Jerzy Drozd Presents: Why Superheroes Communicate to Us

Thu, 04/16/2009 - 11:25am by Caser

On Saturday, April 25th at 4pm in the Downtown library, Cartoonist Jerzy Drozd, author of The Front: Rebirth and other graphic novels, will deliver a dynamic presentation aimed at adult audiences on the greater significance that superheroes have in our world.

From the author: Superheroes have been an integral part of American culture since the late 1930s. Almost everyone knows what effect Kryptonite has on Superman, why Batman has a disdain for guns, or how Spider-Man learned "with great power comes great responsibility". But are these cultural icons merely a power fantasy for young people, or do they speak to wider human experiences and struggles? And why have they until only recently been a genre exclusive to comic books?

Join cartoonist and teaching artist Jerzy Drozd for an interactive discussion about the role of superheroes in fiction as well as the parallels that can be found when one compares them to characters found in mythology and fables.

April Gaming Weekend

Wed, 04/15/2009 - 8:39pm by dubaym

Spring is here and the next tournament season is just around the corner. This weekend we have Guitar Hero Friday night 4/17, Teen Open Play Saturday afternoon 4/18, and The Retro Octathlon Sunday Afternoon 4/19.

First off, we've got a Revolution Hero Tournament for All Ages on Friday Night 4/17 6 - 8:30PM at the Downtown Library. Dance away on DDR pads or shred your fingers to the bone on Guitar Hero. Prizes awarded to the top three finishers in each tournament. Target Gift Cards 1st - $30, 2nd - $20, 3rd - $10

Then, Saturday 4/18 come Downtown from 12 - 5 PM for Teen Open Play. There will be games rated T, so no young ones please. We will have 8 open stations, DDR and Guitar Hero.

And then, The Retro Octathlon. This tournament is an all ages event Downtown from 1 - 4pm
Play eight fantastic pre-1990 videogames for all ages in our open play/high score tournament. The top players will be in the finals to face a series of surprising retro games. Prizes awarded to the top finishers. Target Gift Cards 1st - $40, 2nd - $30, 3rd - $20

Get out of the house and come to the library! It may be a basement but it's not your parent's basement

National Library Week Event: Bats of the World

Tue, 04/07/2009 - 12:59pm by shannon riffe

Step into the world of bats on Thursday April 16, 2 to 3pm at the Downtown Library. We'll learn about sound waves, ecosystems, food webs, and conservation and see a variety of live bats!

HPV and Cervical Cancer - Truths And Myths

Fri, 04/03/2009 - 11:25am by shannon riffe

On Tuesday April 7, from 7 pm to 8:30pm, join us at the Downtown Library for a special panel discussion co-sponsored by The University of Michigan Women’s Health Program and the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center on the connection between HPV - the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States - and cervical cancer.

Dr. Itzchak Weismann Discusses The Naqshbandiyya

Thu, 03/26/2009 - 12:17pm by shannon riffe

On Monday, March 30, 7 to 8:30pm at the Downtown Library, Dr. Itzchak Weismann, visiting Assistant Professor at Dickinson College, will present an overview of the Naqshbandiyya, one of the most widespread and influential Sufi orders in the Muslim world. This fascinating order is considered by some to be a "sober" order known for its silent dhikr rather than the vocalized forms of dhikr common in other orders.

Film Showing - "On the Line"

Mon, 03/16/2009 - 2:03pm by Bertha

Winner of the 2008 Silver Telly Award in the social issues category, On the Line, will be shown Downtown, 4th Floor Meeting Room (Grades 9-Adult) 6:30-8:30pm on March 19/Thursday.

The discussion to follow will be led by UM students and other local residents who have participated in protests at the School of the Americas.

Cosponsored by the Michigan Community Scholars Program and Michigan Television.

Michael Flynn's Ferrofluid Magnetoscope

Sat, 03/14/2009 - 2:25pm by shannon riffe

Try it yourself! Control powerful magnets and levitate a puddle of ferrofluid in this amazing hands-on exhibit in the Downtown Library lobby. The exhibit will be on display for through March 18. To learn more about Michael Flynn's work, visit www.FunExhibits.com.

Library patron Sean Patrick visited a few days ago and made this high quality film of the magnetoscope, set to the music of his local band, In Braille. We love it when our patrons are inspired by the Library!

Disability Issues

Mon, 03/09/2009 - 1:05pm by iralax

AADL (Downtown) subscribes to NM (New Mobility), a monthly magazine that for twenty years has provided a resource for new technology, information and advocacy about mobility issues for people with disabilities. In May 2008 there was an article that describes how four people avoided living in nursing homes by working with their local Center for Independent Living. We also carry PN published by the Paralyzed Veterans of American and EP (Exceptional Parent) targeted to special populations with disabilities.

Tales of the Tango With Tango Expert Mabel Rodriguez

Mon, 03/09/2009 - 11:38am by shannon riffe

It’s time to learn about the Tango! On Friday, March 13, 7:00 to 8:30pm, at the Downtown Library, Tango expert Mabel Rodriguez will discuss this fascinating dance and its history, complete with live Tango demonstrations.

Learning Differences: What's in a Name or Label and How to Move Beyond It

Wed, 03/04/2009 - 11:42am by shannon riffe

Has your child dealt with learning differences in the classroom? If so, learn more at this panel discussion at the Downtown Library, Monday, March 9, 7 - 8:30pm. Linda J. Spector, M.Ed Learning Specialist at Ann Arbor Academy will moderate the discussion with a panel of experts, plus a student and parent.