Monday February 18, 2013: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Classical music has been a driving force in the life of Hill Auditorium, but the field of classical music has changed significantly in the past 25 years and continues to evolve as audiences and artists alike change their expectations for live concert performances.

Session 7 explores the ways in which classical artists like Yo-Yo Ma have "crossed over" and created broader and more diverse concert audiences. We'll also explore how new technologies are changing the concert hall itself.

Professor Mark Clague joins us again as host and resident scholar.

Tuesday February 19, 2013: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Traverwood Branch: Program Room

Join us for an open discussion of the book that is the focus of this year's Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads - "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration In The Age Of Colorblindness" by Michelle Alexander.

This discussion, led by Ann Arbor District Library staff, will examine this stunning account of the rebirth of a caste-like system in the United States, one that has resulted in millions of African Americans locked behind bars and then relegated to a permanent second-class status--denied the very rights supposedly won in the Civil Rights Movement.

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

Monday, February 18 | 1 - 2 pm | Downtown Library Multi-Purpose Room | Preschool to Grade 3

Make a simple, but snazzy, snowman bookmark out of construction paper, beads, decorative punch out designs, and twine. Also, learn how to make a unique, 6-point, paper snowflake that you can use to create a beautiful winter scene.

The AADL has crafting books of all kinds for kids!

Take time for chess on Sunday, February 17 @ the Traverwood branch 1 - 4 PM. It fills the bill for something to do that is both relaxing and stimulating.

Newly added to the library's collection is, A Fresh Look at Chess : 40 Instructive Games, Played and Annotated by Players Like You, a look at some
amateur games, showing you how to make more effective moves, and Chess is Child's Play : Teaching Techniques That Work. All ages and abilities are welcome at Chesstastic.

Solving problems, thinking logically, and learning patience are skills that playing chess can boost at any age.

If you are a parent with a child on the autism spectrum, here is an opportunity to explore the possibilities on Saturday, February 23 at 1:00 pm. Dr. Rick Solomon, from the Play Project, will be there to chat with parents and children. Kids will have an open space, or quiet space to play with construction toys, puppets and much more. Let the kids try out combinations of soothing scents with expert Michelle Krell Kydd, who recently interviewed
Temple Grandin about her sense of smell.

Friday February 22, 2013: 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Be a participant of the first-ever All-Stars Battle Royale!

Up to four players can battle each other using characters from various Sony franchises such as God of War and Sly Cooper, and third-party franchises like BioShock!

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

Saturday February 23, 2013: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

It's a Mario Kart Wii Tourney for kids, teens AND adults! Bring the family for a fun afternoon!

Due to the Malletts Creek branch closure, the Facebook 101 class for Wednesday February 27 has been relocated to the Downtown library training center. We'll show you how to join Facebook, make a status update, upload photos, find your friends and more. For a complete class schedule, go to aadl.org/classes.

See you in class.

Wednesday February 27, 2013: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Are you interested in self-publishing? Do you want to know how to get started?

Local author Dan Romanchik has self-published several books on amateur radio and has found it to be a rewarding experience, both personally and financially. In this lecture, he will describe his experiences and explain the technical process involved - including how to create different e-book versions and how to set up accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble to begin selling books there. He will also include advice on marketing, setting up blogs, and more.

Join Dan for a witty and informational look at how to get started self-publishing your work.

Writers, actors, poets, storytellers, and artists of all sorts will be enriched by visiting storyteller, Carol Birch’s workshop on The Whole Story. Carol will focus on using imagery to extend the experience of the story, and explore the feelings and attitudes within the tale. Join us on Saturday, February 16 at 10 am at the Downtown Library for this rare opportunity, , co-sponsored by the Ann Arbor Storytellers' Guild!