Blog Post
It's Almost That Time!
by sherlonya
Summer reading time is almost here!
This year the theme for AADL’s summer reading program will be Make it Happen. All summer long we will offer a variety of hands-on programs. Whether you’re hoping to learn more about making jewelry, listen to concerts, play games, or check out material, you can make it happen at AADL this summer.
All ages are invited to play the summer reading game (June 18-August 13). You can even register online. The youth game includes incentive stickers, stamps and prizes along the way to reading or listening to 10 books. Teens have many choices of activities to complete the game and become eligible for a prize drawing. Adults, yes, there is something for you too.
Join us at for our Summer Reading Kick-off concert at The Ark! Billy Jonas will get kids moving to sounds generated from "industrial re-percussion" instruments made from found objects. Families will have the opportunity to register for the summer reading program at this concert. We hope to see you there Wednesday, June 23, 6:30-8:30 PM.
The popular Lego Contest and Graffiti Art Contests are back this year. There will also be a Make It Happen In Ann Arbor Photo Contest. This year's contest details will be available June 18.
At the end of the day, we hope you have fun this summer, and we want to be a part of that fun! We hope to see you soon.
Blog Post
Your Guide to Avoiding Summer Boredom
by flora
I don’t know about you, but I’m counting down the days until summer vacation! Summer is the perfect time to explore, build, create, imagine, and discover. Here some books and websites to get you started, whatever your interests or age:
Howtoons.com is a comic-style website of directions for making some crazy new toys. How about a Speed Blaster or Robofingers? There is something for everyone here and all the projects can be made with common household items like pop bottles, paper plates, and straws.
If you’re planning a campout or a hike, Camp Out! and Follow the Trail have all sorts of information about what to bring, what to do, and how to prepare for emergencies. Another fun book is Cooking in a Can, full of recipes for cooking over a campfire, from vegetables to grilled sandwiches to cake.
Even from your backyard or a park you can get up close with nature. 101 Nature Experiments includes how to grow various types of gardens, make your own compost, and discover all sorts of things about critters, bugs, and plants up close.
More into art than science? How to Draw What You See and Illustrating Nature will get you ready to draw and paint plants, animals, and landscapes 'en plein air'. There are also tons of crafts to make using stuff from nature: check out Organic Crafts, Ecology Crafts for Kids, and Nature’s Art Box for inspiration.
Summer is also a great time to update your wardrobe. How about making your own purse from fabric and embellishments, jewelry from beads and fiber, or perhaps a wallet or tool belt made from duct tape? These books give step-by-step instructions for creating one-of-a-kind accessories to keep or give as gifts. The Hip Handbag Book, Ductigami, Hemp Masters, and Creative Beading will get you started and you can let your creativity do the rest.
Finally, don't forget about the AADL Summer Reading program! Our theme this year is "Make it Happen," and events include art workshops, games, and all sorts of activities. Check out the Summer Reading events page to make sure you don't miss out!
Blog Post
BabySitting Bits - MAKE It Happen!
by ryanikoglu
A great summer job for older kids is to be a "babysitter".
If you are good at it, it's a great weekend job all year 'round.
The following books will help prepare you for doing a great job:
Babysitting 101: Your Complete Guide To Becoming The Best Babysitter
Babysitter's Handbook
Babysitting Safety provide successful tactics for leading young children in safe activities.
Babysitting Activities: Fun With Kids Of All Ages
If you know what ages you will watch, these books describe what kids might be interested in for their age ....
Babies: All You Need To Know
Hello Benny! a book about "what it's like to be a baby".
Go! Go! Maria! a book about "what it's like to be 1".
Sweet Jasmine, Nice Jackson a book about "what it's like to be 2 ... and twins!".
Blog Post
Teen Volunteers Needed at AADL
by K.C.
AADL needs teen volunteers to help sign up summer reading participants June 17-July 2. Interested? You need to:
-be in grades 6-12 in the fall,
-attend training Thursday, June 17, 4:30-5:30 p.m.,
-work June 17-July 2.
Stop by the branch (Downtown, West, Malletts Creek, Pittsfield, or Traverwood) at which you are interested in helping. Go to the information desk, sign up, and take forms to complete. Return completed forms by Friday, June 11.
Jump in and lend a hand to make this our biggest summer yet!
Blog Post
History Bits - Building America
by ryanikoglu
History in Picture Books is difficult to place where kids might discover it. Picture Books limit the text, illustrate the drama, and make real stories in history come alive for children. Here are some wonderful stories of the building of American landmarks:
Twenty One Elephants is a story of P.T Barnum's elephants and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Sky Boys and the building of the Empire State Building in 1931, one of the first "Skyscrapers".
Steel Town is the story of life near steel mills of the 1930s as America built massive industry.
Lady Liberty the story of the inspiration, model and construction of the statue of Liberty.
Blog Post
Book Bingo!
by kidlit
Kids in grades K - 5 are invited to join us at the Pittsfield Branch on Thursday, July 30 from 2 - 3:30 for an afternoon of bingo. Prizes will be books, generously donated by the Friends of the Ann Arbor District Library. Each child can win one book. There will be other smaller prizes for any subsequent wins. Parents should plan on staying with the youngest players.
Blog Post
Ben Spitzer - Juggler and Comedian
by kidlit
Ben Spitzer, juggler and comedian, will return to Ann Arbor on Tuesday, July 28th for two shows to liven up your summer. He'll be at the Pittsfield Branch at 2:00 p.m. and the Downtown Library at 7:00 p.m. Join us for this fun event!
To learn how to juggle yourself, go here.
Blog Post
Web Bits - I'm B-O-R-E-D !!
by ryanikoglu
SUMMER FUN sites on the internet "for staying safe and active" come from Gail Junion-Metz' column in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL. Check these sites when you have free time and perhaps get UN-bored:
Exploratorium Sport Science offers incredible science bits behind sports, like why do skateboards seem to magically stick to skater's feet?
Funology Boredom Busters for craft ideas and other things to make and play.
Zoom Activities focused on middle schoolers.
Sports4Kids Playbook for playground games and physical activities.
Blog Post
Truck Stuck author Sallie Wolf comes to Ann Arbor!
by kidlit
Calling all preschoolers who love those big noisy vehicles. Come to the Pittsfield Branch on Thursday, July 23rd at 2:00 to meet Sallie Wolf, author of the picture book Truck Stuck. See what happens when a big red truck causes a traffic jam by getting stuck under a bridge. How can it be unstuck?
Blog Post
Craft Bits - Make Exotic Pencils
by ryanikoglu
Monday we created exotic pencils to impress friends when schools start again. You can find more craft ideas to do at home in the following books:
Earth-Friendly Crafts with "clever ways to reuse everyday items".
The Usborne Children's Book Of Art an "introduction to painting ..." of famous artists, includes suggested internet links.
Usborne Complete Book Of Art Ideas with "Over 400 inspiring ideas for things to do with paints ...pens, found objects, stitches, rubbings."