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Two Finalists for 2010

Update 11/2/09: The Living Great Lakes is the selection for the 2010 Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads.

A selection committee of community leaders, librarians, students and educators in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area will meet in mid-October to choose one of two books as the focus for this year on the subject of Michigan. Which book should be chosen? We appreciate your comments and opinions.

The two book finalists are available in alternative formats for those who are unable to read or use printed materials due to a physical disability (blindness, macular degeneration, paralysis, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, dyslexia, etc.). Please contact the Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled at 1-734-327-4224.

Click on the titles below for more information about the books and authors, and to add your comments.

The two books under consideration are:

ArcOfJustice Kevin Boyle, Arc of Justice: A Saga of Race, Civil Rights, and Murder in the Jazz Age. New York: H. Holt, 2004.
LivingGreat Lakes Jerry Dennis, The Living Great Lakes: Searching for the Heart of the Inland Seas. New York: Thomas Dunne Books, 2003.

Sponsors: 2010

Thanks to the following organizations for their contributions to the 2010 Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads:
Ann Arbor District Library
University of Michigan
Washtenaw Community College
Ypsilanti District Library

Special Thanks to the Following Individuals Who Served on 2010 Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads Committees:

Blue Ribbon Committee
Laurel Champion, Executive Vice-President, AnnArbor.com
Mary Sue Coleman, President, University of Michigan
John Hieftje, Mayor, Ann Arbor
Dr. Susan Martin, President, Eastern Michigan University
Jill Morey, Director, Ypsilanti District Library
Josie Barnes Parker, Director, Ann Arbor District Library
Paul Schreiber, Mayor, Ypsilanti
Dr. Larry Whitworth, President, Washtenaw Community College

Steering Committee
Donna DeButts, Community Relations Coordinator, Ypsilanti District Library
Tim Grimes, Community Relations and Marketing Manager, Ann Arbor District Library
Lori Kunkel-Coryell, Assistant Director, Ypsilanti District Library
Ira Lax, Outreach Assistant, Ann Arbor District Library
Evans Young, Assistant Dean, College of Literature, Science and the Arts, University of Michigan

Screening Committee
Lori Kunkel-Coryell, Assistant Director, Ypsilanti District Library, Co-Chair
Ira Lax, Outreach Assistant, Ann Arbor District Library, Co-Chair
Maureen Angyan, Teacher, Ypsilanti Public Schools,
Jeanine Bessette, Assistant Director, Residence Education, University Housing, Univerity of Michigan
Kathe Blue Hetter, Teacher, Ann Arbor Public Schools
Michael Homel, Professor, Eastern Michigan University History Department
Elizabeth James, UM Center for Afroamerican and African Studies
Molly Mahony, Tanner Philosophy Librarian, Department of Philosophy, University of Michigan
Sara Memmott, Librarian, Eastern Michigan University
Judy Nagle, author
Nicola Rooney, Nicola’s Books,

Selection Committee
Molly Mahoney, Philosophy Librarian, University of Michigan, Chair
Vicki Browne, Librarian, Ann Arbor District Library
Destiny Cebuhar, Student, Ypsilanti
Paula Drummond, Librarian, Ypsilanti District Library
Britnee Johnson, Student, Ann Arbor
Billie Ocheberg, Ann Arbor
Marcia Schaffer, Teacher, Ann Arbor
Robert Stevens, Librarian, Eastern Michigan University
Larry Vandenbergen, Ypsilanti

Outreach Committee
Donna DeButts, Community Relations Coordinator, Ypsilanti District Library
Sharon Gambin, Inventory Supervisor, Border’s Books and Music
Tim Grimes, Community Relations and Marketing Manager, Ann Arbor District Library
Chuck Hatt, Coordinator for Literacy and Social Studies Instruction, Ann Arbor Public Schools
Ira Lax, Outreach Assistant, Ann Arbor District Library
Molly Mohoney, Philosophy Librarian, University of Michigan
Jean Nelson, Liaison, Washtenaw Community College
Kate Pittsley, Business Librarian, Eastern Michigan University
Nicola Rooney, Owner, Nicola’s Books
Gayle Townsend, Community Relations Manager, Barnes and Noble Bookstores
Evans Young, Assistant Dean, College of Literature, Science and the Arts, University of Michigan

How to Participate: 2010

Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads 2010 is a community-wide event! How may you participate?

Hold A Discussion Group In Your Community

Organize an event or discussion related to the read.
Events may be open to the public or restricted. Examples include:
• Book clubs wishing to use the book at a private meeting or discussion
• College or high school instructors assigning the book to their class
• Local workplaces hosting discussion groups for their employees
• Coffee shops inviting customers to connect over coffee on a particular night
• Film societies presenting a film related to the topic

Learn How To Moderate a Discussion Group
All of the information that you need to moderate your own discussion group can be found on our Resources page.

Tell Us About Your Event

If you have an event related to the Read, and would like to have it listed on this site, please contact Shannon Riffe, Ann Arbor District Library Community Relations and Marketing Program Assistant at riffes@aadl.org (734-327-4228). Please tell us the title of the event, date, time, location, sponsoring organization and contact information. Also, let us know if registration is required or if the event is on a drop-in basis.

Keep Checking this Website for Updates!
The site will change often as events are added. Please check for changes.

Ann Arbor Reads Events: 2010

ANN ARBOR/YPSILANTI READS AUTHOR EVENT

Acclaimed author Jerry Dennis will make a special appearance as part of Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads. His book, 'The Living Great Lakes: Searching For The Heart Of The Inland Seas', has been chosen as the focus of the 2010 Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads program.

On Thursday, January 28 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Towsley Auditorium of the Morris Lawrence Building at Washtenaw Community College (4800 Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor), he will discuss this book as well as his own thoughts on the Great Lakes and his personal 4-week journey through the lakes and beyond as a crew-member on a tall-masted schooner (which formed the basis of the book). A booksigning will follow and books will be on sale at this event, courtesy of Nicola’s Books. For information, call 327-4555

This appearance is a key event for the 2010 Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads program, which this year focuses on the theme of Michigan.

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OTHER EVENTS

Sunday, January 3, 2:00- 3:30 pm
Concert: The Paul Keller Trio – The Michigan Jazz Suite

This acclaimed trio Paul Keller (Paul Keller (bass), Steve Richko (piano) and Sean Dobbins (drums) will perform Keller’s Michigan Jazz Suite (which won the 2009 Detroit Music Award for Outstanding Jazz Recording). The Michigan Jazz Suite is a compilation of 15 jazz tone poems inspired by famous Michigan destinations, people, events and icons and filled with vivid imagery.
Ann Arbor District Library - Downtown Library Multi-Purpose Room
343 South Fifth Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
For information, call 327-4555

Wednesday, January 6, 7:00 - 8:30pm
Lecture: University of Michigan’s Margaret Noori Discusses Native Americans Of Michigan: The Three Fires Confederacy

The US census of 1900 counted 6,354 Indians in Michigan. What did that census statistic mean at that time? What is the current census count of this Michigan population and what does it mean? A strong sense of social and environmental identity, and the ability to resist and accommodate change, has influenced Michigan Native American over the last two centuries. Join us for this fascinating look into the Michigan Native American culture and history. Margaret Noori is Director of the Comprehensive Studies Program and teaches the Anishinaabe Language and American Indian Literature at the University of Michigan.
Ann Arbor District Library - Downtown Library Multi-Purpose Room
343 South Fifth Ave
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
For information, call 327-4555

Monday, January 11, 7:00- 8:30 pm
Lecture: Great Lakes Shipwrecks: Committed To The Deep: Exploring Underwater Treasures With Detroit Historical Society Curator Joel Stone

The very first ship on the upper Great Lakes, LaSalle’s Griffon, sailed only a single voyage before disappearing beneath the waves. Since then, thousands of other vessels, along with their crews, have met the same fate. What remains of their ships and cargos beneath the mighty Great Lakes? What are the stories of those adventurers who brave the waters of the deep to search for these sunken monuments of the seas? Join us for a fascinating tour of the mysteries of the Lakes with Detroit Historical Society curator Joel Stone.
Ann Arbor District Library - Downtown Library Multi-Purpose Room
343 South Fifth Ave
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
For information, call 327-4555

Saturday, January 16, 2:00- 3:30 pm
Lecture: Auto Expert & Automotive Magazine Publisher David E. Davis Jr. Discusses The 2010 Auto Show And The Future Of Michigan’s Auto Industry

What does the future hold for this industry in Michigan? What trends can be spotted from this year’s Auto Show? David E. Davis Jr. will also discuss his historic automobile life in Michigan and why he and his wife chose to return and live here. Davis is an automobile journalist and magazine publisher. His career in the automotive industry spanned from race car driver, factory worker and car salesman to ad salesman with Road & Track and copywriter for Corvette advertisements before becoming a writer for Car and Driver magazine in 1962. He wrote for that publication until 1967 and later became its editor and publisher from 1976 to 1985 before leaving to found Automobile magazine. Time magazine called Davis the "dean of automotive journalists."
Ann Arbor District Library - Downtown Library Multi-Purpose Room
343 South Fifth Ave
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
For information, call 327-4555

Sunday, January 24, 2:00- 3:30 pm
Lecture: Michigan: If You Seek An Interesting History, Look Around You Discussed By Martin Hershock, Assistant Professor and Department Chair of History at the University of Michigan, Dearborn

The presentation will offer a broad overview of Michigan's history from the time of its earliest native inhabitants up through the present day. Among the themes to be emphasized will be: migration, mobility and diversity; the importance of geography in Michigan's past; Michigan's extractive industries; the rise of the auto industry; environmental history; the legal landscape; and urbanization and post-industrialism.
Martin Hershock is also the author of The Paradox of Progress: Economic Change, Individual Enterprise, and Political Culture in Michigan, and co-editor of The History of Michigan Law (Law, Society & Politics in the Midwest), and The Political Lincoln: An Encyclopedia.
Ann Arbor District Library - Malletts Creek Branch
3090 E. Eisenhower Parkway
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
For information, call 327-4200

Thursday, January 28, 7:30- 8:30 pm
Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads Author Jerry Dennis Discuss This Year’s Reads Book ‘The Living Great Lakes: Searching For The Heart Of The Inland Seas’

Dennis will discuss this book as well as his own thoughts on the Great Lakes and his personal 4-week journey through the lakes and beyond as a crew-member on a tall-masted schooner (which formed the basis of the book). A booksigning will follow and books will be on sale at this event, courtesy of Nicola’s Books.
Morris Lawrence Building
Washtenaw Community College
4800 Huron River Drive
Ann Arbor, MI
For information, call 327-4555

Saturday, February 6, 3:00- 4:00pm
Fur, Feathers, and Scales

Come see native Michigan animals and learn about the classification of animals from the folks at Leslie Science Center. (Youth)
Ypsilanti District Library
5577 Whittaker Road
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Details: 734.482.4110 ext. 1340

Sunday, February 7, 2:00- 3:30pm
Concert: A Tribute to the Golden Age of Jazz with the Detroit-Based Jazz Group, Giant Steps, Featuring Allan Barnes

For over 40 years, the legendary Allan Barnes, a gifted instrumentalist, talented composer, and performer, has created a series of recordings of unparalled mastery. Giant Steps is a compilation of Detroit's finest jazz band leaders, featuring Cliff Monear (piano), Sunny Wilkinson (vocals), Rayse Biggs (trumpet), Gayelynn McKinney (drums) and Nick Calandro, Jr. (bass)
Ann Arbor District Library - Downtown Library Multi-Purpose Room
343 South Fifth Ave
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
For information, call 327-4555

Thursday, February 11, 7:00- 8:30pm
Michigan Eats! with Yvonne Lockwood, Curator of Folklife at the MSU Museum

Yvonne Lockwood shares images and stories about local and regional foods in Michigan. From muskrat dinners to Coneys, she will discus the variety of unique foods and the traditions surrounding them.
Ann Arbor District Library - Downtown Library Multi-Purpose Room
343 South Fifth Ave
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
For information, call 327-4555

Saturday, February 13, 1:00- 2:00pm
Sing a Song of Michigan with Carl Behrend

Join us in celebrating one of Michigan’s greatest natural resources with folksinger Carl Behrend whose songs are inspired by the people, legends, and historic tales of our Great Lakes. (All Ages)
Ypsilanti District Library
5577 Whittaker Road
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Details: 734.482.4110 ext. 1377

Monday, February 15, 7:00 - 8:30pm
Current Ecological Issues of the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes have undergone massive environmental change since European settlement. James Diana, Director of the Michigan Sea Grant College Program, University of Michigan, will discuss the dramatic changes that have occurred in the Lakes, including invasive species, as well as the changes likely to occur over the future.
Ann Arbor District Library - Downtown Library Multi-Purpose Room
343 South Fifth Ave
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
For information, call 327-4555

Tuesday, February 16, 7:00- 8:00pm
Soup Talk with Local Chef Bee Mayhew

Winter is the perfect time to cook soup to feed your friends and family. Local chef and restaurateur Bee Mayhew from Beezy’s Café and Coffee in downtown Ypsilanti will talk about making soup using everyday Michigan food products. Come add to your recipe files and try a soup sample! (Adult/Teen)
Ypsilanti District Library
5577 Whittaker Road
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Details: 734.482.4110 ext. 1377

Sunday, February 21, 2:00- 4:00pm
Historic Photographs of Ann Arbor

Wystan Stevens, local history buff, and Kingsbury Marzolf, retired UM professor, present photographs from the very rare local history book, 'Art Work of Washtenaw County,' which was published in 1893. Cosponsored by the Washtenaw County Historical Society.
Ann Arbor District Library - Downtown Library Multi-Purpose Room
343 South Fifth Ave
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
For information, call 327-4555

Thursday, February 25, 7:00 - 8:30pm
Alternative Energy and Michigan's Future

Larry Kaufman of DTE, Trista Gregorski of the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, and Sean Reed of Clean Energy Coalition will discuss wind energy, solar energy, and biofuels and their impact on Michigan.
Ann Arbor District Library - Downtown Library Multi-Purpose Room
343 South Fifth Ave
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
For information, call 327-4555

Saturday, February 27, 2:00- 4:00pm
Crafternoons @ Superior: Michigan Mittens

Make your own decorative foam mitten. (Youth)
Ypsilanti District Library
8975 MacArthur Blvd.
Ypsilanti, MI 48198
Details: 734.482.3747

Thursday, March 4, 7:00- 9:00pm
Strut Your Stuff: Motown Karaoke at YDL!

In YDL’s first-ever karaoke event, come as you are or dress as your favorite performer and “strut your stuff.” Take a turn solo or as a group. Have fun singing and watching everyone’s take on the legendary Motown sound. This is not a contest, but a celebration of Michigan’s great musical heritage. (Adult/Teen)
Ypsilanti District Library
5577 Whittaker Road
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Details: 734.482.4110 ext. 1377

Saturday, March 6, 2:00pm
Michigan Magic! Women’s History ALIVE!

Sandra Hansen’s wonderful one-woman show is filled with magic tricks and the tales, trials, and tribulations of six women in Michigan history. Laughter and learning for all ages!
Ypsilanti District Library
5577 Whittaker Road
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Details: 734.482.4110 ext. 1377

Sunday, March 7, 2:00- 4:00 pm
Cook Michigan! Celebrate the Foods of Our Great Lakes State

Calling chefs of all ages! We’re celebrating Michigan’s bounty with a cooking contest. Create a dish featuring at least one made or grown in Michigan food products and bring it in to the library for judging on March 7. Entry forms with all rules and details will be available at all YDL locations starting February 1.
Ypsilanti District Library
5577 Whittaker Road
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Details: 734.482.4110 ext. 1377

Book Discussions: 2010

BOOK DISCUSSIONS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Thursday, February 4, 1:00pm
Thursday Morning Book Discussion Group

Engage in an hour-long lively discussion about 'The Living Great Lakes: Searching for the Heart of the Inland Seas' by Jerry Dennis (the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads selection). Anyone is welcome to attend.
Ypsilanti District Library
Conference Room 1C
5577 Whittaker Road
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Details: 734.482.4110 ext. 1376

Wednesday, February 10, 7:00pm
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion Group

Engage in an hour-long lively discussion about 'The Living Great Lakes: Searching for the Heart of the Inland Seas' by Jerry Dennis (the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads selection). Anyone is welcome to attend.
Ann Arbor District Library - Malletts Creek Branch
3090 E. Eisenhower Parkway
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Details: 327-4200 or visit aadl.org

Saturday, March 8, 7:00 pm
Monday Evening Book Discussion Group

Engage in an hour-long lively discussion about 'The Living Great Lakes: Searching for the Heart of the Inland Seas' by Jerry Dennis (the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads selection). Anyone is welcome to attend.
Ypsilanti District Library
5577 Whittaker Road
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Details: 734.482.4110 ext. 1306

Saturday, March 15, 7:00 pm
Monday Evening Book Discussion Group

Engage in an hour-long lively discussion about 'The Living Great Lakes: Searching for the Heart of the Inland Seas' by Jerry Dennis (the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads selection). Anyone is welcome to attend. Refreshments will be provided during the discussion.
Barnes & Noble
3235 Washtenaw Avenue (at Huron Parkway)
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Wednesday, March 24, 7:00 pm
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion Group

Engage in an hour-long lively discussion about 'The Living Great Lakes: Searching for the Heart of the Inland Seas' by Jerry Dennis (the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads selection). Anyone is welcome to attend.
Tanner Philosophy Library
1171 Angell Hall (located on the first floor, south)
435 S. State Street, Ann Arbor
If questions, e-mail: mcmahony@umich.edu

About the Reads: 2010

In 2010, the program will encourage readers of all ages to explore the theme of Michigan.

   

Jerry Dennis, The Living Great Lakes: Searching for the Heart of the Inland Seas. New York: Thomas Dunne Books, 2003.


Click here for information about the two finalists.

Click here for our Facebook page.

Statement of Purpose

The Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads program is a community initiative to promote reading and civic dialogue through the shared experience of reading and discussing a common book.

History

Launched in 2003 by the University of Michigan Life Sciences, Values and Society Program, the Reads project was fashioned after a civic reads program designed by the Seattle Public Library. The book chosen for the inaugural Reads was “Lincoln’s DNA,” by Phillip R. Reilly. The Ann Arbor District Library was a major partner in this effort along with other area organizations.

In subsequent years, the Reads Program has been co-sponsored by the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti District Libraries and is supported by interested civic groups, the University of Michigan School of LS&A, the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Public Schools, local bookstores, Eastern Michigan University Libraries and Washtenaw Community College.

Reads Theme

The theme that informs the selection of potential reads titles often follows the broad topic chosen for the University of Michigan’s LS&A School for its annual “theme semester.” Previous themes have included a review of civil rights in the United States in celebration of the anniversary of Brown v Board of Education; “Revolutions in Science,” a discussion of evolution and the scientific method and “We the People...” how we define citizenship; in 2008 the theme was China and America: Bridging Two Worlds; and for 2009, The Universe: Yours to Discover. However, this year the Steering Committee opted for a general theme of “Michigan.”

Book Selection

Books chosen for the Reads should meet the following criteria:

Readability:
- The writing should be engaging and thought-provoking.
- The subjects discussed should be accessible to readers throughout the community, high-school age and above.
- The length, price and availability of the book should be suited to involvement by the general public.
The book should be available in audio format.

Appropriateness:
- The book should explore and develop an understanding of the theme of the Read.
- Its treatment of issues should encourage readers to discuss the subjects further with others, at home, work, reading clubs and community events.
- Ideally, the exploration of these concerns should lead to constructive dialogues across the many boundaries that presently separate members of our community from each other, whether by race, gender, age, residence, occupation, or other affiliation.

Process:
Selecting the final book for the Reads is a two-pronged process. During the summer the Book Screening Committee made up of individuals selected as representative of various civic constituencies read approximately thirty titles of fiction and non-fiction that reflect the year’s theme. In the fall, the Book Selection Committee reviews the three titles suggested by the Screening Committee and makes a final recommendation of the Reads book for the coming year.

The titles selected for the 2011 Reads will be announced in September 2010. Please watch this site for more information.

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Media

AADL Productions Podcast: AA/Ypsi Reads Author Jerry Dennis

In this episode, 2010 Ann Arbor Ypsilanti Reads author Jerry Dennis stops by to talk about Reads title The Living Great Lakes: Searching for the Heart of the Inland Seas. Apart from being an award-winning nature writer, Jerry is also a lifelong Michigander whose experience of the Great Lakes reaches back to boyhood fishing trips. In this interview we learn about his life as a writer and what he has learned about the lakes through his research and many conversations with the people who live along them. We also get to hear his feelings about what makes the lakes so important to Michigan and Michigan so important to the fight to keep the lakes healthy. You can also watch the video of Jerry's presentation at Washtenaw Community College in the AADL Video Collection.

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Blog Post

Our Future Great Lakes Ecosystem

by iralax

Residents of the Great Lakes region share a devotion to our magnificent freshwater lakes for the many ways they enhance our lives. The lakes are part of a living ecosystem and their health, and that of the organisms that depend on them, is greatly influenced by human activity. James Diana, Director of the Michigan Sea Grant College Program, will review the massive environmental changes since European settlement. He'll look at current issues like Asian carp, round gobies, zebra and quagga mussels, botulism and harmful algal blooms to help us think about the future of this amazing natural resource. Join him at the Downtown Library, Monday, Feb. 15, 7-8:30 pm.

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Blog Post

Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads Author Event with Jerry Dennis

by shannon riffe

Jerry Dennis, the author of this year's selection for the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads, 'The Living Great Lakes: Searching For The Heart Of The Inland Seas', will make a special appearance at Washtenaw Community College on Thursday, January 28. Dennis, a resident of Traverse City, will discuss his 4-week journey through the Lakes as a crew-member on a tall-masted schooner. If you haven't yet read this fascinating book, we've got plenty of copies in stock. The focus of the 2010 Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads program is Michigan and we have many more events planned through January and February around this theme. See them here.