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Blog Post

The S-Word Film Screening and Panel Discussion

by Sunny29

September is national Suicide Prevention month. In an effort to lessen the stigma associated with those that suffer from depression and suicidal thinking, the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Program, and the University of Michigan Depression Center in collaboration with the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, will host a screening of the documentary The S Word, on Sunday, September 10th.

Following the screening, a panel discussion will talk about suicide signals, prevention strategies, and education featuring:

Lisa Klein, Filmmaker and U-M Alumna; Melvin McInnis, M.D., Research Director, Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Program
Cheryl King, Ph.D., Professor of Psychiatry, U-M Depression Center Faculty
Julie Kaplan, embedded CAPS Counselor at Ross
Spencer Walz, Student & Volunteer with NAMI Washtenaw County
Sam Orley, Executive Director, Wolverine Support Network; member of Mental Health America's Collegiate Mental Health Innovation Council

This event is free of charge and open to the campus community and the public, but pre-registration is required.

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Lectures & Panel Discussions

Electric Vehicles | City of Ann Arbor 2018 Sustainable Ann Arbor Forum

Thursday January 11, 2018: 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room
Adults

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Blog Post

SPRING AWAKENING

by shurand

Spring Awakening today is, for some, what Rent was in the ‘90s. Originally written as a German play by Frank Wedekind in the 19th century (and promptly banned), it resurfaced as a rock musical by Duncan Sheik in 2006. Starring Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff of future Glee fame, the show took home eight Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Original Score. It was recently revived on Broadway by Deaf West Theater in 2015, receiving an additional three Tony nominations.

The story follows teens under oppressive boarding school and home regimes as they navigate a multitude of difficult topics including sexuality, pregnancy, abortion, suicide, neglect, and abuse – serious stuff! That’s why Ann Arbor in Concert – which is producing the show for one night only on Saturday, July 15th – is working to ensure that prospective patrons learn as much about the musical’s content and topics as they can before deciding if the show is right for them. The Ann Arbor District Library is presenting, Spring Awakening: How a 19th-Century German Play Rocks with Relevance Today,” a talk and discussion led by Corner Health Center Health Educator, Social Worker, and Teen Peer Education Theatre Troupe Leader, Craig VanKempen, MSW, MPH. This event will take place on Monday, July 10, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Library’s Downtown Branch.

The Library offers a plethora of additional resources for community members to educate themselves about Spring Awakening and its topics. Patrons can check out the musical score or soundtrack to hear the incredibly powerful music and decide if the more explicit lyrics are their cup of tea. Frank Wedekind’s Four Major Plays is also available for those interested in reading a translation of the original story.

One of the primary conflicts of the musical is that the adults prioritize avoiding their own discomfort over their children and students’ safety. Today we know that, although uncomfortable at times, understanding and talking about sex, consent, suicide, and bullying reduces shame, promotes accurate information, and enables people to access resources when they need help. How different would the story of Spring Awakening be if Wendla’s mother had talked to her the way that Grandma talks to her grandchild in Anastasia Higginbotham’s book, or if members of the entire community had been about to check out resources like Kate Bornstein’s book from their local library. Today we also have many excellent organizations in our community including Ele’s Place, Ozone House, SafeHouse Center, and Corner Health Center to provide additional support and resources to those who need them.

Spring Awakening is not a show for everyone, and Ann Arbor in Concert has posted a parental advisory to encourage prospective patrons, particularly those with younger family members, to learn more about the show before purchasing tickets.

AADL's Pulp has published a preview about the show.

Ann Arbor in Concert’s one-night-only performance of Spring Awakening will be on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 8 p.m. at the Power Center. Tickets are on sale at www.a2ic.org or at the Michigan Union Ticket Office.

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Public Event

Beekeeping Basics

Sunday May 7, 2017: 2:00pm to 2:45pm
Downtown Library: 4th Floor Meeting Room
Grade 6 - Adult

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Public Event

Keeping Backyard Animals

Sunday May 7, 2017: 4:00pm to 4:45pm
Downtown Library: 4th Floor Meeting Room
Grade 6 - Adult

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Lectures & Panel Discussions

Container & Beginning Gardening w/ Project Grow!

Sunday May 7, 2017: 1:00pm to 1:45pm
Downtown Library: 4th Floor Meeting Room
Grade 6 - Adult

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Public Event

Hands-On DIY in the Secret Lab!

Sunday May 7, 2017: 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Downtown Library: Secret Lab
Grade 6 - Adult

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Exhibits

Rotary Club of Ann Arbor: Celebrating 100 Years

Tuesday January 17, 2017: 3:00pm to Monday February 27, 2017
Downtown Library: Lower Level Display Cases

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Blog Post

ESL Personal Tutoring Available!

by Beth Manuel

Washtenaw Literacy has announced that they are offering an ESL Personal Tutoring option. With this service, an ESL tutor will meet with 3-4 learners every week to work on reading, writing, speaking and listening. Learners will decide together when & where to meet and will do so as a cluster for 6 months to work on the groups' goals.Tutoring is free and confidential.

If you are interested in Personal Tutoring, please email Alison (austin@washtenawliteracy.org) or call 734-879-1320 to register for a Learner Orientation.

Learner Orientation is the first step in Personal Tutoring. The learner will meet with a staff member to learn about Personal Tutoring. They will talk about the learner's goals and interests. Participants will need to provide contact information. Washtenaw Literacy will assess the learner's English level. The Learner Orientation lasts approximately 90 minutes. This is a great opportunity for English language learners from age 16-adult to get more consistent help to learn and better understand English.