Blog Post
Check Out the AADL Job Search Toolkit
by monkk
Are you job searching? If so, check out our Job Search Toolkit. It includes online resources to help you along the course of your search. You can learn about careers, find services and support and build your computer skills. Look at examples of resumes and cover letters, practice your interview skills, and even get some tips for after you receive a job offer. Be sure to check the blog below the Toolkit regularly for local job fairs and classes.
Blog Post
Today: Introduction to Linux and the Command Line
by Stewart
Monday June 17, 2013: 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm -- Downtown Library: Training Center
Attention Teens and Adults! Learn how to interact with a Linux machine from the command-line! In this class you will learn how to navigate the file system, create directories, edit files, write shell scripts, connect to other machines over the internet, and much more. This class is a good (although not strictly necessary) preparation for the upcoming programming classes, including the Python classes and Web App classes. Go to aadl.org/classes to view the complete schedule.
Registration is not required and the class is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The classroom will open 15 minutes before the class begins. See you in class!
You may be interested in the following books in our collection: Linux Bible by Chris Negus and Ubuntu Linux Bible by William Von Hagen.
Blog Post
Babytime iPads
by hillary dorwart
Friday June 21, 2013: 10:00 am to 11:00 am -- Downtown Library: Youth Story Corner
Have you wondered what apps out there for your baby to use, or be soothed by with your iPad? Bring your baby and explore our baby-proofed iPads. We'll start with some rhymes and music and you will have time to play with an iPad with your baby.
This event is for parents, caregivers and infants & toddlers from birth to 24 months.
Blog Post
Fridays in May: Learn Linux, Python, and Web Apps
by Stewart
Join us Friday afternoons in May to learn geeky stuff.
Introduction to Linux and the Command Line -- Friday May 10: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Speak to your computer in a language it understands. Learn how to interact with a Linux machine from the command line, navigate the file system, create directories and edit files from the command line, write and invoke scripts, and automate basic tasks. Supplement the class with a Linux bible.
Introduction to Python -- Friday, May 17: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Gain introductory knowledge of Python, a general purpose, high-level programming language, by way of brief lectures about core elements of the language coupled with interactive exercises. Get the kids involved with Python for kids or Hello World!: computer programming.
Introduction to Web Applications -- Friday May 24: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Learn how to build applications using Google App Engine. Discusses the basics of web sites, web servers, and modern web applications. Following this discussion, we will learn how to build applications in Python using Google App Engine. By the end of the class, students will have built their first web application, and deployed it to Google's servers. Supplement the class with Essential app engine.
All classes take place in the third floor library training center downtown. Registration is not required. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Go to classes and handouts for more information.
Blog Post
TinkerHub Webcast - Backyard Brains
by dubaym
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| tinker6.mp4 | 110.02 MB |
TinkerHub Webcast: Backyard Brains
TinkerHub is a webcast collaboration between Ann Arbor District Library and All Hands Active, Ann Arbor’s Makerspace. Recorded in Downtown Ann Arbor, TinkerHub webcasts connect learning, technology, and the Ann Arbor community.
In this episode of TinkerHub, Josh and Terence talk to Tim Marzullo about his company Backyard Brains. Co-founded here in Ann Arbor, Backyard Brains helps make tangible how electricity helps control the body, all using inventions that can then be carried around in their pockets! Tune in as Josh watches the messages that he sends to make his muscles twitch.
Links mentioned in the episode:
Library resources mentioned:
- Savage Garden: Cultivating Carnivorous Plants by Peter D'Amato
- Makers by Cory Doctorow
- Rapture of the Nerds by Cory Doctorow
- The Boy Mechanic by the editors of Popular Mechanics
Past AADL-All Hands Active Events
Blog Post
Hello! Hello!
by manz
Hello! Hello! by Matthew Cordell is a smart little picture book. And if you’re a parent with cell phone and a child both calling for your attention, this one’s a hoot. With few words the books tells the story of a girl saying hello to those around her, and everyone’s too busy with their phone, their iPad, their laptop, etc. The little girl then ventures outside and says HELLO to all things outdoors, and then she has a great idea! It’s a cute little story that’s appropriate for children growing up in device-filled times.
Blog Post
AADL's Logo Remix Contest Workshop!
by nicole
It's the debut of AADL's Logo Remix Contest! Make your own video-animated "remix" of the AADL logo and enter it to win prizes! We'll host open workshops in early March with our computers and software available for you to get started building your entry! A few selected animations will be projected above AADL's activity area during the Ann Arbor FoolMoon event. Get the contest guidelines starting Friday, February 22nd at aadl.org or have staff print them out for you.
Workshops will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2013 at 7:00pm - 8:30pm and Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 10:00am - 12:00pm in the Downtown Library, Training Center on the 3rd Floor. The contest entry deadline is Monday, March 25.
Click on the links to get a copy of the AADL logo image file in both PNG and JPEG formats!
Have questions? Call the Downtown Youth Desk, visit our contests page, or send an email to remix@aadl.org! Want to know more about FoolMoon? Go to festifools.org.
Blog Post
Maker Music for Teens and Adults: Atari Punk Circuit
by OneillT
Friday January 4, 2013: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room
This Friday, January 4, we'll be making an electronic instrument out of commonly available pieces and parts.
For this Maker Music event, the Ann Arbor Hacker-Makers of All Hands Active will be teaching people how use basic circuitry to create their own musical instrument, the Atari Punk Circuit. What's that? An Atari Punk Circuit uses an assortment of basic electronics and two knobs to allow people to create basic two-tone electronic sounds, kind of like those that used to be the soundtrack to the first video games on the Atari video game console.
Do you need to know electronics to come to this event? No, that's why we're having it! Come learn a bit about electricity, circuits, and have some fun trying out making different sounds. After you're finished, take a look at our Music Tools collection, too!
This event is for adults and teens (grade 6 and up).
Blog Post
Web App Boot Camp: Web Applications And Google App Engine
by hillary dorwart
Friday December 21, 2012: 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm -- Downtown Library: Training Center
Learn what computer programming is and why it is useful to learn - learn how to build applications using Google App Engine in this hands-on workshop (the final of three) suitable for beginners who have mouse and basic computer skills.
Following this discussion, we will learn how to build applications in Python using Google App Engine. By the end of the class, students will have built their first web application, and deployed it to Google's servers.
You are welcome to attend all three workshops - but it is not a requirement for participation.
Blog Post
Parent's Corner: Kids + Technology
by manz
The Downtown library has a shelf in the Youth Department known as the Parent Shelf. On this shelf you’ll find a variety of parent-child related books on a multitude of topics- including everything from language to tantrums to potty training to homework. These books are available for checkout, and can be found in the catalog when searching “parent shelf,” if you’d like to have one sent to a branch of your choice.
The parent shelf features a few helpful books with information on kids and technology, which is a hot topic, as technolgoy is everwhere, with new devices being released constantly. We have a few titles dealing with cyber safety, such as: Cyber-safe kids, cyber-savvy teens: Helping young people learn to use the Internet safely and responsibly. It might also be worth checking out books on social media, such as Talking back to Facebook: A common sense guide to raising kids in the digital age and CyberSafe: Protecting and empowering kids in the digital world of texting, gaming, and social media. See here for additional items on similar topics.