Having trouble with a landlord or a former spouse and don’t know what to do next? Perhaps you want to start your own business and have a legal question that is holding you back. The Women’s Center of Southeastern Michigan holds free legal clinics once a month during which you can talk to an experienced lawyer about business or family law. Sessions are twenty minutes in length and advanced registration is required. This month’s clinic is on Monday, May 30th from 11am to 1pm. To register, call 734-973-6779 on Mondays between 3pm and 6pm.

Probably not. "The Representative from Corwood Industries" has put out 53 albums in the last 30 years, none of which you can find in stores or libraries (except ours, now, see Jody's post below), and he is rarely played on the radio. Jandek performs live in Ann Arbor at the Lydia Mendelssohn Theater on Saturday, May 17 at 7:30, and a lot of people there will have never heard a single Jandek song.

Jandek is more famous for his unusually secretive nature than his music: he has only granted 3 interviews in the last 30 years and only began playing live in 2004. In fact, his real identity was not even known until a few years ago, and it has yet to be officially confirmed by Jandek or Corwood Industries, the record label that puts out Jandek records exclusively and can be contacted only through a Houston P.O. box.

If you have heard Jandek's music, you probably didn't like it. It is often dark and depressing, lacking structure, melody and harmony, and is sung and played out of tune. But he has a tiny, devoted following. Intrigued? Come see this free performance sponsored by WCBN and UMMA to find out if this is all as weird as it seems.

This Friday, May 9, 2008, the Washtenaw United Way will provide an opportunity for parents to have toys and other child related plastics tested for lead at the Whittaker Road Ypsilanti Library from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. The Ecology Center will have its XRF Lead Analyzer there and they will do on the spot tests to check for high lead levels. Other educational activities will be available from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at our Pittsfield branch. Read more about chemicals in toys from the Ecology Center and check out the top toys from HealthyToys.org.

Are you a homeowner and worried about making your mortgage payments? Need some advice? Come to a free seminar on foreclosure prevention on May 22 at 6pm at the New Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Ann Arbor or on June 5 at 6pm at the New Testament Baptist Church in Ypsilanti. Space is limited so reserve your place now by calling 998-9341.

Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled and several partners present Visions 2008, a important event for anyone interested in the latest technology and services for people who are blind and visually impaired. It takes place on Wed., May 14, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Washtenaw Community College, Morris Lawrence Bldg. Over fifty vendors and organizations will be on hand to demonstrate their latest devices and services that can help with vision issues. At 11:00 am Dr. David N. Zacks from the UM Kellogg Eye Center will speak on "What's New in Eye Therapy?" in Towsley Auditorium. Sighted assistants will be on hand to serve as guides, and low priced food prepared by the Michigan Commission for the Blind Business Enterprise Program will be available.

Great news! The premiere edition of The 826 Gazette published by students of 826michigan is attractive and impressive. I just picked up a copy at the downtown library youth desk, and I particularly liked the articles ”Restaurant patrons to help fight cystic fibrosis,” by Maureen McCord, and “Michigan’s Green Schools initiative aims to make schools more environmentally friendly,” by Andrew Yoo. The newspaper was written and reported by local tweens age 10-14. Erik Gable of The Daily Telegram in Adrian helped with the journalism, many volunteers assisted, and printing was donated by The Ann Arbor News. Yay! Already I’m looking forward to the next issue this summer!

It's that time of year again. Spring is upon us and, along with being the birthday of Niccolo Machiavelli, Saturday, May 3 is Free Comic Book Day! What is Free Comic Book Day, you ask? It is a wonderful day when participating comic book shops across North America and around the world give away comic books to anyone who comes into their stores. Local comic book shops that are participating include Get Your Game On, Vault of Midnight, and Fun 4 All. I'm especially looking forward to Tiny Titans! Too busy to go to the comic book store this Saturday? Fear not, true believer! Everyday is "free comic book day" at the library. AADL has thousands of comics and graphic novel titles available for checkout.

Everyone is invited to hear four local citizens who walk, bike, carpool or take the bus to work explain why their commute is important to them. Audience members will also have a chance to talk about their favorite way of commuting. Click here for more information on this program, which takes place Thursday, May 8, 2008, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm in the Downtown Library Multi-Purpose Room. It's a great opportunity to get to know many people who want to make Ann Arbor a better place and live healthier by burning less fossil fuel. Cosponsored by getDowntown and the Ann Arbor Area Chamer of Commerce.

The Duderstadt Gallery once again has plenty to keep you busy this week: a fascinating exhibit on the design of objects, calling to mind Henry Petroski, who loves to write about things most people take for granted. Petroski has actually written entire books on pencils, the evolution of the bookshelf (note: there’s more to it than you’d think), and the toothpick (!). The gallery also features The Art of Healing, opening this Friday, May 2 from 5-8pm. Cosponsored by the Feminist Art Project, the Women’s Caucus for Art-Michigan, and the Therapy Center of Ann Arbor, The Art of Healing examines the thorny issues and experiences related to women’s health, showcasing fine examples of work by local artists.

Also on the calendar: Moonlight Delight, the annual spring incarnation of Midnight Madness in downtown Ann Arbor. Stores open late, sales galore: must I go on? See you there!

If your book group has trouble getting enough copies for every member to read, the discussion is lackluster from time to time, or you're hard pressed for time reading the book--let alone researching author information and books reviews: The AADL's new service Book Clubs To Go is the answer.

In each of our attractively packaged Book Clubs to Go kits you will find:

* 10 copies of the book (many literary award winners and some in large print format)
* Book reviews and an author biography
* A list of thoughtful discussion questions (Believe me, our staff labored over these so you don't have to!)
* A list of "read alikes"
* and some helpful Book Group Tips to revive, revamp and revitalize any book group.

The kits circulate for 6 weeks and may be picked up at all library locations. Holds should be placed by a representative of the group.

The show’s host, Lynn Rossetto Kasper, is coming to Michigan as part of the book tour for her new book, How to Eat Supper. Kasper will prepare recipes from the book, assisted by culinary students from Schoolcraft College. Attendees can sample the food and ask questions of the author.

The event takes place on Saturday, May 10th at Schoolcraft College's Vista Tech Center in Livonia. Get more information at the Michigan Radio website.

Can’t make it to the demonstration? Check out the book and try some recipes at home!

Join AADL and YDL Sunday April 27 for Día from 1-4 downtown. There will be fun crafts for kids; storytelling (¡en Español!) & refreshments. We will feature the festive sounds of Mariachi Cora Jose Bueno so come on down! This event is for all ages to enjoy, and parking is free on Sundays. ¡El Día de Los Niños El Día de los Libros!

The Saline Area Players will be presenting “Cheaper by the Dozen” on April 18, 19, 25 & 26 at 7:30 p.m. and April 20 & 26 at 2:00 at the Liberty School Theater, 7265 N. Ann Arbor St., Saline, Michigan. The play is dramatized by Christopher Sergel based on the book of the same name by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students through high school and seniors 65+. Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling 677-3727 or at the door. Special advance group rates are “cheaper by the dozen” – buy a dozen (tickets) and save a dozen (bucks)! Visit the website for more information. Meanwhile, you can also check out the 2003 DVD movie or the earlier 1950 version.

Do you need a new strategy for getting bills paid on time? Does saving money seem impossible? Learn new methods for getting your personal finances under control at Financial Organization: Planning for Financial Success at the Center for the Education of Women on Wednesday, May 7. Register by May 5th on line or by calling 764-6004.

Did you happen to miss the large, hooved mammals casually walking down State Street last Friday evening? Don't fret. You can still catch a glimpse of them as they continue their stroll in front of City Hall (100 N. Fifth Ave.) between East Ann St. and East Huron St. from April 19 - 27. These wonderful sculptures are the work of University of Michigan MFA candidate Elshafei Mohamed and are based on experiences with the Umbororo nomads of the Sudan.