NEW Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book: The Long Haul!

Wed, 11/05/2014 - 10:15am by krayla

Can't get enough of Greg Heffley and the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series? Well you're in luck! Jeff Kinney just released his newest addition to the series, "The Long Haul," yesterday! This time Greg is definitely in for some eye-rolling and groans: he's going on a family road trip. That's right, he's stuck with Rodrick, Manny, Mom and Dad inside a car for what seems like eternity, and that can only mean one thing: this hilarious journey is sure to keep you laughing!

More good news! The official series website has a free excerpt for you to read, or you can read ALL OF IT by checking it out from AADL!

Even MORE good news! If you want to celebrate this awesome book series, join us at the Pittsfield Branch this Saturday (11/8) at 1pm for a Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book Release Party! We'll have crafts, games and prizes for the whole family!

Provide feedback on plans for an Allen Creek trail!

Tue, 10/28/2014 - 4:29pm by mariah

All Ann Arbor residents are invited to share their opinions on the trail, which will provide green space and help reduce flooding in Ann Arbor. This short survey has been designed to capture ideas and feedback.

Looking for more information on the trail? See last week's MLive article, and take a look at a map of the trail.

Book Fun at AADL!

Tue, 10/28/2014 - 4:00pm by krayla

Can't get enough of your favorite books? Have fun with other book-lovers and the Library's most popular characters in the months of November and December! The Ann Arbor District Library will host a variety of fun book-related events that will appeal to the whole family:

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book Release Party- Saturday, November 8, 1-2pm at Pittsfield
Play the cheesy bean bag toss for prizes, hunt around the Pittsfield branch in a scavenger hunt, and do "Wimpy" crafts!
Check out the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series here.

*NEW* Story and Craft Time: Junie B. Jones- Sunday, November 23, 1-2pm at Malletts Creek
Listen to part of the famous book series and use your creative flair to make some sassy sunglasses!
Check out the Junie B. Jones series here.

Pete the Cat Fanmail- Monday, December 22, 2-3:30 at Traverwood
Write a letter to children's author Eric Litwin or illustrator James Dean and make a Pete the Cat puppet!
Check out the Pete the Cat series here.

For even more events for kids and families, check out our Jump events page. See you there!

Tiny Expo: Ann Arbor's biggest little indie arts & craft fair — Downtown, December 13th!

Tue, 10/28/2014 - 2:02pm by mariah

Ann Arbor's biggest little indie arts & craft fair is back! After a few years of hopping around to different locales, Tiny Expo will land at the Downtown AADL this December 13th, 11am—5:30pm!

Just what IS Tiny Expo? It's a fun local, and handmade shopping experience that began with a small group of artists in 2010. As the initial group of creative folks banded together to hold a fun, informal little fair, expo-goers responded, and the show grew just a teeny bit each year. Finding a location that could fit everyone was a perennial challenge, though, and so Tiny Expo jumped around town — from Kerrytown to Felch Street and back again.

This year, the Downtown Library will host Tiny Expo's marvelous collection of local indie artists and crafters, including a few audience favorites from past Tiny Expo editions! We'll be announcing the final artist roster in mid November, but if you or an artist you know might be a good fit, you can apply here to be a part of things!

So, get excited, get ready, and mark your calendar — for the biggest little indie arts and craft fair, this December!

Science Fun with FEMMES

Saturday January 24, 2015: 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Malletts Creek Branch: Program Room
Grades 4 - 8

Halloween Events at the AADL!

Mon, 10/27/2014 - 9:54am by eapearce

We love Halloween at the AADL, and we have lots of fun events planned for other Halloween lovers, too! On Tuesday evening, October 28, adults and teens can make decorative Halloween wreaths at the Pittsfield branch of the library. On Wednesday, October 29, we’ll be celebrating Dia de los Muertos by making Day of the Dead Shrinky Dink skull charms at the Mallets Creek location. And, on Halloween itself, we have tons of activities for little ones. In the morning, at both 9:30 and 10:30, there will be a special, first-ever Halloween-themed puppet show at the downtown library! Preschoolers will definitely enjoy the Halloween storytime that morning, also taking place at the downtown library and featuring, music, finger plays, and holiday stories. Kids can come in their costumes for treats here at the library, and then join up with the Treat Parade! The library has partnered with the Main Street Association and we’re a stop on this year’s parade! For more information about any of our Halloween events, you can call or ask at any of the AADL locations. Happy Halloween!

Failure IS An Option

Tue, 10/14/2014 - 3:35pm by aadl staff

Gary Shteyngart will be at the Downtown Library on Tuesday, October 21 at 7 pm talking about his wildly funny book Little Failure.

Tweet to @aadl your "little failure" using the hashtag #LittleFailure for your chance to win a Failure Is An Option t-shirt.

Winners will be chosen at random and must be present at the event to win.

Chesstastic this Sunday, October 19

Tue, 10/14/2014 - 12:38pm by eapearce

Join us for our monthly chess program this Sunday from 1:00-4:00pm at the Traverwood branch of the AADL! Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome and this is a great way to learn more about the most popular game in the world and to meet new people. Chess sets are provided.

Construct a Catapult

Saturday March 28, 2015: 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Traverwood Branch: Program Room
Grades K-5

Winter work arounds

Fri, 09/26/2014 - 11:21am by Sunny29

Michigan winters can be tough, especially when it comes to staying in shape. So why not develop a good at-home practice before we get snowed in?! Yoga is the perfect solution for combating the winter blues, keeping your energy levels up and extra pounds off the scale!

The AADL collection has options for everyone; monthly magazine selections, reading materials to develop and deepen your practice, and DVD’s for those looking to work on flexibility, strength or improve your sense of self. You can even experience yoga IN your library! Keep an eye on the events calendar for future programs, and be sure to join us next week at the Pittsfield branch for a children's yoga class!