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!

Strengthening Families

Wed, 10/22/2014 - 4:20pm by aadl staff

The Washtenaw Success By 6 Great Start Collaborative invite all teachers, caregivers, and others who work with young children to a presentation on strengthening families. Learn about the Five Protective Factors:

Parental Resilience
Social Connections
Concrete support in times of need
Knowledge of parenting and child development
Social and Emotional competence in children

Research shows these factors make all families stronger, even those dealing with toxic stress and trauma.

This Free event will be held on Friday, November 21 at WISD from 12:30 - 2:30. If you are interested, please RSVP

For further questions, please contact Elizabeth Smith at 734-994-8100 or esmith@washtenawisd.org.

Ann Arbor Film Festival's DVD Release Party

Tue, 10/14/2014 - 12:22pm by anned

Looking for something to do tonight? Catch the premiere of the AAFF Volume 7 DVD at the launch party on Tuesday, October 14 at 9pm at Arbor Brewing Company. As part of WCBN's monthly movie night series, WCBN and AAFF will co-present the first peek at the Volume 7 DVD featuring award-winning films and other works of interest from the 52nd AAFF. Doors open at 8:30pm and the movie begins at 9pm.

Can't make it tonight? AADL has DVDs from past festivals that you can check out. You can also explore the Ann Arbor Film Festival Archive featuring photos, interviews, posters, articles, and programs from the history of the fabulous film festival.

Professional Recertification Program @ JFS

Mon, 10/06/2014 - 2:51pm by Beth Manuel

One of the most challenging aspects about coming to a new country would be to ensure your professional certification from home is valid in your new community. This can be a barrier that many immigrants face with difficulty due to the expense. Now, Jewish Family Services has such a recertification program for new immigrants to be certified as an accountant, a teacher, a barber or a number of professions, per the attached brochure. Give Dominic Ortega, the JFS Career Services Advisor, a call at 734-769-0209. Translation services available.

Local Event: Check Out 11 Homes

Sat, 09/27/2014 - 4:26pm by annevm

If you’re looking for something fun and educational to do the weekend of Oct. 4-5, check out the Remodelers Home Tour, put on by the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Ann Arbor and the Washtenaw Remodelers Council. Hours are Saturday 11 am – 6 pm and Sunday noon – 6 pm; cost is $10 per adult. Here at the library we have lots of good information about remodeling.

Nature Walk @ Barton Nature Area

Thursday May 7, 2015: 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Barton Nature Area
Adults, Teens And Youth (Grade K And Up).

Start Saving Now!

Thu, 09/11/2014 - 12:37pm by Beth Manuel

Here's a tip to help you start saving money on your energy and water bills. If you're a DTE DTE customer, you can receive a free, in-home assessment from them that provides you with items that can start saving you money on your utility bills pronto. In fact, you can borrow one of our energy meters to find out exactly which of your appliances or electronics are the energy-suckers. What sorts of items are provided by DTE, you ask? Up to 75 new compact fluorescent light bulbs in a variety of styles; water-saving faucet aerators & shower heads and the peace of mind that you are doing what you can to save the planet. And cash.

Nicola's Book: Meet Rachel DeWoskin

Thu, 09/04/2014 - 2:20pm by annevm

Author Rachel DeWoskin will visit Nicola's Books in Westgate Shopping Center on Sept. 12 at 7 p.m., following publication of "Blind," her debut young-adult novel.
From Publishers Weekly: " At the start of Emma’s freshman year, she loses her sight in a freak accident. Despite help and support from her parents, six siblings, best friend Logan, and classmates at Briarly—a school for the blind Emma attends before she “mainstreams” back to her local high school—Emma wants to curl up and die. But when Claire, a friend from her “old life,” kills herself by swallowing a cocktail of painkillers and drowning, Emma rethinks her “PBK” (poor blind kid) attitude and her approach to recovery. While writing the book, DeWoskin learned Braille at the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind . . . " The book is for readers age 12 and up. DeWoskin, an Ann Arbor native, lives in Chicago. Her previous books include Foreign Babes in Beijing: Behind the scenes of a new China and Big Girl Small, which won the Alex Award from the American Library Association.

It's time for the Dawn Farm Jamboree!

Tue, 09/02/2014 - 3:01pm by Beth Manuel

You’re invited to have a great time while supporting a great cause at Dawn Farm's Fantastic 43rd Anniversary Jamboree on Sunday, September 11th, 2014 from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm! Admission and all activities are free! This is a great family activity with hayrides, pony rides, crafts and a children’s tent, too. Visit the working farm or bid on unique items in both silent and live auctions. Food and beverages will be for sale for a variety of tastes. Funds raised from the auctions will help support critical addiction services for individuals who need help and lack resources. For more information, or if you would like to volunteer at the event, call 734-485-8725 or email Megan at mrodgers@dawnfarm.org.

City Of Ann Arbor 2015 Sustainable Ann Arbor Forum: Responsible Resource Use

Thursday April 9, 2015: 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room