AADL Talks To: Bill Zirinsky and Ruth Schekter of Crazy Wisdom

Mon, 04/03/2023 - 9:48am

In this episode of AADL Talks To, we interview Bill Zirinsky and Ruth Schekter. Bill and Ruth discuss their history running the Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and the Crazy Wisdom Journal. They also talk about their time in Ann Arbor, including some of the city’s changes over the years. They discuss their experience as a unique “new age” bookstore in a town known for its book shops.

AADL Talks To: Hollanders

Tue, 02/15/2022 - 3:13pm

In this episode AADL Talks To Tom and Cindy Hollander, owners of Hollander’s. The specialty paper business formerly resided in Kerrytown from 1991-2020. The business began in Ann Arbor in 1986, when the Hollanders started by running the business out of their home. After many renovations and expansions, the store eventually became a 14,000 square foot site and must-see destination in Kerrytown’s historic Godfrey Building. 

Tom and Cindy Hollander at Hollander's in Kerrytown, April 1992

AADL Talks to: Jay Stielstra

Mon, 07/27/2020 - 10:11am

In this episode, AADL Talks to Ann Arbor playwright, coach, teacher, and songwriter, Jay Stielstra. Jay discusses his life and work as a teacher and a coach in the Ann Arbor Public Schools; how he became a playwright without ever having been backstage; and how a kid from Ludington, Michigan who just wanted to be a football coach ended up being one of Ann Arbor's most prominent singer-songwriters.

Historical articles and photographs about Jay Stielstra in our Community Collections 

AADL Talks to Larry E. Wright

Thu, 12/12/2019 - 12:52pm

In this episode, Larry E. Wright, longtime photographer for the Ann Arbor News, talks about being mentored by chief photographer Cecil Lockard, life at a daily newspaper, and how sometimes a photographer's most valuable piece of equipment is his personality.

AADL Talks to Keith Alexander

Mon, 01/04/2016 - 2:03pm

Keith Alexander was raised by a petty thief who didn't believe in working a day job. In Forgery of the Month Club, his memoir, he talks about this experience and how it made him is who he is today.

AADL Talks To Cindy Williams

Fri, 12/18/2015 - 10:58am

Actress, writer, and producer Cindy Williams is one of the most recognizable names and faces of 1970s & 1980s television.

Best known for her starring role in the hit TV show "Laverne and Shirley," she also had lead roles in such iconic films such as "American Graffiti" and Francis Ford Coppola's "The Conversation."

While millions have been entertained by her good-natured personality and comedy antics, she has rarely spoken about her life in entertainment, and how she came to star in one of the most popular shows of all time.

Cindy took a few minutes to speak with librarian Erin Helmrich before her presentation here at the Ann Arbor District Library. To view her presentation in its entirety view the video.

AADL Talks To: Ryan Gregg, Rishi Narayan, and Bud Van de Wege Jr. of Moe Sport Shop

Wed, 10/28/2015 - 12:01pm

In 1915, University of Michigan alumnus George J. Moe quit his job with the Michigan athletic department to pursue his dream of opening a shop devoted to quality apparel and athletic equipment. The Moe Sport Shop became one of Ann Arbor’s most beloved institutions. Did you know that team logo wear began at Moe's? And that Moe's invented the Official's striped jersey we all like to boo on football Saturdays?

100 years later, the tradition continues at 711 N. University. AADL sat down with current owners Ryan Gregg and Rishi Narayan and former owner Bud Van de Wege Jr. to explore the history of the Moe Sport Shop, the changes to the store over the years and how the shop remains a vibrant presence in the 21st century.

The Star-Spangled Bannercast with Mark Clague: Alternate Lyrics for the Banner

Wed, 08/05/2015 - 12:29pm

In celebration of the 200th anniversary of The Star-Spangled Banner, UM School of Music, Theatre & Dance Professor Mark Clague talks with us about the banner and its place in the tradition of broadside ballads.

In this Bannercast, Mark discusses the lyrics of the anthem, with special focus on the verses of the original song that are no longer commonly sung.

AADL Talks to Mark Clague: The Musical Changes to Our Banner

Wed, 07/22/2015 - 10:38am

In celebration of the 200th anniversary year of The Star Spangled Banner, UM School of Music, Theatre & Dance Professor Mark Clague talks with us about musical changes to our national anthem over time.

The celebration continues at your downtown library with Banner Moments: The National Anthem in American Life - an exhibit that illustrates through interpretive panels, historical documents and photographs, the cultural 200-year history of “The Star-Spangled Banner” from June 14, 2015 through August 30, 2015 in the Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

The Star-Spangled Bannercast with Mark Clague: The Banner at War

Wed, 07/22/2015 - 10:36am

In celebration of the 200th anniversary of The Star-Spangled Banner, UM School of Music, Theatre & Dance Professor Mark Clague talks with us about our national anthem during wartime start with the war of 1812.

In this Bannercast edition, Mark traces the role that music, and especially The Star-Spangled Banner, played in the United States military conflicts, starting with the War of 1812, and traveling through years when the anthem and its various versions were embraced for their patriotism and message.