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How to Participate: 2017

Washtenaw Reads is a community-wide event! How can you participate?

Hold A Discussion Group In Your Community

Organize an event or discussion related to the read.
Events may be open to the public or restricted. Examples include:
• Book clubs wishing to use the book at a private meeting or discussion
• College or high school instructors assigning the book to their class
• Local workplaces hosting discussion groups for their employees
• Coffee shops inviting customers to connect over coffee on a particular night
• Film societies presenting a film related to the topic

Tell Us About Your Event

If you have an event related to the Read, and would like to have it listed on this site, please contact Valerie Sobczak, Ann Arbor District Library Community Relations and Marketing Library Technician by email at sobczakv@aadl.org or by phone at 734-327-8331. Please tell us the title of the event, date, time, location, sponsoring organization and contact information. Also, let us know if registration is required or if the event is on a drop-in basis.

Keep Checking this Website for Updates!
The site will change often as events are added. Please check for changes.

2017 Events

WASHTENAW READS AUTHOR EVENT: KATHRYN J. EDIN AND H. LUKE SHAEFER, AUTHORS OF $2.00 A DAY: LIVING ON ALMOST NOTHING IN AMERICA

Tuesday February 7, 7:00—8:30 pm

Rackham Auditorium, 915 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor

For months hundreds of community members throughout Washtenaw County have been reading and discussing the award-winning book $2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America by Kathryn J. Edin & H. Luke Shaefer, which was selected for Washtenaw Reads in September by a panel of community judges.

Join us for an unforgettable evening as both authors discuss the themes of this unforgettable book. The event includes a book signing and books will be for sale courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

EVENTS (in chronological order)

Getting Financially Fit in 2017: Steps to Financial Wellness

Wednesday, January 11, 6:30 pm

Lower Level Meeting Room, Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine Street, Dexter

Achieving financial wellness can sometimes seem like an overwhelming task.   Setting goals, communicating with family members, creating a budget and building savings are key components. Join Amy Parten, Education Manager with GreenPath Financial Wellness for this informative presentation. 

Washtenaw Reads Book Discussion

Wednesday, January 25, 7:00 pm

AADL–Dowtown, 343 S. Fifth Avenue, Ann Arbor

AADL staff lead a discussion of $2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America by Kathryn J. Edin & H. Luke Shaefer, the book selected for Washtenaw Reads 2017.

Washtenaw Reads Community Resource Panel

Thursday, January 26, 7:00 pm

YDL-Whittaker, 5577 Whittaker Road, Ypsilanti

Panelists from local agencies who work with our poorest citizens will discuss our community’s response to poverty.

Learning Never Gets Old Book Discussion: $2 A Day (Ages 55+)

Wednesday, February 1, 10:30 am

YDL-Whittaker, 5577 Whittaker Road, Ypsilanti

Older adults face significant challenges in budgeting and working within the limits of a fixed income. Discuss this year's Washtenaw Reads title as it relates to financial constraints of senior citizens.

DIY Chocolate Bars on a Budget

Wednesday, February 1, 6:30 pm

Lower Level Meeting Room, Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine Street, Dexter

Learn how to make your own chocolate treats at a fraction of the cost from stores.  Join Laura Arendsen Rowe, author of Baking Pure and Simple, as she provides you with step by step directions on how to make your own high quality chocolate bars.

Understanding Your Credit Report and Score

Wednesday, February 8, 2:00 pm

Lower Level Meeting Room, Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine Street, Dexter

Amy Parten, Education Manager with GreenPath Financial discusses how credit affects so many areas of your life.  How can you get your credit report for free?  How are credit scores calculated?  How can you build or rebuild your credit score?  Find answers to these questions at this program.

Wednesday Evening Book Discussion

Wednesday, February 8, 7:00 pm

Saline District Library, 555 N. Maple Road, Saline

Please join us to discuss the 2017 Washtenaw Reads selection, $2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America, by Kathryn J. Edin and H. Luke Shaefer.

Washtenaw Reads Book Discussion

Sunday, February 12, 3:00 pm

AADL–Westgate, 2503 Jackson Avenue, Ann Arbor

AADL staff lead a discussion of $2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America by Kathryn J. Edin & H. Luke Shaefer, the book selected for Washtenaw Reads 2017.

Washtenaw Reads: Food Gatherers

Thursday, February 16, 7:00 pm

Saline District Library, 555 N. Maple Road, Saline

Food Gatherers’ mission is to alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes in Washtenaw County. Markell Miller from Food Gatherers will discuss their food rescue program, how they serve the community, and how it relates to the Washtenaw Reads book, $2.00 A Day.

Community Reflection: Living on $2 A Day

Tuesday, February 21, 6:30 pm

YDL-Superior, 8795 MacArthur Boulevard, Ypsilanti 

Share a light meal and talk about a critical issue facing our community and nation: families living in poverty. A children's activity will take place at the same time as the adult discussion for families who need childcare for this event.

Poverty Here? 

Wednesday, February 22, 7:00–8:00 pm

McKune Room—Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main St. Chelsea

Join Pam Smith, President and CEO of the United Way of Washtenaw County, for a presentation about their initiative to increase financial stability for low-income individuals and families. The initiative services include a mobile financial resource team, a free income tax preparation service, grants for nonprofits to launch their programs, and advocacy. Pam will discuss local up-to-date statistics and opportunities for our community to be involved.  Please register here.

Eat Healthy on a Budget

Monday, February 27, 7:00–8:00 PM

McKune Room—Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main St. Chelsea

Are you interested in finding better ways to eat on a budget? Join us for this informative program and learn how to save money while still eating food that tastes good and is good for you. A nutrition instructor from Washtenaw County MSU Extension will provide tips and tricks for meal budgeting and planning. Put more food on your table, and keep more money in your wallet! Please register here.

Keep checking this page as more events will be added throughout the Read!

Book Discussions

Hosting your own discussion? Email the information to sobczakv@aadl.org to be added to the list, and check out our Resources Page for book discussion questions and tips!

Book Discussions in chronological order:

Washtenaw Reads Book Discussion

Wednesday, January 25, 7 pm

AADL–Dowtown, 343 S. Fifth Avenue, Ann Arbor

AADL staff lead a discussion of $2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America by Kathryn J. Edin & H. Luke Shaefer, the book selected for Washtenaw Reads 2017.

Learning Never Gets Old Book Discussion: $2 A Day (Ages 55+)

Wednesday, February 1, 10:30 am

YDL-Whittaker, 5577 Whittaker Road, Ypsilanti

Older adults face significant challenges in budgeting and working within the limits of a fixed income. Discuss this year's Washtenaw Reads title as it relates to financial constraints of senior citizens.

Wednesday Evening Book Discussion

Wednesday, February 8, 7 pm

Saline District Library, 555 N. Maple Road, Saline

Please join us to discuss the 2017 Washtenaw Reads selection, $2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America, by Kathryn J. Edin and H. Luke Shaefer.

Washtenaw Reads Book Discussion

Sunday, February 12, 3 pm

AADL–Westgate, 2503 Jackson Avenue, Ann Arbor

AADL staff lead a discussion of $2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in Americaby Kathryn J. Edin & H. Luke Shaefer, the book selected for Washtenaw Reads 2017.

About the Reads: 2017

The Theme of the 2017 Reads is A Very Good Read.

This year's Read is $2.00 A Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America by Kathryn J. Edin and H. Luke Shaefer.

Please see the Finalists Page for more information about the two titles that were under consideration.

Statement of Purpose

The Washtenaw Reads program is a community initiative to promote reading and civic dialogue through the shared experience of reading and discussing a common book. Participating libraries include Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, Milan, Northfield Township, Saline, and Ypsilanti.

History

Launched in 2003 by the University of Michigan Life Sciences, Values and Society Program, the Reads project was fashioned after a civic reads program designed by the Seattle Public Library. The book chosen for the inaugural Reads was “Lincoln’s DNA,” by Phillip R. Reilly. The Ann Arbor District Library was a major partner in this effort along with other area organizations. The following year, the Reads program became known as Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads and expanded to include Ypsilanti and was co-sponsored by the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti District Libraries and supported by interested civic groups, the University of Michigan School of LS&A, the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Public Schools, local bookstores, Eastern Michigan University Libraries and Washtenaw Community College. In 2016, the program was renamed Washtenaw Reads and expanded to include the communities and libraries of Chelsea, Dexter, Milan, Northfield Township and Saline.

Reads Theme

Previous themes have included such subjects as: civil rights, science, citizenship and evolution. The 2017 Reads theme is A Very Good Read and will highlight a work of fiction or non-fiction.

Book Selection

Books chosen for the Reads should meet the following criteria: * The writing should be engaging and thought-provoking. * The subjects discussed should be accessible to readers throughout the community, high-school age and above. * The length, price, and availability of the book should be suited to involvement by the general public. * The book should be by a living author. * Its treatment of issues should encourage readers to discuss the issues further with others, at home, work, reading clubs, and community events. * Ideally, the subject should lead to constructive dialogues across our diverse communities. Process: During the summer the Book Screening Committee made up of individuals selected as representative of various civic constituencies read many titles reflecting the year’s theme. In the fall, a panel of distinguished judges review the two titles suggested by the Screening Committee and made a final recommendation of the Reads book for the coming year. Washtenaw Reads is scheduled to occur January through February 2017. Please watch this site for more information.

About the Reads: 2017

The Theme of the 2017 Reads is A Very Good Read.

This year's Read is $2.00 A Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America by Kathryn J. Edin and H. Luke Shaefer.

Please see the Finalists Page for more information about the two titles that were under consideration.

Statement of Purpose

The Washtenaw Reads program is a community initiative to promote reading and civic dialogue through the shared experience of reading and discussing a common book. Participating libraries include Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, Milan, Northfield Township, Saline, and Ypsilanti.

History

Launched in 2003 by the University of Michigan Life Sciences, Values and Society Program, the Reads project was fashioned after a civic reads program designed by the Seattle Public Library. The book chosen for the inaugural Reads was “Lincoln’s DNA,” by Phillip R. Reilly. The Ann Arbor District Library was a major partner in this effort along with other area organizations.

The following year, the Reads program became known as Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads and expanded to include Ypsilanti and was co-sponsored by the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti District Libraries and supported by interested civic groups, the University of Michigan School of LS&A, the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Public Schools, local bookstores, Eastern Michigan University Libraries and Washtenaw Community College.

In 2016, the program was renamed Washtenaw Reads and expanded to include the communities and libraries of Chelsea, Dexter, Milan, Northfield Township and Saline.

Reads Theme

Previous themes have included such subjects as: civil rights, science, citizenship and evolution.

The 2017 Reads theme is A Very Good Read and will highlight a work of fiction or non-fiction.

Book Selection

Books chosen for the Reads should meet the following criteria:

* The writing should be engaging and thought-provoking.
* The subjects discussed should be accessible to readers throughout the community, high-school age and above.
* The length, price, and availability of the book should be suited to involvement by the general public.
* The book should be by a living author.
* Its treatment of issues should encourage readers to discuss the issues further with others, at home, work, reading clubs, and community events.
* Ideally, the subject should lead to constructive dialogues across our diverse communities.

Process:
During the summer the Book Screening Committee made up of individuals selected as representative of various civic constituencies read many titles reflecting the year’s theme. In the fall, a panel of distinguished judges review the two titles suggested by the Screening Committee and made a final recommendation of the Reads book for the coming year.

Washtenaw Reads is scheduled to occur January through February 2017. Please watch this site for more information.

Graphic for events post

Blog Post

Washtenaw Reads 2017!

by valerieclaires

Fans of our annual Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads program will be delighted to learn that the Reads has expanded and is now called Washtenaw Reads! For the first time, libraries in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, Milan, Northfield Township, Saline, and Ypsilanti have teamed up to share, read, and discuss one book throughout our communities. Washtenaw Reads will take place in January and February 2017, and will include book discussions, events, handy resources, and more. You can get ready now by checking out the two finalist titles.

A Selection Panel made up of representatives from all seven communities will choose between Orhan's Inheritance, a work of fiction by Aline Ohanesian, and $2.00 A Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America, a work of non-fiction by Kathryn J. Edin and H. Luke Shaefer. Copies of both books are available at the participating libraries as well as at local bookstores. After you're finished reading, you can also leave comments and feedback on each book's page on the Washtenaw Reads website. Get ready to read!

Two Finalists for 2017

A panel of local individuals will read both books and determine which will be chosen for Washtenaw Reads 2017. Read along with us and leave a comment under one or both of the titles' webpages, and tell us what you think! The two books under consideration are:

Orphan's Inheritance Cover Art

Aline Ohanesian, Orhan's Inheritance. Thorndike Press, 2015.

$2.00 a Day Cover Art

Kathryn J. Edin & H. Luke Shaefer, $2.00 A Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015.

$2.00 A Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America

$2.00 A Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America by Kathryn J. Edin & H. Luke Shaefer

Jessica Compton’s family of four would have no income if she didn’t donate plasma twice a week at her local donation center in Tennessee. Modonna Harris and her teenage daughter Brianna, in Chicago, have gone for days with nothing to eat other than spoiled milk.

After two decades of groundbreaking research on American poverty, Kathryn Edin noticed something she hadn’t seen before — households surviving on virtually no cash income. Edin, whose deep examination of her subjects’ lives has “turned sociology upside down” (Mother Jones), teamed with Luke Shaefer, an expert on surveys of the incomes of the poor. The two made a surprising discovery: the number of American families living on $2.00 per person, per day, has skyrocketed to one and a half million American households, including about three million children.

But the fuller story remained to be told. Where do these families live? How did they get so desperately poor? What do they do to survive? In search of answers, Edin and Shaefer traveled across the country to speak with families living in this extreme poverty. Through the book’s many compelling profiles, moving and startling answers emerge: a low-wage labor market that increasingly fails to deliver a living wage, and a growing but hidden landscape of survival strategies among America’s extreme poor. Not just a powerful exposé, $2.00 a Day delivers new evidence and new ideas to our national debate on income inequality.

What did you think of this book? Tell us!

Orhan's Inheritance

Orhan's Inheritance, by Aline Ohanesian

When Orhan’s brilliant and eccentric grandfather, who built a dynasty out of making kilim rugs, is found dead, submerged in a vat of dye, Orhan inherits the decades-old business. But his grandfather has left the family estate to a stranger thousands of miles away, Seda, an aging woman in a retirement home in Los Angeles.

Over time, Orhan begins to unearth the story that eighty-seven-year-old Seda so closely guards–a story that, if it’s told, has the power to undo the legacy upon which Orhan’s family is built and could unravel Orhan’s own future.

What did you think of this book? Tell us!