Are you a fiction writer? Have you ever wondered about the writing techniques of a journalist? Well, now is your chance to get your questions about journalism answered! 826michigan’s “How to Write Like I Do” writing workshops presents: The Reported Imagination: Journalism Techniques for Fiction Writers. Heading up this workshop is none other than V.V. Ganeshananthan, Zell Visiting Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Michigan and author of the critically acclaimed 2008 novel, Love Marriage. Topics of discussion will include how fiction writers can use journalism techniques, such as interviewing and arduous editing, in their craft.

This fun event is for adults only, and takes place on Saturday, February 4th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 826michigan. Participants will be treated to Zingerman’s coffee and pastries.

Cost for this event is $25 per participant. However, 826Michigan is running a Bring-a-Friend special that allows you to purchase two tickets for $40! All proceeds from the event go to support 826michigan’s free creative writing program for youth ages 6-18 in Washtenaw County. So, get out your pen and paper or computer, and come join V.V. Ganeshananthan in a discussion about incorporating journalism techniques in your fiction writing!

Date: February 4, 2012
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Place: 826michigan
115 East Liberty Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Cost: $25 for 1 person
$40 for 2 people (the Bring-a-Friend special)
Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com

Friday, February 3, 2012: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Join Ann Arbor Film Festival executive director, Donald Harrison, and other voices from the Festival's past, this Friday evening as we celebrate the Festival's 50th anniversary with the launch the Ann Arbor Film Festival Archive. On the eve of the 50th anniversary of the AAFF, Donald will present some behind-the-scenes stories from the longest-running independent and experimental film festival in North America. AADL staff will also offer a sneak peek into Ann Arbor Film Festival Archive, which launches that night. This website will provide access to historical Festival programs, flyers, posters, photographs, articles from the Ann Arbor News and Ann Arbor Sun, and other documents from the Festival's past. Light refreshments will be served.

Are you in the market for a preschool? Are you looking for a good place to start your search? Then you should come to the Preschool Expo on January 29th! What is the Preschool Expo? It’s an event that brings representatives from many area preschools to one location, on one date. That way, it’s easy to gather information on preschools and talk with the representatives in order to find a good fit for your child! This free event is co-sponsored by the Ann Arbor District Library, Washtenaw Success by Six, Child Care Network, and U-M Work/Life Resource Center. Come explore your options at the Preschool Expo!

Date: Sunday, January 29th
Time: 1:00 – 4:00p.m.
Place: Palmer Commons on the U-M Campus
100 Washtenaw Ave.
(Located at the intersection of Central and Medical Campuses)
Parking: Free parking available in the structure across the street from Palmer Commons

Science and great storytelling come together again this Thursday when Story Collider comes back to Ann Arbor. This time we've taken the show out of the library to BTB Cantina on South University, but regulars can expect the same kinds of stories about science in people's lives. Storytellers Adam Becker, Justin Konen, Cheryl Moy, Eric Rabkin, Rachel Bitney Wecht, and Lian Zhu join hosts Brian Wecht and Erik Hofer to bring us stories of Openness.

If you want to learn more about Story Collider and how it came about, check out our podcast interview with co-host and co-creator Brian Wecht. And if you missed previous installments, you can watch Story Collider Ann Arbor events from last March and July from AADL in our Video on Demand collection.

Story Collider: Openness | Thursday, January 26 | 7pm | BTB Cantina

Over 4,000 women this year will be affected by cervical cancer, but a screening and early detection can make all the difference!

This Saturday, January 21, the University of Michigan Health System will be sponsoring free cervical cancer screenings. Women must be 21 or over, have not had a Pap test in the last 2 years and have no medical coverage for a Pap test.

Screenings will be available from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at:
U-M Livonia Health Center
20321 Farmington Road
Livonia, MI 48152

**You MUST make an appointment! To do so, call the U-M Cancer Answer Line to schedule one. 1-800-865-1125**

Ladies, make your appointment today, then head over and protect yourself. Don't forget to tell your friends! Men, don't be shy; pass this along to the women in your life!
And if you want to study up on the subject, the library has numerous materials on cancer and cervical cancer specifically.

January 20 and 21, 8 pm, Towsley Auditorium, Washtenaw Community College

Join the Out Loud Chorus for a retrospective of their favorites. Out Loud is Washtenaw County's original LGBT chorus. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door, $5 for students, and free for the unemployed. Director Dan Gerics leads the chorus.

Saturday, January 21 | 10:00-11:00 AM | Downtown Multipurpose Room | Gr. 6-Adult

Learn mental and physical training for realistic self-defense situations in this hands-on workshop. Gain a greater awareness of how to avoid threatening situations, how adrenaline affects them both physically and mentally, and which self-defense techniques will be most effective in both standing and ground situations. Master Lockman says, "by utilizing role-playing, participants get the most out of our self-defense workshops."

Don’t miss this chance for a great Saturday morning workout and to learn from the staff of Master Lockman’s Black Belt Academy.

Women’s Health and Fitness Day is a community event sponsored by the American Medical Women’s Association at the University of Michigan Medical School. The goal of the event is to raise awareness about health and fitness issues important to women of all ages. Come to Ypsilanti High School on Saturday, January 14 from 8:45am to 2:30pm and attend educational and fun workshops, enjoy a free breakfast and lunch, and win tickets to a UM basketball game among other prizes! You can register today by clicking here, though walk-ins are welcome on the day of the event. If you have any questions, email whfd.directors@gmail.com.

Have you heard about the Thurston Chess Tournament? It's happening on January 21 for students in Ann Arbor in grades K-8. Ray Garrison, is the tournament director, who also teaches classes for many players in the area. Space is limited to the first 120 players, so don't wait. For more information call 734-663-6326 or email jeffalson@sbcglobal.net

Visit the website: www.ThurstonChess.com for more information.
You can also meet up at the Traverwood branch for some practice games at a monthly event called 'Chesstastic,' which is coming up on January 15, Sunday, from 1-4pm.

It's that time of year again, and influenza is going around! You can educate yourself and your family about the flu, learn how to prevent getting the flu and even find a place near you to get a flu vaccination shot- all by using the resources found on the influenza section of AADL Select Sites. While you're at it, check out all the other topics for many valuable resources, selected for you by AADL staff!