Bilal's Stand

Mon, 09/21/2009 - 3:42pm by Bertha

On Thursday, September 24, 2009 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, AADL presents the film Bilal's Stand at the Downtown Library Multi-Purpose Room. This film focuses on the life of a Detroit high-school senior, Bilal, and his family's long-owned taxi stand - the source of all activity and income for the family for the last sixty years. Does Bilal take a chance at college or continue with his family business? After secretly submitting a college application and taking up ice carving in order to win a scholarship, he is forced to decide. This film is based on the true story of writer/director Sultan Sharrief, who will lead a discussion of the film with producer & UM Professor Terri Sarris. This event is co-sponsored by the University of Michigan Community Scholars Program.

Books and Libraries in Antiquity

Mon, 09/21/2009 - 1:23pm by MariaK

What did the ancient books of the Greeks and Romans look like? What were the bestsellers of the ancient world, and who read them?

These questions, and more, will be answered on Wednesday, September 30, when UM Associate Professor Arthur Verhoogt will discuss Books And Libraries In Antiquity, a fascinating presentation which introduces the books of the Greeks and Romans .

The presentation -- which will take place from 7-8:30 in the multi-purpose room of the downtown library -- will also provide information on the book trade, book collectors, exciting new book discoveries, and some famous libraries from antiquity.

Chinese Moon Festival

Mon, 09/21/2009 - 12:19pm by Beth Manuel

One of the most important traditional Chinese festivals is the Chinese Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival which is held this year on October 3. Come join us downtown Sunday September 27 at 1:30 for this special celebration with The Golden Years Dance Troupe - a group of Chinese elders who live in Ann Arbor. The troupe will perform traditional Chinese dances, singing, tai chi and more! Plus there will be a special treat at the end of the performance! For more books on the subject: Harvest Festivals Around the World and Asian Holidays.

Fifth Avenue Fun!

Thu, 09/17/2009 - 3:43pm by StoryLaura

Ready to get silly at the Tuesday 10 am and Wednesday 11 am storytimes at the Downtown Library next week? Get into goofiness galore with Sandra Boynton and farm animals with wacky ideas.

Job Hunters: Resume Workshop

Mon, 09/14/2009 - 1:39pm by cecile

If creating a resume and learning how to e-mail it to a prospective employer is on your To-Do list, join us Tuesday, September 15th and Wednesday, September 16th for a resume workshop with the experts from MichiganWorks! and the Ann Arbor District Library.

At the first session you'll learn how to create an online resume at MichiganWorks! and all about the employment services they offer. In the second session you'll learn how to create a resume and a free e-mail account with universal access.

Please note: You must be registered for the first session to attend the second session. Register Online or by calling 327-4555.

Autumn Gardening

Sat, 09/12/2009 - 3:11pm by quaking aspen

The Garden in Autumn by Allen Lacy is a book for those who believe that autumn brings merely clean-up tasks and potted mums. After reading this book gardeners will think differently about the autumn garden. Lacy, a gardening writer for the New York Times, has a vested interest: "to encourage fellow gardeners to pay attention to the neglected but glorious possibilities of the fall garden."
Lacy introduces new plants and plant combinations to try that will be stunning in a garden throughout the waning of the year. Lacy devotes a chapter each to lingering summer perennials, fall-flowering perennials, bulbs, grasses, annuals and woody plants. He even includes a chapter on blooms in December!

Fifth Avenue Fun!

Wed, 09/09/2009 - 3:43pm by StoryLaura

Shouldn’t bear be home by now? Could he be out in the storm? We are bearly hanging in there at the Tuesday 10 am and Wednesday 11 am storytimes at the Downtown Library next week as big bumbling bears get into all kinds of trouble.

Monster Road

Wed, 09/09/2009 - 12:50pm by french_film_grl

Monster Road is the winner of 5 best documentary awards including one from the Ann Arbor Film Festival. This 2004 biographical documentary gives the viewer a peek into the world of clay animator Bruce Bickford. The documentary is a portrait of Bruce's life and obsession with claymation. He is a cult figure who worked for Frank Zappa. Much of his work has been described as, "fast-moving, fluid-like transformations of human figures and disfigured faces into odd beasts on surreal structural settings with impressive camera effects." So if you like animation, and you like documentaries this is a must see!

New Orleans Photo Exhibit

Fri, 09/04/2009 - 10:20am by StoryLaura

Check out the photo show on the 3rd floor of the Downtown Library this month. Like many eager volunteers from around the country, Emma Raynor decided to move down to New Orleans for a few months and help with rebuilding. She had never visited NOLA before the storm. She fell in love with the city as it was, and her show represents a new generation of young adults who are exploring and discovering New Orleans in the raw post-Katrina phase. Ok, I should admit right here that I am the photographer’s proud Mom, who just happens to work at the library, but I know these photos are a tribute to an amazing place! While you're here, check out Patricia Smith’s inspiring poetry collection about Katrina.

Caring for Your Parents

Wed, 09/02/2009 - 6:50pm by french_film_grl

Do you find yourself in a situation where you are suddenly a caregiver to an elderly or disabled parent? Do you have questions about this new role in your life? We have DVDs that might help answer all those questions for you. Check out our Caring for your parents:The Complete AARP Guide, or Caring for your parents: The complete family guide. Having some of your questions answered might make this time of your life go more smoothly and peacefully.