January computer classes the Downtown Library

Mon, 12/29/2008 - 12:13pm by Madelaine

Now that it is time to register for computer classes, let’s take a look at what is happening in January at the Downtown Library.

The Downtown Library will be offering a series of PC classes beginning with Microsoft Word Basics, and working through PowerPoint Basics and Excel Basics.

If the Mac world is of interest, the January classes will include an introduction of Meet The Mac to Microsoft Word for Mac and PowerPoint for Mac.

Adding to your new skills and level of knowledge are other exciting classes such as Digital Camera 101 and Digital Camera 102, iPhoto, Flickr: Share Your Digital Images, and iPod Fever.

Remember there are three ways to register: online through the AADL website, visit any AADL location, and by calling 734-327-4555.

Armenian Music - Live!

Fri, 12/26/2008 - 1:41pm by iralax

Listening to joyous live music at AADL free of charge is one of the best ways to start the new year. The Armenian Music of Grikor Mirzaian Suni (1876-1939) will be performed by his great granddaughters (violins and oud) and their mother (piano), with two singers at the Downtown Library on Friday, Jan. 2 at 7-8:30 pm. Armena Marderosian devotes much time and energy preserving and recording her father-in-law’s music, and this is a rare local performance. There’s a rich history and folk culture linked to the Music of Armenia and Grikor Suni traveled widely collecting samples of the folk idiom to inspire his melodies. Join us for this unique cultural experience.

The Victors: Michigan Jazz with Hazen Schumacher

Tue, 12/09/2008 - 2:59pm by iralax

Come celebrate the publication of Hazen Schumacher’s A Golden Age of Jazz Revisited, on Sunday, December 14, 2-3:30 at the Downtown Library. The book makes the case that the years 1939-42 were the artistic highpoint of popular jazz, and it includes 2 CDs with the tunes he feels back up his claim. Schumacher, who was jazz radio host at UM for thirty years (WEMU-89.1 FM has taken over that role), will discuss and play recordings of the most loved jazz in Michigan and on the UM campus of the mid-twentieth century. He is a master of the genre and will entertain and enlighten new and old jazz lovers.

Notice the Nutcrackers

Mon, 12/08/2008 - 4:03pm by StoryLaura

If you are indulging yourselves in a performance of the Nutcracker this season, make sure to stop in to the Downtown Youth Room and see the small collection of colorful Nutcrackers in the glass display case. Santa, a pirate, an artist, Robinhood and a royal nutcracker are awaiting your arrival.

Beyond Foreclosure at AADL

Mon, 12/01/2008 - 1:14pm by iralax

If you are caught up in the current foreclosure mess, bring your questions and concerns to a panel of local experts on Thursday, Dec. 4, 6:30-8:30 pm at the Downtown Library. Beyond Foreclosure will zero in on what you can do to survive and recover from the unfortunate experience of home foreclosure. Knowledge is power, so visit aadl.org for free access to a variety of online magazine and newspaper articles (including The New York Times), where you can learn more about how the government and communities around the country are dealing with this challenge.

The Migrant Project

Wed, 11/26/2008 - 11:17am by Beth Manuel

This is the last week-end you can view the Migrant Project Exhibit on the 3rd floor of the downtown library. The work of Rick Nahmias is compelling and disturbing in that the plight of the migrant worker in America remains a contemporary issue. Despite improvements made since Edward R. Murrow’s documentary Harvest of Shame was aired on Thanksgiving Day in 1960, Nahmias writes: “There is no other sector in our country where people work so hard to earn so little”. Something to think about as we celebrate the harvest as a nation this week. For more startling anecdotes read With These Hands by Daniel Rothenberg or see Nahmias' book, new to our collection.

Come spend your weekend being LOUD at the library.

Thu, 11/20/2008 - 4:28pm by dubaym

The weekend after Thanksgiving we have three straight days of video game heaven. Friday - Revolution Hero, Saturday - AADL-GT, and Sunday PL2. Who would believe your library could be this much fun?

Friday Night | 11/28 | 6PM-8:30PM - REVOLUTION HERO - Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution
-Two all ages tournaments with prizes for the top three in each
-High Powered Sound systems, Cobalt Flux pads
Saturday | 11/29 | 12PM-5PM - AADL-GT - Gaming Tournament series (middle & high school students only)
-Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Mario Kart Double Dash
-Four tournaments with prizes and pizza for lunch.
Sunday Afternoon | 11/30 | 1PM-4PM - PL2 - Public Library Pokemon League
-Battle Revolution and Union Room Tournaments with prizes for the overall top three
-Bring your Nintendo DS and copy of Pokémon Diamond or Pearl and get ready to battle
-Open Play too!

Film - Traces of the Trade

Thu, 11/20/2008 - 7:44am by Bertha

This powerful film was an official selection of the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. Traces of the Trade was filmed by Katrina Browne, a first-time filmmaker who discovers after looking into her family history that her New England ancestors were the largest slave trading family in U.S. history. View clips here.

Thursday, November 20 | 6:30-8:30 PM | Downtown, 4th floor | Grade 9 - Adult

Get Your Gauguin On

Fri, 11/14/2008 - 10:26am by Beth Manuel

Or does Picasso pique your interest? We have hundreds of framed Art Prints for you to borrow to redecorate your home or office. Browse the catalog by Media if you know the title of a print or take a look on the second or third floors to see what we have available. It's a refreshing way to embellish your space and we have so Manet to choose from!

Hands-On Science with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers

Thu, 11/13/2008 - 7:32pm by erin

Join us on Tuesday, November 25 at 6:30 pm for this hands-on science workshop. Learn some science experiments and watch some cool demos based on traditional and new concepts in science and engineering. All kids (by age or at heart) are welcome! It's a night guaranteed to make you want to be a scientist or engineer. Presented by the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and Proyecto Avance: Latino Mentoring Association (PALMA) from the University of Michigan.