Writing & Publishing
Nerd Nite Ann Arbor presented by AADL at LIVE 102 S First St.
Thursday November 19, 2015: 7:00pm to
9:30pm
LIVE (102 S 1st Street)
Adults
Writing & Publishing
Nerd Nite Ann Arbor followed by Back to the Future Day Party presented by AADL at LIVE 102 S First St.
Wednesday October 21, 2015: 7:00pm to
9:30pm
LIVE (102 S 1st Street)
Adults
Blog Post
Library Lists: (Useful!) Fitness, Nutrition and Exercise Materials
by eapearce
Lots of fitness, diet, and exercise books and materials seem to be repetitive or refuse to acknowledge that losing weight, dieting, and being fit are all difficult things to do! Others are too boring to make it through, despite having potentially useful tips. Even motivated people looking for some good information can become discouraged wading through the endless materials on fitness and diet that are out there. For some actually useful, beneficial and well-laid-out materials on exercise and health, try:
Eat Bacon, Don’t Jog: The format of this recently published book is over 100 short directives for how to lead a life of health and fitness. Drawing on the most recent science, and ignoring any of the “fad” diets that have sprung up in the past few decades, this book is an easy and useful guide to both physical fitness and nutrition.
Running Like a Girl: Notes on Learning to Run is the wonderfully honest story of Alexandra Heminsley, a woman who decided to take up running in her mid-thirties. She expected immediate weight loss, toned legs and the lauded “runners high”… but that’s not exactly what happened. She admits that starting to run can be a brutal and discouraging experience, and talks about motivating herself to get past those first miserable weeks (okay, months) and ultimately reaping the rewards of a running lifestyle.
Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shred: Although most workout DVDs don’t do it for me, Jillian Michaels’ are a huge exception. Her workouts combine cardio, strength training and ab workouts in 20 minute workouts that really WORK. Each of her DVDs contains multiple workouts that progress by intensity level as you gain fitness and improve. 30 Day Shred, along with Jillian Michaels’ Ripped in 30 are the perfect solution if you nee d to work out at home and really want to sweat.
Michael Pollan’s Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual clearly and concisely explains how to eat well. Incorporating many of the rules that he describes is easy, and this book is so compact that it’s a great one to have around the house when you need a reminder of how and why to eat healthy. Advice such as “Things that never go bad aren’t food,” is clever and really hits home.
No Sweat: In this brand new book, University of Michigan researcher and professor uses the results of her own research—and that of others—to explain why so many people begin exercise regimes with the best of intentions, but then fail to stick with them after a few weeks or months. Her information and advice are extremely useful, and this book is a quick and straightforward read.
Making healthy, complete meals is a challenge for everyone, and it can be especially difficult to get the nutrients and the right amount of calories when you're increasing physical activity or maintaining an active lifestyle. The Runner's World Cookbook contains over 150 easy and varied recipes that will help with overall nutrition (whether you're a runner or not!). I love the healthy, diverse, and straightforward recipes it offers. It even contains vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options for the athlete with dietary restrictions.
For even more excellent materials on health and fitness, check out the extended list here.
Blog Post
No Sweat: How the Simple Science of Motivation Can Bring You a Lifetime of Fitness
by eapearce
Even as a lifelong runner, I go through phases where it is incredibly difficult for me to get myself out the door and working out. I’m always interested to learn more about fitness and exercise and seek a little extra motivation. But, when I found out that the next book my book club is reading is No Sweat: How the Simple Science of Motivation Can Bring You a Lifetime of Fitness, I was a little disappointed. It seems like there are so many diet and exercise books out there that either say the same thing over and over, don’t acknowledge how difficult it can be to stay fit and healthy, or both. I expected No Sweat to be the same... and I am so happy to say that I was wrong!
University of Michigan professor and researcher Michelle Segar offers an extremely well-researched, step-by-step program for applying science to achieve fitness and overall well-being. The simple four steps that she outlines in her book are geared towards people who struggle to break the cycle of failed attempts at regular exercise, but are applicable to people of all fitness levels. Even if, like me, you really enjoy exercising most of the time, the tips in No Sweat are beneficial for the weeks when you’re dragging your feet. Segar readily admits that she has always hated running, and uses her own story, along with the inspiring and practical ones of many others, to teach readers how easy—and even fun—getting fit can be; it doesn’t have to involve activities that you hate! No Sweat is a great, easy-to-read, straightforward book that can really help everyone achieve an active lifestyle. Get on the hold list today!
Blog Post
Come on a Nature Walk Thursday, August 6 at Furstenberg Nature Area!
by eapearce
As part of the Ann Arbor District Library's partnership with Natural Area Preservation, we organize nature walks at various local natural areas throughout the summer! These walks are appropriate for all ages, especially those interested in learning about local flora and fauna. This coming Thursday, August 6, the nature walk will be at Furstenberg Nature Area. This 38-acre park, located off of Fuller Road, contains mesic forest, prairie and wetland ecosystems. The land was first acquired by the City of Ann Arbor in 1971 and much of the 1980s were spent turning it into the park it is today.
The walk begins at 7:00pm and goes until 8:30pm. We'll meet in the parking lot off of Fuller Road. Wear shoes that can get a little muddy and bring water and bug spray if you'd like!
If you're interested in learning more about the ecosystems and communities in the Huron River watershed, try the lovely little book Along the Huron: the natural communities along the Huron river corridor in Ann Arbor, Michigan, available in the library's collection.
Lectures & Panel Discussions
Backyard Brains: DIY Neuroscience with Greg Gage
Tuesday September 15, 2015: 7:00pm to
8:00pm
Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room
Adults And Teens In Grades 6 And Up.
Public Event
Excellent Explosions!
Sunday November 1, 2015: 2:00pm to
3:00pm
Pittsfield Branch: Program Room
Grades K-5
Public Event
Hatching Dinosaur Egg Experiment!
Saturday November 21, 2015: 2:00pm to
3:00pm
Malletts Creek Branch: Program Room
Grades K-5.
Public Event
Sensation Stations
Thursday December 10, 2015: 10:30am to
11:30am
Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room
Ages 10 Months–2 Years
Public Event
Sensation Stations
Monday November 9, 2015: 10:30am to
11:30am
Traverwood Branch: Program Room
Ages 10 Months–2 Years