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.

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."

Tuesday February 7, 2012: 10:00 am to 10:30 am -- Downtown Library: Youth Story Corner

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

Tuesday February 7, 2012: 10:00 am to 11:00 am -- Malletts Creek Branch: Program Room AB

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.

Tuesday February 7, 2012: 11:00 am to 11:30 am -- Traverwood Branch: Program Room

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

Tuesday February 7, 2012: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm -- Malletts Creek Branch: Training Center

Learn basic computer terms, mouse & keyboard skills, and receive an introduction to Microsoft Word and Internet Explorer. class handouts Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Classrooms will open 15 minutes before the class start times.

Tuesday February 7, 2012: 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Think you know your science? Would you like to become an actual scientist some day? Want to see how science and engineering applies to the real world?

Join us as University of Michigan students from the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and Proyecto Avance: Latino Mentoring Association (PALMA) present a this fun-filled science workshop!

This workshop will be full of hands-on science and engineering experiments along with cool, interactive demonstrations. Join us and explore the fun side of science and engineering. Be sure to bring your curiosity and energy!

This event is for grades K-5.

Tuesday February 7, 2012: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Pittsfield Branch: Program Room

Learn how to screen-print on fabric and take home a tea towel printed by you! Use it in your own kitchen or give it as a gift. Ready-made linoleum blocks will be available for you to create your own vintage-inspired fabric. All supplies will be provided.

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

Tuesday February 7, 2012: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Traverwood Branch: Program Room

Planning for college can be stressful without the right tools and resources. College planners charge hefty fees with no promises, magazines publish arbitrary rankings, and Wall Street just says "save a bundle."

Local college counselor John Boshoven, named one of the "Counselors Who Change Lives" in 2010, leads this panel consisting of educators, a career counselor, and a financial planner - all parents with a track record of helping their own children successfully navigate the college experience. Join them for straight talk, no fee, valuable tips, a little humor, and the opportunity to get your college planning questions answered.

This event is for adults and teens (grade 9 and up).

Tuesday February 7, 2012: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Training Center

If you've ever wanted to get a clear picture of your investments and qualified unbiased advice take this class! Get independent and trusted stock and mutual fund analysis, research and ratings.

Morningstar experts will give easy instructions on how to use their database. Then, practice what you've learned on our training center computers!

Wednesday February 8, 2012: 10:00 am to 10:30 am -- Malletts Creek Branch: Program Room AB

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

Wednesday February 8, 2012: 11:00 am to 12:00 pm -- Pittsfield 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.

Wednesday February 8, 2012: 11:00 am to 11:30 am -- Downtown Library: Youth Story Corner

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

Wednesday February 8, 2012: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm -- Malletts Creek Branch: Training Center

Learn the basics of email. Create a Hotmail account and practice reading, writing and sending emails.

Wednesday February 8, 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.

Wednesday February 8, 2012: 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm -- Traverwood Branch: Program Room

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

Wednesday February 8, 2012: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm -- Downtown Library: Training Center

Learn how to download eMedia at aadl.org. Download audiobooks using Overdrive, eBooks using Adobe Digital Editions or Mobipocket, and MP3 songs using Magnatune. Basic computer skills are required. class handouts

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

What is it like for partners when their family is all grown up? When the kids leave the nest? Changes of later life bring new challenges and opportunities to our relationships as we age together.

Join us, as we approach Valentine's Day, for a lecture exploring the differences in the post-parenting aging process for men vs. women with an emphasis on the relational aspects of adaptive aging. Sue Watts, LMSW, ACSW and Jeff Urist, Ph.D. will lead the session, which is co-sponsored by the UM Institute For Human Adjustment.

Wednesday February 8, 2012: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Traverwood 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.

Thursday February 9, 2012: 10:00 am to 10:30 am -- Traverwood Branch: Program Room

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