John Farah And Nelson Williams Discuss Running, Health And Wellness And Their New Book "Let's Pick It Up A Bit: A Guide To A Running Lifestyle"

Wed, 05/02/2012 - 11:45am by hillary dorwart

Wednesday May 2, 2012: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Interested in maintaining a healthy lifestyle? Interested in running?

John Farah and Nelson Williams have been active in marathons for years. Their new book, "Let's Pick It Up A Bit: A Guide To A Running Lifestyle" is more than a collection of tips for runners - it is about creating a strong foundation to keep active, fit and healthy, not just physically but mentally, emotionally and spiritually as well.

Join John and Nelson as they discuss their new book and the art of maintaining a healthy lifestyle! Books will be on sale at this event, which will also include a book signing.

"Let's Pick It Up A Bit" -- Marathon Running Event Downtown

Mon, 04/30/2012 - 2:42pm by Caser

Are we in the midst of a second running boom in the U.S.? The numbers from Running USA's Annual Marathon Report certainly indicate that. Last year alone, over 500,000 people finished the 26.2 mile distance at a race in the U.S., continuing the upward trend over the last ten years.

On May 2, the AADL welcomes seasoned marathoners, John Farah and Nelson Williams, to the Downtown Library from 7 - 8:30pm to present their wisdom and experience with living actively. Their new book, "Let's Pick It Up A Bit: A Guide To A Running Lifestyle" is more than a collection of tips for runners - it is about creating a strong foundation to keep active, fit and healthy, not just physically but mentally, emotionally and spiritually as well. The challenge of life is to learn how to keep growing to keep getting better!

Join John and Nelson as they discuss their new book and the art of maintaining a healthy lifestyle! Books will be on sale at this event, which will also include a book signing.

The AADL has a diverse collection of marathon training books, for the novice to the pro.

Fitness Resources on the Web

Mon, 03/26/2012 - 10:27am by Caser

Do you enjoy swimming, biking, running, or other fitness activities? Learn about online resources for training, racing, and athlete communities at Fitness Resources on the Web.

As temperatures continue to rise, so will the number of people out exercising. If you're looking for ways to track your fitness progress, find a good running or biking route, find a race to try, or meet up with other people in our community that enjoy the same activities that you do, then come to the computer class, Fitness Resources on the Web, on Tuesday, April 3 from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Traverwood Branch library.

Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Classrooms will open 15 minutes before the class start times. Class handouts are here.

Gaming Tournaments!

Wed, 02/22/2012 - 11:28am by hillary dorwart

A reminder of all the fun game Tournaments we have during this upcoming weekend!

Smash Bros. Melee Annual Farewell TOURnament
Friday February 24, 2012: 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Come battle against the best in 3-stock, 5-minute rounds. Prizes awarded in novice and pro brackets. Come show us what you've got! Grade 6-Adults.

Double Dash Duo Derby Dinner
Saturday February 25, 2012: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Come with your cart-mate to enjoy some tense competition and a most elegant pizza dinner. Gift Card Prizes will also be offered! Grade 6-Adults.

Pokemania
Sunday February 26, 2012: 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Trainers will need to bring a DS, a Pokemon game (No Black or White, sorry) with Pokemon under level 30 for qualifying rounds. Prizes awarded to top finishers. All Ages.

Small Dishes With Chef Brendan McCall of Mani Osteria

Thu, 12/08/2011 - 6:20am by Debbie G.

Join Chef Brendan McCall of Ann Arbor's Mani Osteria on Thursday, December 8, 2011, 7:00 pm ~ 8:30 pm at the Traverwood Branch and learn the secrets of small dishes that pack big flavor and flair. Whether you're preparing for a holiday crowd or an intimate dinner, Chef Brendan's recipes are designed to make cooking fun and flexible with local, seasonal ingredients. Some of the restaurant's most popular dishes are sure to be showcased.

Mani Osteria is independently owned and family friendly, specializing in artisanal pizzas and other creative Italian dishes prepared in wood-burning ovens. The restaurant shares a passion for keeping things simple...using high quality, often locally sourced ingredients.

The name MANI, means 'hands' or 'hand-made' in Italian. An Osteria is an Italian eatery much like a tavern that emphasizes local ingredients, small production wines, and hospitality.

This event is presented in conjunction with Ann Arbor Cooks (cooks.aadl.org) Ann Arbor District Library's online collection of heirloom recipes and cookbooks from Ann Arbor area organizations.

Do you feel the burn?

Mon, 09/26/2011 - 2:57pm by manz

It seems like every other person in Ann Arbor is off to yoga, pilates or a spinning class. For the exercise-reluctant, signing up for a class forces you to go -- which is a big motivator for action. But classes cost money, and sometimes scheduled time. Don’t panic when I mention the next few words: home exercise video.

We’re not talking Jane Fonda here. Yes, you’ll feel the burn, MAJOR, but it’s not Jane, it’s Jillian and her DVD, 30 Day Shred. Jillian Michaels, trainer extraordinaire from the hit TV show The Biggest Loser, has many DVDs to get you working out hardcore to get quick results.

The first time I heard someone say they were going home to shred, I had no idea what they were talking about. Then I learned of Jillian’s 30 Day Shred. The DVD features a 30-day plan that has three, 20-minute workouts that progress in intensity, and include cardio, strength and ab work. The exercises are tough, and you’ll barely have time for a water break, but if you stick with it (or any workout routine for that matter) you’ll see and feel the results. Other DVDs by Jillian Michaels also available at AADL include 6 Week Six-Pack and Ripped in 30.

Family Campout at Rolling Hills: Let's Go!

Sun, 07/10/2011 - 11:24am by Debbie G.

Happy Campers Alert: More fun than a backpack of S'mores on Saturday, August 6, at the Family Campout at Rolling Hills Park. Activities will include:
• Fishing •
• Stargazing •
• Campfire Stories with Debra Christian •
(Award-winning Storyteller)
• S'mores •
• Nature Walks •
• Crafts •
• Free Dinner for Campers •

You can start setting up your tent at 2 p.m. and activities will begin at 5 p.m. Complete information is on the Registration Form.

June 1st is National Running Day

Wed, 06/01/2011 - 10:44am by Caser

Whether you run every day and National Running Day is just another Wednesday to you, or if you haven't run since you were a kid but you think it might be (even a little bit) fun, today's a perfect day to lace up those shoes and go for a run. One of the most popular and beautiful places to run in Ann Arbor is Gallup Park, home to a paved, pancake flat, multi-use path that's easy to get to from the parking lots shown here, or you can run there if you're extra ambitious.

After your run, stop by the National Running Day website and post why you run on the scrolling inspire badge. Check out the sometimes funny, often motivating reasons why other people run, such as "I run because I like to eat. A LOT", "I run for cheap therapy", "I run because no one thought I could", and "I run so I can smile the rest of the day". The site also has 10 Ways to Celebrate National Running day, which applies to any day of the week.

The AADL has a great collection of running books and media for the first timer and for the veteran. Happy running!

Park & Read Passes Have Arrived!

Sat, 05/28/2011 - 3:08pm by hamiltonb

Now's your chance to get a free one-day pass into any Michigan State Park or recreation area with a Park & Read Pass from AADL this summer! How does it work?

Park & Read Passes are available this year until October 1st, 2011. Get your pass today and enjoy summer in Michigan at the park!

Cricket Not Just a Bug

Wed, 03/23/2011 - 8:38pm by DaudiExperience

CRICKET it is not just the bug you hear after telling a bad joke, CRICKET it is not just the bug you hear on a fine summer night, CRICKET it is not just a bug. So what else is CRICKET?

Cricket is a sport, played by the international community, and currently is in the middle of their world cup tournament. Like soccer, another international sport, Cricket does not gain the similar enthusiasm that is received by the sports of baseball, basketball, and American football which are watched and listened to by sports fans on this side of the world. However, the sport of Cricket does have a large following and is played predominantly in the United Kingdom, Africa, and South Asian countries like India and Pakistan.

Although I have family that watch Cricket and hold strong loyalties to their respective teams I am not an avid fan of Cricket. However, this has not deterred me in seeking to learn more about this sport that has largely gone unknown within the United States. With the current world cup tournament in progress I gained more of an interest in the sport and resorted to my family on getting the rundown on Cricket. But if you don't have family who watch and play Cricket like me then the Ann Arbor District Library is here to enlighten you on the sport with a few books that cover the basics as well as some more advanced aspects of Cricket.

For your basic understanding of Cricket check out Cricket for Americans: Playing and Understanding the Game or Cricket for Dummies these two books will get you up to speed on the basics of the sport of Cricket. If you are a player and need to brush up on your techniques take a look at Cricket: Steps to Success or Cricket:Technique,Tactics,Training. With these few books you will surely have a good start on being well on your way to playing Cricket.

Then after taking a look at these books and by some circumstance on a quiet summer day among the sound of crickets you see a sport being played that is oddly similar to baseball you will join in and become among those who played a game that has gone unknown on this side of the world.