Washtenaw Literacy hopes to put an end to adult illiteracy and could use your help by considering becoming a volunteer..

The first step to becoming a volunteer tutor with Washtenaw Literacy is to attend a one-hour informational session, the ABCs of Washtenaw Literacy. These engaging sessions provide interested folks with all the information they need to decide how they would like to become a tutor. You can help change the world, one word at a time.You must register by emailing info@washtenawliteracy.org or by clicking here.
The next session takes place at the Ypsilanti District Library 5577 Whittaker Road Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Tuesday January 8 from 6:00-7:00 PM.

Wednesday January 2, 2013: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm -- Downtown Library: Training Center

Come learn how to:
- Log in and search for ebooks and audiobooks using the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services,
- Use Adobe Digital Editions and the Overdrive Media Console,
- Get library books for your Kindle, Nook, or iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch,
- Listen to AADL Podcasts and download music, and
- Watch AADL Video on Demand.

Please bring your library card, laptop, smartphone, tablet, or other device. Registration is not required. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Go to aadl.org/classes for the complete schedule.

See you in class!

Need some help with your personal financial planning? Join MSU Extension for Dollar Works, a four part workshop series that focuses on basic money management. Topics covered include creating financial goals, creating a spending plan, using credit wisely, and pumping up savings. This ongoing basic money management course is offered weekly and repeats every four weeks. The next workshop is on January 3 from 9 to 10 am at the Hope Center in Ypsilanti. The class is free and participants will receive a certificate of completion once they complete the four classes. Email Terry Jones at clarkjon@anr.msu.edu, or call 734-222-3943 to register.

Mark your calendar for Monday, Jan. 21, when the MLK 2013 Children and Youth Program at U-M will happen from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the U-M Modern Languages Building, 812 E. Washington Street. The program, which is turning 15, will celebrate and commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. Over the years the program has drawn a total of more than 8,000 K-12 students from schools around southeast Michigan, offering them entertainment, fun, creativity and dialogue through storytelling, discussions, group projects, skits, rap poetry, and music. To register for this year's event, click here.

There's a lot going on in the world that can be a source of stress, anxiety or depression for people. Thankfully there are services in our community to help. Washtenaw Community Health Organization is our local resource for mental health services for adults, families and youth. Requests for services are received 24/7. If you or someone you care about is in need of mental health services call 734-544-3050. Other resources for particularly tough times: SafeHouse Center, Psychiatric Emergency Services and the Michigan Suicide & Crisis Hotlines. Or call 1-800-273-TALK.

Performance Network in Ann Arbor is showing A Little Night Music, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The book is by Hugh Wheeler -- and the romantic musical is a six-time Tony winner. The show is "a rollicking tour-de-force of love, lies, and liaisons," the PN website says, with "an amazing musical score, including. . . Send in the Clowns." Here is the plot summary: "Desiree Armfeldt is an enchanting Swedish actress. While on tour in a country town, she runs into former lover Fredrik, who has brought his young wife to the theatre. Reminiscing in Desiree's dressing room, their passion rekindles. The two seek to continue their affair at a gathering for several guests at Fredrik's country home, setting in motion a hilarious and flirtatious weekend for all." Ticket information is here.

Mittenfest is an annual local music festival held in Michigan and played by Michigan bands. The festival serves as a fundraiser for 826michigan, dedicating 100% of its profits to the non-profit organization which helps tutor students ages 6-18 with writing. 826michigan is part of a nationwide network of non-profits, started in San Francisco by the acclaimed author Dave Eggers. Last year, Mittenfest raised $21,290.00 for 826michigan, bringing the total raised over the last six years to $55,000.00!

For its seventh consecutive year running strong, Mittenfest is going to run a full 5 days, over which 50 Michigan bands will perform live, including Frontier Ruckus, Starling Electric, Shigeto, Patrick Elkins, and Our Brother the Native, just to name a few! To see the other 45 bands and a complete 5-day schedule, click here.

Mittenfest VII will be held this year at Woodruff's at 36 East Cross Street in Ypsilanti, starting Friday Dec. 28th and running through Tuesday Jan. 1st. Bands will starting playing at 5:30pm and will run through 12:30am each day. Tickets are $10/day or $82.60 for the full 5-day pass. It's only 9 days away - don't forget! - head on out next weekend to hear some great live music and support a great local organization!

If you're looking for things to do with your children over the holidays, here are some ideas. The first stems from a grandmother at a library baby play group who asked about activities in Ann Arbor for her grandson. Already she knew about the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum and library events, so with help from a co-worker, I made her the list below:
* Visit the University of Michigan Exhibit Museum.
* Ice skate at Buhr Park or Vets Park:
* Go to one of the fabulous outdoor play structures at Eberwhite school or Fuller Park.
For more ideas, check out ArborWiki.

Circle K Logo

Tutoring sessions will resume on Sunday afternoons and Monday and Wednesday evenings on January 13. Homework Help will continue throughout the spring. Please read on for more details about homework help at AADL.

Looking for help with your homework? Look no further than AADL’s Downtown Library. The University of Michigan Chapter of Circle K is once again providing tutoring for students in grades K-12. Stop by the Youth Department Story Corner Mondays and Wednesdays between 4:00 and 8:00 pm and Sundays between 3:00 and 5:00 pm to take advantage of this great service!

AADL also provides access to Brainfuse, an online tutoring service. Live tutors are available from 2:00 -11:00 pm every day!

If you'd like to quit smoking and have other addictions, this program may interest you. The session will describe the prevalence of tobacco addiction among people with alcohol & other drug addictions, the relationship between tobacco use and recovery, and basic information about how to quit using tobacco. This program is December 11th from 7:30-9:00 at the SJMH Education Center. It's free, open to the public and no registration is required!