Do you love birth stories? Come to the downtown branch on Monday, April 23rd from 7 to 8:30, for the opportunity for people in the community to come together to share their stories of giving birth. You are welcome if you want to tell your story, or just listen to the incredible diversity of birth experiences. Bring your daughter, your mother, or your grandmother!

dog

But where, Spot, where? A public meeting to discuss a proposal for an off-leash dog park at Ward Park will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 7 p.m., at Ann Arbor Church of Christ. The Swift Run Off-Leash Park, a collaboration between the City of Ann Arbor & Washtenaw County is still under construction.

Go wild at the last preschool storytime of the session at Downtown and Pittsfield
with stories filled with jungle animals and jungle noises!

Are you a huge Akiko or Billy Clikk fan? See Mark Crilley in action on Wednesday, April 18 at the Downtown Library, 7-7:45 PM. He draws while taking about his cartooning and his books. Check out his website to learn more about him, and bring your Akiko books for Mark to sign!

After School is Cool! Wednesday, April 18, 4-5 PM in the Downtown Library Story Room Corner. Come after school and make cave paintings. We have tons of colored sand and lots of neat designs to fill in. Or make your own! Get back to your prehistoric roots and paint like the cavemen and cavewomen!

Hold onto your hats for windy, rainy stories to Wake Up Spring at the Downtown and Pittsfield preschool storytimes the week of April 16th.

Register now and get 2 FREE books for the next book discussion group on Monday, May 7 from 6:30-8:00 PM @ the Downtown Library. We'll be reading and discussing two books by Ron Koertge - Stoner and Spaz and Margaux with an X. Then you will get to meet Ron, and have him sign your book during the Ann Arbor Book Festival on Saturday, May 19 from 12:30 to 1:30 in the Modern Languages Building on campus. Ron will be the featured speaker at our Short Story Writing Contest Award Ceremony. We will have pizza, drinks and snacks at the book discussion group too. Call or visit the Downtown Library Youth Department desk to register now - 327-8301.

Feeling a tad peckish? The Arbor Brewing Company’s upcoming British Beer Tasting is sure to satisfy your rumblings and grumblings. The tasting will cover a variety of British brews, from India Pale Ales to Bitters. Those inclined to do a little pre-game research will certainly appreciate the library’s selection of books about beer, most notably those by the other Michael Jackson.

There is a free event on Tuesday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arbor Women's City Club, 1830 Washtenaw Ave., for teachers, parents, grandparents and book lovers. "LANGUAGE, LEARNING, AND LIFE LESSONS: How four readers became writers for young people" is an opportunity to hear authors Shutta Crum, Nancy Shaw, Carol Stepanchuk, and Hope Vestergaard share their personal perspectives and suggestions on exploring and using a world of books. The American Association of University Women is opening their meeting for all to discover the writing magic.

What's the coolest type of airbending? Join us this Thursday @ the Northeast Branch from 7-8:30 as we discuss an American spin on anime, Avatar The Last Airbender. We'll watch the DVD of Book 1: Water. Not a fan of Avatar? Come anyway! You can talk about ANYTHING relating to anime, manga, Japan - etc. Snacks and drinks will also be served. See you there!