Join EMU and the Ypsi Public Library on February 21st at the EMU Student Center for a lecture with Anchee Min, author of one of the three books considered for this year's Community Reads, Red Azalea. Besides this free lecture, there'll be a Q & A and book signing.

The library has DVD’s and Books on CD available from the Teaching Company called Great Courses. Professors are chosen to lecture on topics from Shakespeare, Mathematics, World Religions, World History, Philosophy, Art and much more! Use the keyword "Teaching Company" to access over 600 items! Enjoy lifelong learning!

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute presents the Thursday Morning Lecture Series #3 beginning January 10, through February 14, 2008 at the Best Western Conference Center on Jackson Road. Beginning with The Evolving World: Evolution in Every Day Life by David Mindell, author of a book of the same name followed in consecutive weeks by local professors Thad A. Polk, Ph.D, Elizabeth Petty, Dr. John Greden, C. Loring Brace and Jennifer Crocker. The series titled “What Science has Learned about the Human Condition” is pretty heady stuff. That’s why they named it Lifelong Learning, not Shuffleboard.

At a session on aging and technology during the Aging in Place Conference, organized by the UM Health System Housing Bureau for Seniors, I learned how computers, sensors and video cameras are being used to monitor the well being of older adults living alone. Paul McAninch, of Presbyterian Villages of Michigan, added that 25%-33% of people of over 65 will fall each year in their homes, and that this is the leading cause of people entering nursing homes or suffering premature death. How to Avoid Falling can be found at the Ann Arbor District Library.

Professor Martha E. Pollack, Dean of the UM School of Information, discussed other monitoring technologies that are still being developed. Both speakers recommended looking for more information through the Center for Aging Services Technologies.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Michigan had its fall kickoff event on Sept. 6, and was it impressive! A large room at the Best Western was packed with hundreds of 55+ adults, signing up for lectures, study groups, and day trips to fascinating regional destinations. Dr. W. Scott Westerman, Jr. gave a spirited talk about the learning process over a lifetime and the many cultural opportunities provided in the Ann Arbor area. Two books on his reading list in the AADL collection are: The Three Pound Enigma by Shannon Moffett, and A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink.

You can view local business consultant and author John Baldoni discuss his book Great Communication Secrets of Great Leaders on local Community Televsion Cable Channel 17 on Tuesday, April 18 at 3:30 p.m.; Thursday, April 20 at 1:30 p.m.; Friday, April 21 at 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday, April 22 at 1:30 p.m. He presents an overview of communication styles, techniques and strategies useful for all who need to hone their communication skills. The books also uses illustrative material from notable leaders, both historical and contemporary.

Bring your questions about what the first year of college is like, as Professor David Schoem talks about his new book College Knowledge: 101 Tips for the College-Bound Student. Topics like leaving home, getting to know yourself, new friends, roommates and faculty, figuring out finances, time management, expanding social boundaries, and enjoying campus life are just a few of the many possible topics for discussion. As you examine the past year or look to the future, this program, on Monday Feb. 6, 7-8:30 pm, will interest you.

Local author, historian and journalist Richard Bak can be seen on CTN Channel 17 during the week of December 6 through 10 speaking on his fascinating book A Distant Thunder: Michigan in the Civil War. The talk was recorded last December at Mr. Bak’s appearance in the Library’s Sunday Edition book talk series. The book is a comprehensive, well-illustrated chronicle of the contributions and sacrifices of the people of Michigan during the war between the states. Videos of the presentation are also available for home viewing. Mr. Bak is also the author of The Corner: A Century of Memories at Michigan and Trumbull, Detroit: Across Three Centuries and Henry and Edsel: The Creation of the Ford Empire.

Meet Ronit Matalon, a bestselling writer in Tel Aviv, Israel. She is the author of the novels Bliss and The One Facing Us, and is an influential Israeli journalist. She will read from her work and answer audience questions on Thursday, Oct. 6, 7:00 pm. Ms. Matalon's appearance is in partnership with the UM Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies.