Washtenaw County Counts What Counts

Mon, 10/16/2006 - 11:23am by Debbie G.

The Community Collaborative of Washtenaw County has published
Community Needs Assessment 2006 , a comprehensive look at the socio-economic well-being of county residents. Data on unemployment, health care, child poverty, homelessness and more are presented in the report. A Plenary Session for the public to discuss the findings will be held on Tuesday, November 14, 2006, 7:30 a.m. – Noon at the Morris Lawrence Building, Washtenaw Community College.

MultiCulture Bits - EveryDay Mixes

Sun, 10/15/2006 - 5:20pm by ryanikoglu

I keep looking for stories with multi-cultural kids shown in everyday stories. There's promise in the following "chapter books" for 1st through 3rd grade readers. Each series has a few titles. Try the "Jackson Friends Books" by Michelle Edwards for varied cultures and kids in 2nd grade such as The Talent Show and Pa Lia's First Day. [Ruby Lu Brave And True] and Ruby Lu Empress Of Everything are by Lenore Look and the 8 year old girl is Chinese-American. "Willimena Rules" features African-American Willimena who is in 3rd grade. Try How To Lose Your Class Pet or 23 Ways To Mess Up Valentine's Day for a sampling. The "Little Bill" series by Bill Cosby, and Ann Cameron's series with Julian and Gloria are also based on African-American kids. Try Julian Dream Doctor and Gloria Rising for samples.

Little and Scary ?

Sun, 10/15/2006 - 4:06pm by ryanikoglu

Are You not sure that you like to be scared? Then put yourself in charge of "The Scaries". Try Go Away Big Green Monster, The Gunniwolf, The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid Of Anything, Humbug Witch, Leonardo The Terrible Monster, and the very classic Where The Wild Things Are.

Scary Bits - !!!

Sun, 10/15/2006 - 3:24pm by ryanikoglu

Like to be scared? There's scary stuff in the Youth Collection to prime yourself for long dark nights. Pretty Scary and dramatically illustrated is Precious And The Boo Hag by Patricia McKissack. More Scary is Grandy Thaxter's Helper by Douglas Rees. And if your ready for Very Scary, read the stories in Robert San Souci's Dare To Be Scared and Double-Dare To Be Scared. Scary!

A2 Redos

Sat, 10/14/2006 - 1:47pm by Debbie G.

Planning to do a little home improvement this fall? The City of Ann Arbor Planning & Building Department has Info Sheets to help your redo pass the test – the city code test that is. Have an historic home? Check out the Historic Preservation FAQ.

Kid Bits - Trick or Treat

Wed, 10/11/2006 - 12:53pm by ryanikoglu

If you are planning for Halloween, here are some reads for costume inspirations, as well as fun for the Preschool Set. Fancy Nancy by Robin Preiss Glasser, How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long, or Skippyjon Jones by Judith Byron Schachner.

Family Reads - If You Like Junie B.

Wed, 10/11/2006 - 12:44pm by ryanikoglu

If you enjoy Junie B. Jones and Ramona Quimby, try Roxie And The Hooligans by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Willimena Rules: How To Fish For Trouble by Valerie Wilson Wesley, and Gooney Bird Greene by Lois Lowry.

Music Resources on the Radio and the Library

Fri, 10/06/2006 - 4:00pm by Robb

Here in Ann Arbor we have an abundance of musical resources available.

I'm mostly interested in Traditional music that’s often labeled Folk Music. Some of my favorites on radio include Folks Like Us with host Matt Watroba on WDET 101.9 FM, Saturdays from 11a.m to 2 p.m. and The Folk Tradition on WKAR-FM 90.5, every Sunday at 6:00 p.m. hosted by Bob Blackman. There's also a multitude of great music shows on the U of M student run station WCBN 88.2 FM (limited broadcast range of 200 watts). I especially enjoy their "The Down Home Show" when Tex is the host. It's obvious that he enjoys presenting the music. It's on Saturdays Noon to Three.

Don't forget the Ann Arbor District Library has at all Library locations an excellent collection of cd's of all types of music for customers to take home and enjoy.

Little Bits - I Can Do It Too!

Fri, 10/06/2006 - 9:38am by ryanikoglu

I Can Do It Too!. Here is WHY Libraries do Programs for Babies and Young Children! Literacy & Development start from birth. The University of Maine, Center For Community Inclusion and Disability Studies, has a website with ideas and resources for adults who are raising young children. The more we know the better we are ...
University of Maine, "Growing Ideas".

Kid Bits - Reading Levels

Thu, 10/05/2006 - 4:28pm by ryanikoglu

The more you read, the better you learn ....
The Library places colored dots to identify the earliest reading levels of books. The Ann Arbor Public Schools use alphabet letters to identify the reading levels. On the school web site is an excellent document to help parents find books for children who are learning to read Reading Levels.

Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship and Freedom

Wed, 10/04/2006 - 10:27am by Tahira

Martha Tom is told not to cross the Bok Chitto river where slaves live. One day on a search for blackberries she crosses the river on a hidden stone path. She hears a preacher calling out “We are bound for the Promised Land!” Slaves appeared from behind the trees replying “We are bound for the Promised Land!” Martha Tom is lost. She is led back to the river by Little Mo a young slave. When Little Mo’s mother is about to be sold from her family, he leads them to Bok Chitto. Once they cross the river, they will be free. Tim Tingle, a member of the Choctaw Nation, shows the relationship of Native Americans in the South and African American slaves in this well written story for children.

Muslims In Children's Books

Mon, 10/02/2006 - 12:49pm by ryanikoglu

In School Library Journal this month is a very nice article on "Muslims in Children's Books" by Rukhsana Khan, a children's book author. Since this is the time of Ramadan, her website may be especially useful to parents and teachers. You can find good links and suggestions at < a href="http://rukhsanakhan.com/muslimbooks.htm">http://rukhsanakhan.com/muslimbooks.htm. The Library has several of her books. Silly Chicken is one of Khan's original folktales you can find in the Library.

Passport Preparation Time

Mon, 10/02/2006 - 10:55am by Debbie G.

If you're planning a trip outside the U.S. after January 7, 2007 that includes re-entry through an airport or seaport, remember that U.S. citizens will need a passport for travel to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. This new rule could mean a 6 – 12 week processing wait so start your preparation now.

You can pick up an Application for Passport, Passport Renewal and other forms at all U.S. Post Offices. The post offices at 2075 W Stadium Blvd and 3000 Green Road will accept your applications Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Detailed information on passports is available from the U.S. State Department.

Ann Arbor Police Department Online Exhibit Debuts

Fri, 09/29/2006 - 12:18pm by ulrich

The Ann Arbor District library's web site is now home to an online pictorial exhibit and history of the Ann Arbor Police Department. The exhibit, one of four local history collections on the library's research page, features a large assemblage of images of the police department and its officers, police vehicles, artifacts and documents. The pictorial collection is accompanied by the complete text of Lieutenant Michael Logghe's True Crimes and the History of the Ann Arbor Police Department which traces the history of the department from its beginnings in the 1870s to the late 1990s. The narrative is filled with fascinating accounts of the organization, development, and controversial issues which faced the department, as well as inside information on the large array of major criminal investigations which have been part of that history, such as the 1908 student riot at the Star Theater, the murder and aftermath of Officer Clifford Stang in 1935, the student unrest of the 1960s and and 1970s, the shocking co-ed murders, and numerous others.

Going to the Candidate's Debate

Thu, 09/28/2006 - 3:39pm by Debbie G.

Voters can judge for themselves when CTN Channel 19 airs candidate debates sponsored by the League of Women Voters. On Tuesday, Oct. 17th, Ann Arbor City Council Ward 3 candidates will square off at 7 p.m. followed by Mayoral candidates at 8 p.m. On Wednesday, Oct. 18th, 18th District State Senate candidates will debate at 7 p.m. followed by the 53rd District State Representative candidates.

A live, in-studio audience can watch the debates at the CTN studios, 425 S. Main, Suite LL114. To reserve a seat at the debates call 734-769-7422. Candidate questions can be submitted in advance via email at: questions@julienlaw.com

MeLCat is here!

Sat, 09/23/2006 - 5:43am by amy

The Ann Arbor District Library is pleased to announce the return of patron-initiated interlibrary loan service through the Michigan eLibrary Catalog (MeLCat), a statewide-shared catalog.

You may request interlibrary loans directly by going to MeLCat. There is also a link to MeLCat from the Request ILL page on our website.

All requests will require your name and library barcode (found on the back of your library card) and a pickup location of your choice.

When a book is ready for pickup you will receive a message similar to the one you receive now for AADL holds ready to be picked up. Books will be checked out at your pickup location for three weeks and be available for one three week renewal unless there is a request at the owning library. Renewals may be done through your online account, at any Circulation Desk, or by calling 327-4219.

Please let us know if you need more information about this service by going to Contact Us or asking at any of our public service desks.

Ramadan and Rosh Hashanah

Wed, 09/20/2006 - 1:18pm by Tahira

Ramadan, Islam’s month of fasting, prayer and reflection and Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year will begin this weekend. Click the above links to see some great books on both of these religious celebrations or visit the links below to learn more.
http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday2.htm
http://www.holidays.net/ramadan

Fun Fantasy

Tue, 09/12/2006 - 12:15pm by ryanikoglu

Are you about 10 years old and like to read Fantasy? Guess what? I REALLY liked the following titles so I'm letting you know!!
Brainboy And The Deathmaster by Tor Seidler, follows Darryl, a twelve-year-old techno-genius, who finds himself the star of his very own life-threatening video game. YIKES!
The Skull Of Truth by Bruce Coville, follows Charlie, a sixth-grader with a compulsion to tell lies. Charlie acquires a mysterious skull that forces its owner to tell only the truth. Hoo BOY!
You might like 'em too!

Kid Bits - Home

Tue, 09/12/2006 - 11:52am by ryanikoglu

Preschool Storytime Programs begin the week of September 11, and will run for 6 weeks in a row. This week at Malletts Creek and Pittsfield will be stories about "My Home". Here are a few titles to try ... We Were Tired of Living In a House by Leisel Skorpen, The Big Orange Splot by Daniel Pinkwater, From Here To There by Margery Cuyler, A House Is A House For Me by Mary Ann Hoberman, and Lizard's Song by George Shannon.

We're Back!!! Baby and Preschool Series begin this week!

Wed, 09/06/2006 - 12:47pm by ryanikoglu

The Baby PlayGroup Series and the Preschool Storytime Series start this week throughout the Library System and you don't want to miss any. Remind Babies to bring a Big Person to Baby PlayGroups. Remind the Little Kids to bring their Big People to Preschool Storytimes. While you are in the building say "Hello" to the puzzles, pick a few Books, choose some CDs to sing along together, then wave Bye-Bye when you are done. You can come back next time, too!

Kenya's Word by Linda Trice

Sun, 09/03/2006 - 4:27pm by Tahira

Kenya doesn't listen very well in school. This leads to her making a mess of things during class. She is asked to tell the class of her favorite describing word. After a visit to the market, watching a family friend paint, and listening to her father play jazz, Kenya makes her decision. Linda Trice has written a wonderful picture book that subtly expresses the message that black is beautiful.

AADL brings you Revolution in the Streets

Thu, 08/31/2006 - 3:19pm by eli

Dance Dance Revolution, that is! AADL will be hosting a DDR tournament as part of this Sunday's Dancing in the Streets event in Downtown Ann Arbor. We'll be out there from 1:45-7:00 as part of the Ann Arbor Council for Traditional Music and Dance's yearly event, which this year will feature The Dodworth Saxhorn Band, Phil Ogilvie's Rhythm Kings, Saline's Fiddlers Restrung, the UM Tango Club, Swing Ann Arbor, and much more! Read more for full details about the tournament and prizes...

Mystery Bits - the Wright book

Tue, 08/29/2006 - 4:04pm by ryanikoglu

If you like facts along with your fiction, read Wright 3 by Blue Balliett. There is a mystery to solve for the three sixth gradersin this book. While following the clues you learn about architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Robie House in Chicago, and facts about both of them. If this book intrigues you, read more in Frank Lloyd Wright: Maverick Architect and Frank Lloyd Wright For Kids and compare facts with fiction.

Kid Bits - School Days

Wed, 08/23/2006 - 12:23pm by ryanikoglu

Chrysanthemum loves her name until she starts school and other children make fun of it. Kevin Henkes is a masterful author who tells satisfying stories which illustrate creative adult solutions to complex young feelings. If you are looking for more "School Stories" as the new school year looms, try Wemberly Worried, Countdown To Kindergarten, Twelve Days Of Kindergarten, Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready For Kindergarten, Edward Unready For School, Preparate Kindergarten Ala Voy!/Look Out Kindergarten Here I Come!

ArmChair Travels - Sicily

Wed, 08/23/2006 - 11:49am by ryanikoglu

What a way to travel and never leave the comforts of home! Every chapter in The Stone Boudoir: Travels Through the Hidden Villages of Sicily by Theresa Maggio can be read as a short story about a different village on the island of Sicily. The villages are unique from each other and the residents are memorably "alive". My favorite "visit" was to an ancient (and still inhabited) home built into granite walls with stone ledge balconies overlooking the valley below. Of course, the boudoir was in stone. I swear I felt the Medite

ArmChair Travels - Pakistan

Wed, 08/23/2006 - 11:45am by ryanikoglu

Schools for Girls in remote Pakistan and Afghanistan? Built and thriving with the full support of village leaders? For more than the past fifteen years? Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin is the gripping true story of how this project started and continues in spite of wars, illiteracy, devastation and poverty in the region. Read more about Mortenson's efforts at Mortenson's official website. Mortenson was in Pakistan when his driver/bodyguard reported "A village called New York" had just been bombed. The historic event of 9/11 plays a part in this hopeful story of fundamental humanity and survival.

9/11 Exhibit Opens At AADL

Mon, 08/21/2006 - 4:31pm by TimG

What were YOU doing on the tragic date of September 11, 2001? This year marks the 5th anniversary of that eventful date in American history.

As a memorial to that day, and to the many lives that were lost, the Library announces New York, September 11th by Magnum Photographers, a stunning exhibition, on national tour, of 40 photographs from the world renowned photographic cooperative, Magnum Photos.

Previously shown only at the New York Historical Society in 2001, months after the attacks, the exhibit will be on view through Wednesday, October 11 in the Downtown Library’s Multi-Purpose Room, lower level glass case exhibit area and Third Floor Exhibit spaces. The Ann Arbor District Library is the first stop on the national tour of this powerful exhibit.

A companion book New York September 11 is also available at the Library.

Bessie Smith and the Night Riders by Sue Stauffacher

Sat, 08/19/2006 - 9:37am by Tahira

Emmarene is excited when Bessie Smith and the Harlem Frolics arrive in her town. She can't afford a ticket to the show and waits outside the tent for a peak at Bessie. She sees a member of the Ku Klux Klan pulling out the stakes of the tent and runs in to warn Bessie. To her surprise Bessie comes out and confronts the Ku Klux Klan, frightening them off. Based on a true story with some embellishment for the entertainment of younger readers, Sue Stauffacher shows how the courage of one person can save the lives of many.

Northeast Building Project Approved by AA City Council

Fri, 08/11/2006 - 9:58am by aadl-news

The site plan and rezoning request for the third branch building project for the Ann Arbor District Library, a replacement for the NEB located in Plymouth Mall, were both unanimously approved at the August 10 City Council meeting. Construction documents are being finalized and the project will be bid out over the next two months. Groundbreaking is expected to occur in late September or early October and we anticipate a Spring 2008 opening.

The new branch will be located at the southwest corner of Traverwood and Huron Parkway, 1/2 mile from the current NE library branch location. The site plan includes on street parking, covered parking under the building and parking in an exposed lot south of the building.

This library branch was designed by VanTine|Guthrie Studio and will be constructed by O'Neal Construction.

Equipment for Sale

Mon, 08/07/2006 - 11:47am by amy

Check out our new "Equipment Sale" link under the About Us section of our site.