework Help

Monday February 13, 2012: 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm -- Downtown Library: Youth Story Corner

Need help with homework? Students in grades K-12 can get homework help at AADL, provided by volunteers for the University of Michigan chapter of Circle K. No appointment necessary - just drop by!

This event is for grades K - 12.

Being Homeless In Washtenaw County: A Panel Discussion With The Washtenaw Housing Alliance

Monday February 13, 2012: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Disturbing facts on homelessness in Washtenaw County: 2, 756 people will experience homelessness within a year in the county; 26% of these are families; 41 people in the county in any given week become homeless.

Join service and housing providers across the community as they discuss the current state of homelessness in Washtenaw County, the innovative partnerships that have been created to address the need, and the next steps needed to end homelessness in our community.

The Washtenaw Housing Alliance (WHA) is a unique coalition of ten non-profit organizations that serve those experiencing homelessness or those at risk of homelessness. The WHA and its member agencies have created a collaboration that harnesses the commitment, energy and resources of a major hospital system, the cities of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, Washtenaw County, three major institutions of higher education, the private sector and the community at large to end homelessness in Washtenaw County.