Drop in to play chess this Sunday at the Traverwood branch. Players of all ages are welcome to try their luck on the chess battlefield. Chess sets are provided but you are welcome to bring your own set.

Chesstastic | Sunday, January 11 | 1:00-4:00 PM | Traverwood Branch | All Ages

What’s better at the end of your first week back to school than a chance to relax and enjoy sharing poetry, monologues, or music? Nothing when you can also sip on some cocoa, coffee, or tea. Come to speak into the mike or come to listen.

AXIS Coffeehouse | Friday, January 9 | 6:00-8:30 PM | Malletts Creek

Getting ready to take the SAT or ACT? Two January sessions led by Kaplan instructors will help you prep.

Test Taking with Kaplan Experts
Wednesday, January 7 | 7-8 pm | Pittsfield Branch
Learn how to approach ACT or SAT test day with confidence. Kaplan instructors will lay out strategies and suggestions for preparing. They will also step you through some questions showing you how you can best arrive at the correct answer.

ACT Plus Writing Test Tips with Kaplan Experts
Tuesday, January 13 | 7-8 pm | Traverwood Branch
Faced with a question and just 30 minutes to think, organize, and write a short essay, it’s no wonder that the ACT Plus Writing test is one of the most feared. But fear not! Kaplan instructors will provide you a road map for getting ready to write the dynamic response in a short amount of time. This session will set you on course to a successful test experience in March.

Are there some basic computer functions you simply don’t understand and couldn't find someone to ask for an explanation? Come to one of the Ann Arbor District Library's Beginning Computer Labs and get those questions answered! A staff member will be available to help you. Whether you need help setting up a new email account or have a question about using Microsoft Word, a Beginning Computer Lab is the place to bring your questions. Labs do require registration so reserve your place today by registering online, calling 734-327-4555 or registering in person at any AADL location.

Learn how to start a discussion of Seeing in the Dark in your organization, church, neighborhood or just with friends by attending one of the two community Discussion Leader Training Sessions. Wednesday January 7, 2009: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: aadlfreespace. Register online to join the training session at the Ann Arbor District Library or call 327-4555.

A second Discussion Leader Training Session will be held Monday, Jan.12, 7:00 – 8:30 pm at the Ypsilanti District Library - Community Meeting Room, 5577 Whittaker Road in Ypsilanti. To register, call the Ypsilanti District Library at 482-4110 ext. 1303.

It's almost time for the 2009 It's All Write! Short Story Contest to begin! In less than one month, on FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, entries will start being accepted in our annual writing contest. Winners will be announced at the Ann Arbor Book Festival Short Story Contest event, Saturday, May 16 featuring teen book author Gary D Schmidt. Here are the facts for this year's contest:

1st Place ($250), 2nd Place ($150), and 3rd Place ($100) prizes will be awarded in the following categories: Grades 6-8, Grades 9-10, and Grades 11-12.

Entries accepted FRIDAY, JANUARY 23 through FRIDAY, MARCH 20.

Guidelines are attached here.

Prize Winning Short Stories is a booklet available for check out of previous years' winners, or you can read last year's winners online. Good Luck!