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!

Wed. April 18 6:30-7:30 pm, Malletts Creek Branch Library

If this sounds like a purrfectly heehaw event, then bring your grandchildren and a photo of a favorite pet, and let's have a horse laugh together! Everyone will get the chance to tell a story about a pet you have now or one from long ago, we'll sing pet songs, and kids can color pictures of many different animals. Before you go, there will be a snack and a chance to borrow a nice picture book to read together, or something about the joys and challanges of being a grandparent.

Cup Stacking

Stop by the Pittsfield Branch between 2 PM and 3 PM with your cups on Monday, April 9th and get a little practice in, working on your best time. We’ve got speed stacks to borrow if you don’t have your own or want to see what cup stacking is like.

We’ll run through some practice drills and for those that feel competitive, there will be a mini tournament with prizes for the top three winners in the light or heavy brackets. Come and have fun and relax during your spring break!
For Ages 9 +

Feel like getting down and dirty and making slime? Come to the Malletts Creek Branch on April 9th from 11 AM-12 PM or the Northeast Branch on April 11th from 2-3 PM, and create your own gross and gooey slime.
For Ages 9 +

For a few brief moments, we thought spring was here. That's not the case now, but we must believe that it will be here very shortly. After all, the Ann Arbor Public Schools are on Spring Break next week.

Spring means flowers. Let's make some. If you are at least 3 years old or older, come to the Northeast Branch on Tuesday, April 10th, any time between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.
We'll be making flowers, many kinds of flowers. All materials will be provided. Just bring your creative ideas.

Join us at Malletts Creek Branch Library on Saturday, April 7, at 11:00 am for Mother Goose Singing and Dancing Games with musicians "Miss Sara" Melton-Keller and "Banjo Betsy" Beckerman.
Every year, April means Dancing Babies at the Library.
Dancing Babies celebrates "Month of the Young Child" AND the Library's partnership with First Steps Washtenaw. Both organizations care deeply about young families and early literacy. Come and lift your knees to the notes.