Chess is happening at the Traverwood branch this Sunday, May 19, from 1 - 4 pm. Whether you have time for one rousing game or can stay for the full three hours,
you are welcome. Chess boards are provided. Also, check out materials here for the beginner or advanced player,
and everything in between.

The drop in sessions will start up again in the fall, but next month on June 27, we will have a program led by chess expert,
Jennifer Skidmore held at the Traverwood branch from 7-8:30pm, Grades 4 - Adult.

Sunday, May 19 | 1:00-3:00pm | Downtown MPR | Grades 6th-Adult

Help us yarn bomb the garden at the downtown library! What is yarn bombing? It’s a form of knit graffiti and public art. We will be adding a coat of knitted color to our luscious outdoor garden.

At the program you’ll learn how to knit a small piece with our knit-cam and an instructor to help guide you. At the end of the program we'll use the pieces we created to yarn bomb the exterior garden by attaching them to trees and the like. We'd love your help with this art collaboration! The knitting instruction starts at 1pm, and it’s not an easy program to arrive late to if you plan to knit for the first time.

We highly encourage experienced knitters and crocheters to also join us. Or if you have a piece already made, bring it to the program and we’ll direct you to the garden yarn bomb zone!

We have a ton of yarn on hand, but ask that you bring size 8 or 9 needles if you have them.

For more info on yarn bombing see this great website, and check out the book Yarn bombing: The art of crochet and knit graffiti.

Monday May 20, 2013: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Richard Snow, acclaimed popular historian and former editor-in-chief of American Heritage Magazine, will discuss Henry Ford and Snow's just-released new book "I Invented The Modern Age: The Rise Of Henry Ford," a meticulous and entertaining account of Ford, the Model-T, and the remaking of American industry in the early 20th century. This special event will also include a book signing and books will be for sale.

Are you ready to rethink long-standing parenting practices? Author Heather Shumaker has defined 29 "renegade rules" for parenting young children, drawing on her own experience raising two young children as well as the work of child psychologists, educators, and neuroscientists.

Heather Shumaker is the author of It’s OK Not to Share…And Other Renegade Rules for Raising Competent and Compassionate Kids, which was named a Best Parenting Book of 2012 by Parents magazine, and is a northern Michigan bestseller. Salon.com called it "an insightful, sensible and compassionate book full of downright revolutionary ideas."

She is a speaker, journalist, blogger and advocate for free play and no homework for young children. She’s been featured on Fox & Friends TV, Huffington Post, New York Post, Parenting, Parents.com, USA Weekend, Wisconsin Public Radio and other media.

Join us at the Pittsfield Branch at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, May 21 for Heather Shumaker's talk, and be prepared to change your mind! This event includes a book signing, and copies of It’s OK Not to Share…And Other Renegade Rules for Raising Competent and Compassionate Kids will be available for purchase.

If you like assisting library staff with fun programs, OR if you like working behind the scenes packaging Summer Game orders, then AADL has some work for you between June 17 and August 31.

How do you sign up? Starting Monday May 13 get your application online. Fill in the information and submit. If you don’t have computer access, just stop by any branch, get on a computer, go to aadl.org/teenvolunteer, and submit the form. NOTE: you MUST be age 14-18 AND be able to attend an orientation at the Downtown Library 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 17.

Applications for volunteering will be accepted until 5 p.m. Friday, June 7. Library staff will contact the adult references you list to be sure you are qualified to volunteer and let you know if you are part of the summer AADL volunteer crew.

Need the details spelled out? Near the top of the online application click teen volunteer permission. This will give you the information AND permission that you must have your parents sign and bring to the Monday June 17th orientation.

The Summer Game is for all ages but only you, our teens, will get to help on the inside. The numbers of volunteer slots are limited so stop by today to get your information sheet!

Monday May 20, 2013: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Malletts Creek Branch: Program Room AB

Coming this summer, Go! Ice Cream will start a new mobile business biking adventure in and around Ypsilanti!

Learn a bit about proprietor, Rob Hess, and his adventurous variety of local, hand-made, exotic and unusual ice creams. Learn how to make your own fruit popsicles. You could start your own all-natural popsicle stand and become a frozen dessert mogul too!

Wednesday May 22, 2013: 7:00 pm to 8:15 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

AADL joins the Performance Network Theatre for a special screening of the acclaimed documentary "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Historical Perspective". The film examines the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.- the subject for the Performance Network's May production of Katori Hall's new play "The Mountaintop".

In this award-winning documentary, writer/director Thomas Friedman takes a look Reverend King's ideas, actions, and influence on the fight to end racial segregation. Performance Network staff will be on hand to provide an introduction to "The Mountaintop," which is having its Michigan Premiere at the Network through June 2.