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Blog Post

Library Issues RFP for Downtown Library Space Needs/Facility Study

by aadl-news

The Ann Arbor District Library is soliciting proposals from interested and qualified consultants for a space needs and facility feasibility study of the Downtown (Central) Library located at 343 S. Fifth Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

The AADL Board adopted a strategic plan in 2004 that includes a facilities goal to replace or renovate the Downtown Library. This RFP is the beginning of what is likely to be a year long process to determine the future size, scope of services, and location of the Downtown Library.

The Library anticipates award of this consulting contract within 30 days of the bid deadline of January 22, 2007. The consultant should be prepared to initiate work by March 1, 2007 with an expected completion date of no later than June 1, 2007.

Interested parties should contact Lisa Pollock at pollockl@aadl.org or call 734.327.8311 to receive a copy of the RFP document.

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Groundbreaking for New Branch Library Monday, December 18 at 4:00 PM

by aadl-news

Please join us on Monday, December 18, at 4:00 PM at the site of the new branch at Traverwood and Huron Parkway for a groundbreaking ceremony. This branch will replace the current Northeast Branch located in Plymouth Mall. We anticipate opening the new library in early Summer, 2008. This Library was designed by VanTine|Guthrie Studio in Northville, MI and will be constructed by ONeal Construction of Ann Arbor.

Located .5 mile west of the current library branch, the new 16,000 square foot facility will include a quiet reading room, meeting room, larger children's space with more computers designated for children, a casual study area with vending, computer lab, and is being built sustainably. The success we've enjoyed with the lighting quality and general comfort of Malletts Creek and Pittsfield will be present in this new building. The collection will be larger and will feature traditional and emerging formats.

A unique feature of this northeast area library will be the utilization of ash trees harvested directly from the site. The wood will be used as structural elements, as well as, in the flooring, walls, and in some areas of the ceiling.

We will also enjoy more parking at this location than at either of the other branches. 89 total spaces will be available on the street, under the building, and in an open lot to the south.

Please come and participate in this important milestone in the history of AADL.

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Pittsfield Branch Closed for the Day

by aadl-news

Pittsfield Branch has closed early, 4:00 PM, on Saturday, December 9. We apologize for the inconvenience.

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Westgate Branch Open

by aadl-news

The Westgate Branch reopens, today, Saturday, December 9 at 9:00 AM. Thank you for your patience. We are pleased with the result of the recarpeting project. This time also allowed us to install computers and relocate shelving so that we will be able to offer our patrons two new services: self pickup of Hold items and self-check out.

Enjoy!

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Public Workshop to Discuss Downtown Parking

by aadl-news

The Ann Arbor DDA and the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce are hosting a public workshop for the community on Wednesday, December 6th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the DTE Building Community Room, 425 S. Main Street, Ann Arbor to discuss downtown parking conditions.

All members of the public are invited to attend and participate. Contact the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority at dda@a2dda.org or call 734.994.6697 for more information.

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Bookshop Opens on Saturday, December 2

by aadl-news

I am pleased to announce that the Friends of the AADL have entered into an interim agreement with the Board of the Ann Arbor District Library that allows the sales of used books to resume in all library locations.

Used books are already available for purchase in the lobby Downtown and will be available in the branch libraries by Monday afternoon, November 27. The bookshop in the Downtown Library opens with a Holiday Sale on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3. The shop will be open in December on Saturday, December 9, Sunday, December 10, Saturday, December 16 and Sunday, December 17. Hours are 10-4 on Saturdays and 1-4 on Sundays. The shop will reopen on Saturday, January 6, 2007.

Please contact the Friends of the Ann Arbor District Library for more information on sales, pricing, and opportunities to volunteer by calling 734-302-7774 or by visiting their website www.hvcn.org/info/faadl.

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Update from Louisiana Libraries

by aadl-news

The Ann Arbor community generously supported an effort by AADL to send financial aid to public libraries damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Below is an update from the staff of the Jefferson Parish Public Library system. AADL generated funds were designated to the Belle Terre Branch.

"Good afternoon, everyone. Here at the Jefferson Parish Library things are steadily moving along. Lots of things have been going on since the New Orleans ALA conference when I last checked in with you. We have been working with our local Lowe’s to get 4 of our libraries painted. We are planning to re-open our Live Oak branch on November 20th, 2006. That will now make 10 of our 15 libraries re-opened since the storm: East Bank Regional, Grand Isle, Harahan, Live Oak, North Kenner, Old Metairie, Rosedale, Terrytown, West Bank Regional, and Westwego. Unfortunately, our Lafitte branch has been taken over by the local police department down there, and we can not rebuild it at this time. We have had to put plans to reinstate library service to that area on hold for now. You can view more details of our recovery by visiting our up-to-date Library Recovery Progam.

Our Friends group is still accepting financial donations for all branches, and we are still holding designated funds for libraries that have yet to re-open: Belle Terre, Gretna, Lafitte, Lakeshore, and Wagner. Thank you all for your support so far!! Though, we still have a great need…slowly, but surely, we are rebuilding back a better library system for the New Orleans metro area. We could not have done it without you!!

Irene Lunkin is the contact person for donations, adopt-a-library, and information needs. Her email is ilunkin@jefferson.lib.la.us and her phone number is 504-838-1100 ext. 222.

Thank you all for your support!"

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Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled Wins Statewide Recognition

by aadl-news

State Librarian Nancy Robertson announced Friday that the Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled is the recipient of the 2006 State Librarian's Excellence Award for exemplary public service. The Library of Michigan Foundation gives this prestigious honor, which includes a trophy and $5,000 in privately raised funds to be used for library service, to one Michigan library annually. Robertson presented the award Thursday during the Michigan Library Association annual conference at the Renaissance Center in Detroit.

"We believe that libraries today are more than a place to find books.
The library is a resource to its community and hopefully offers programming and training opportunities that will benefit its clientele,"
said Margaret Wolfe, librarian coordinator for the Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled. "We have developed partnerships with a broad spectrum of individuals, institutions and agencies that allows us to expand our programming and training opportunities. Our library consumers are the reason why we offer programs now, a month from now, and a year from now. Libraries change lives!"

The Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled serves residents of Washtenaw, Jackson and Livingston counties. As part of the National Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, the library provides traditional services like audio books, playback equipment, large-print materials and descriptive videos. "These are all essential and valued, but what makes this library exceptional is how it builds upon its core mission with programming that involves extensive outreach, innovative services and collaborations with many other community organizations," said Robertson.

The AADL staff and board salute the staff, board and county commissioners responsible for the services provided by the Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled

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Friends of AADL Postpone Preview Night and Bookshop Opening

by aadl-news

The Friends of the Ann Arbor District Library regret to announce that the opening of the Bookshop, including Preview Night, is postponed indefinitely. When the Bookshop reopens, there will be a Preview Night and all memberships will be honored. We apologize for any and all inconvenience. If you have any questions, please call the Bookshop at 734-327-4211. The Friends appreciate your support.

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Northeast Building Project Approved by AA City Council

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.