Ann Arbor Kindergarteners are going to school for a full day beginning this fall. This means they will have more time for ABCs, 123s, and stories We have fun picture books and informational books for parents, to help your future fulltime Kindergartener get in the mind set!

Donald Sobol, who created Encyclopedia Brown, one of the most beloved of classic children's characters, died today.

Sobol's writing career began as a copyboy and then reporter for the New York Sun newspaper back in the 50s. In 1963, he published the first Encyclopedia Brown book, Encyclopedia Brown: Boy Detective. In each of the 39 books in the series, Leroy (a.k.a. Encyclopedia) Brown, is a 10-year old genius. The format for each book is that Brown faces ten mysteries. The reader is given a chance to solve the mystery, before consulting with the answers in the back of the book.

This formula has worked for nearly 40 years. In 1997, Sobol updated Brown's wardrobe, dressing him out in a work shirt and jeans in Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of Pablo's Nose. Six years later, Sobol marked Brown's 40th anniversary with the release of Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Jumping Frogs.

Sobol also penned a popular syndicated newspaper feature, his Two-Minute Mysteries.

Mr. Sobol's death (he was 87) immediately began trending on Twitter as news spread and fans of all ages mourned his passing with tender tributes about what their books meant to them.

Thursday, July 12 | 1:00-2:00 PM | Pittsfield Branch | Program Room

Learn a few tricks (and the science of how they work) to impress your friends! Come and watch a science magic demonstration involving wind power and learn how to make two optical illusion crafts.

J 507.2 Wi Magic science: 50 jaw-dropping, mind-boggling, earth-shattering, head-scratching activities for kids by Jim Wiese
J 507.8 To Experiments with magic by Salvatore Tocci
J 793.8 Be Magic up your sleeve: amazing illusions, tricks, and science facts you'll never believe by Helaine Becker
J 793.8 Bu It's not magic, it's science! : 50 science tricks that mystify, dazzle & astound! by Hope Buttitta
J 793.8 Ga Smart science tricks by Martin Gardner

Check out the full list of Science Magic tricks/experiment books!

This event is for grades K - 5.

Ventriloquist Vikki Gasko returns to Ann Arbor for two performances on Tuesday, July 10, 2012!
She'll be Downtown at 2:00 p.m and at the Traverwood Branch at 7:00 p.m.
If you saw her last summer, you'll want to come back and see her again. If you didn't see
her, now is your chance. She is an amazing performer!!

To learn how to become a ventriloquist yourself, click here.

It's time for our annual star-spangled holiday. It's time to celebrate America's 236th birthday.
Come to the Pittsfield Branch Library on Tuesday, July 3rd from 2:00-3:00 p.m. to make some decorations for your party.
We'll have some ideas of projects you can do, but you will be free to make anything you want out
of our red, white and blue supplies. This is for preschool - grade 5.

For some ideas of projects, look here.

Would you like to make and own your very own tutu? Join us for a Tutu Making Workshop at 2pm on June 28th, in the Multipurpose Room at the Downtown Library! We’ll have all the materials you need to make your very own no-sew tutu out of tulle and ribbon of various colors.

Here are some books to get you started:
T is for Tutu: A Ballet Alphabet
Just Grace and her Terrible Tutu
Tallulah’s Tutu
Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet

And some DVDs of my favorite ballets!
Coppélia
Swan Lake, with an all male cast
Swan Lake, by the American Ballet Theater
Ballet for Boys

This event is for kids grades K through 12.

If you are between Kindergarten and 8th grade and were wondering what to do this Wednesday, join us at the Pittsfield Branch in the Program Room from 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. to make your very own duct tape bouncy ball!

You can make a very special ball that will be incredibly durable and will last most, if not all summer long! Imagine playing kickball in your backyard, soccer at the park, or even volleyball at the beach! You are sure to get lots of compliments on your amazing, new duct tape creation!

Wednesday, June 20 | 2:00-3:00 p.m. | Pittsfield Branch | For Grades K-5th

We’re getting crafty with collage at Pittsfield! Siobhan Lyle, owner of Blue House Mobile Craft Studio, will lead a workshop in upcycling tiles into art. Come learn about shape, color, and collaging at this DIY event. We’ll provide all the supplies, you supply the creativity.

Keep in mind, the AADL Summer Game will be in effect-- and you can earn points by attending summer programs.

Maybe you've been to Greenfield Village and seen the horses at work.
Or maybe that's one of the things you're planning to do this summer. Maybe you're just a big fan of horses.
Come to the Pittsfield Branch Library at 2:00 p.m on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 to see the author
and photographer talk about their book The Horses of Greenfield Village. Hear the story of these
wonderful working animals.
For all ages, kindergarten and up.

Father's Day is this Sunday, June 17, 2012. Come to the Pittsfield Branch and make a card for dad, grandpa, or favorite uncle.
Saturday, June 16 at 11:00 a.m. we'll have all the glue, scissors and art supplies out for you to create a card with the most
heart-felt sentiment. For preschool and up. All ages are invited and all supplies will be provided.

For materials about this holiday, click here.