The Grand Mosque of Paris (A Story of How Muslims Rescued Jews During the Holocaust) by Karen Gray Ruelle and Deborah Durland De Saix

Tue, 03/30/2010 - 3:59pm by Tahira

During the Nazi occupation one of the places Jews found shelter was in the Grand Mosque of Paris. Surprising? Not really; Muslims, Jews and Christians share a bond dating back to the time of Prophet Abraham. The Grand Mosque of Paris is a unique story of a little known piece of history between Muslims and Jews.

Quack! Quack! Quack!

Mon, 03/22/2010 - 11:13am by kidlit

It is duck week at the Pittsfield Branch. Ducks of all sizes and colors will be around for the Babies' Playgroup at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday and the preschool storytimes at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday and 10:00 a.m. on Friday. Do ducks wear socks? Can ducks ride bicycles? Ever been on a duck hunt? Come and quack with us.

Directions for making a duck out of a paper plate can be found here.

Two of a Kind

Thu, 03/18/2010 - 3:46pm by StoryLaura

Publishers Weekly says “TWO OF A KIND is a one-of-a-kind find!” We are lucky that Jenny and David, a husband-wife duo, have family and friends in Ann Arbor so they drop in to entertain us once in a while! So treat the family to award-winning music with lots of dancing and laughter on Sunday, March 28th at 2:00 pm at the Downtown Library.

PEEPS® Photo Contest Guidelines Released!

Wed, 03/17/2010 - 2:59pm by erin

It's our 1st Annual PEEPS® Photo Contest! Preschoolers all the way up to Adults can enter a photo of a PEEPS® diorama they have created. Gift Cards to Target will be given out in six age categories. Read a little about the origin of the contest at annarbor.com. For full details, rules and guidelines click here! Have fun and celebrate spring!

Brainfuse Writing Lab

Wed, 03/17/2010 - 9:24am by Beth Manuel

Perhaps you've tried Brainfuse for Homework Help, but did you know they offer a Writing lab? Yep, you can upload a paper or writing assignment you are working on to send to a live, on-line tutor. Tutors are available from 2:00 pm-11:00 pm every day (minus holidays). Papers can be uploaded & within 24 hours a tutor will provide you with constructive feedback about your writing. You can even include your resumé! If you just need to brush up on Language Arts you can still use the skill building portal of Brainfuse. It's fast, fun and free to work with a Brainfuse tutor !

Dig It!

Wed, 03/03/2010 - 9:53am by StoryLaura

There will be hands-on digging, dating, displaying and more when the UM Exhibit Museum of Natural History joins us on Saturday, March 13 at 2:00 p.m. at the Traverwood Branch. Children aged 5 and up can get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of work at a successful museum. We are delighted that one of our favorite partners is returning to educate and play!

Merry Making with Mother Goose!

Mon, 02/22/2010 - 5:16pm by StoryLaura

My friend Mother Goose and her very fine Gander will be entertaining us with her merry and magical tales and rhymes on Tuesday, March 2 at 10:00 am at the Downtown Library. If you have encountered Mother Goose at the Kerrytown Market, where she has delighted hundreds of families over the years, you know you are in for a treat!

January's Sparrow by Michigan author Patricia Polacco

Sat, 02/20/2010 - 10:19am by kidlit

Join us for a Black History Month program at the Pittsfield Branch on Wednesday, February 24 from 2 - 3 p.m. We will feature Patricia Polacco's new book, January's Sparrow, which tells the story of a slave family's journey through the Underground Railroad from Kentucky to Michigan. Then weave a paper kente cloth using the bright colors of the historical fabrics. This is for children grades K - 5.

Fifth Avenue Fun!

Thu, 02/18/2010 - 6:02pm by StoryLaura

Poor Conejito! How will he ever get home safely? Little rabbits searching for home, will keep the Tuesday 10 am and Wednesday 11 am storytimes at the Downtown Library hopping next week!

Wild Adventure!

Thu, 02/18/2010 - 5:57pm by StoryLaura

Calling all Kindergarteners through fifth graders to meet an Australian kangaroo named Tulip, and a Burmese python called Princess Snuggle Bug, among others, at the Downtown Library on Wednesday, February 24th at 2:00 pm. We have asked Steve Marsh, from Copper Leaf Crossing, to return because we can tell he loves and respects his animals and he shares that enthusiasm with families.