Hungry for Information

Fri, 09/07/2007 - 11:09am by MarilynG

The Food Stamp Challenge in Michigan has made our community much more aware of how far family food budgets can be stretched. If you want to know more about nutritional assistance programs, hunger in the United States or world hunger, go to the Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center listed in our Resource Databases. This social issues series published by Greenhaven Press, as well as core reference content from other Gale and Macmillan Reference USA sources, provides a complete one-stop source for information on social issues. Or, let the Library help satisfy your hunger for knowledge by borrowing a book such as Toward an End To Hunger In America.

Planning Your New Barrier-free Garden

Fri, 08/31/2007 - 1:27pm by MarilynG

Don’t let physical limitations prevent you from gardening. Make your garden grow using new methods. You have lots of options to consider such as window boxes, raised beds and vertical gardens. Check out our selection of books on accessible gardening including The Able Gardener, The Enabling Garden: Creating Barrier-free Gardens and Accessible Gardening For People With Physical Disabilities.

If you don’t have the ability or desire to create your own accessible garden, consider participating in the Discovery Garden, a part of Project Grow, where accessible gardens are available for use by seniors and wheelchair-bound gardeners.

A Camera To Call My Own

Thu, 08/23/2007 - 4:36pm by MarilynG

Did you borrow a digital camera to take vacation pictures this summer? Are you ready to buy one for yourself but find the terminology confusing and the options in the digital camera market overwhelming? Then sign up for the Library’s class Buying a Digital Camera. Find out what a megapixel really is. Discover the difference between optical zoom and digital zoom. This free class will be held on September 17 at the Downtown Library in the third floor Computer Training Lab. Space is limited so register soon at any Branch or by calling 327-8367.

Check out our new local history blog

Wed, 08/22/2007 - 5:07pm by amy

The Library's new Local History page now features a local history blog with contributions by local historians. Here you can discover (and comment upon) interesting facts about Tree Town, stumble across obscure bits of local lore, and learn about events, organizations, and collections relating to Ann Arbor history.

Mentoring kids in need

Tue, 07/24/2007 - 1:11pm by MarilynG

Need help getting through to your teenagers? A mentor for your child may be just the answer. Mentors along with parents can provide support, answers and influence over kids. Consider reading A Fine Young Man by Michael Gurian for a better understanding of the mentoring process. If you are looking for a mentor or would like to become a mentor yourself, contact The Insite Project or the Washtenaw Youth Mentoring Coalition, an alliance of twenty mentoring and youth focused organizations.

Summer Parenting Classes

Tue, 07/24/2007 - 1:10pm by iralax

Five different parenting classes are being offered in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti this summer by the MSU Extension Family Consumer Science Programs. The Ann Arbor District Library and Ypsilanti District Library have large collections of books and DVDs on parenting, along with books to read and songs to sing to children, beginning before birth and for many years after.

The Myths of Domestic Violence

Tue, 07/10/2007 - 11:52am by MarilynG

Domestic violence isn't limited to physical abuse or to women. It takes many forms. The library offers books on the subject and has links on the AADL Favorite Sites to community sources of help such as Huron Valley Community Services. From there you can link to local agencies like SafeHouse Center for information and support. Check out these resources and become more fully aware.

Downtown Historical Street Exhibit On-line

Mon, 07/02/2007 - 2:41pm by MarilynG

Are you a local history buff or simply interested in Ann Arbor's early days? Check out the on-line tour of permanent sidewalk exhibits located at sixteen landmark sites in our city. Locate the actual street exhibits by using a map provided on the site. You'll find the on-line tour and a look into the past.

Polish your school or job skills this summer

Thu, 06/21/2007 - 3:40pm by annevm

Summer is a good time to learn – and AADL has a great resource to help you: LearningExpressLibrary. This collection of interactive online practice tests and tutorials is designed to help students and adults pass academic and licensing tests. Categories include Advanced Placement, Math Skills, Reading Skills, Writing Skills, and SAT Preparation.

Large Group Study Rooms Available Downtown

Mon, 05/21/2007 - 9:40am by MarilynG

Looking for place to gather your book group, hold a study group or have a small committee meeting? Consider the Library! We have two study rooms on the second floor of the Downtown Library that hold eight to ten people. Each has tables on which to spread out your papers and a door to close, keeping your conversations private. We also have study rooms at our Malletts Creek and Pittsfield Branches, which hold two, three or even four people if you don't require that much space. All of them are available on a first-come first-served basis and all of them are free!