An Overview of Special Education and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) - NEW LOCATION

Monday October 19, 2015: 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Pittsfield Branch: Program Room

Sensation Stations

Thursday January 14, 2016: 10:30am to 11:30am
Malletts Creek Branch: Program Room
Ages 10 Months-2 Years

Come on a Nature Walk Thursday, August 6 at Furstenberg Nature Area!

Tue, 08/04/2015 - 3:19pm by eapearce

As part of the Ann Arbor District Library's partnership with Natural Area Preservation, we organize nature walks at various local natural areas throughout the summer! These walks are appropriate for all ages, especially those interested in learning about local flora and fauna. This coming Thursday, August 6, the nature walk will be at Furstenberg Nature Area. This 38-acre park, located off of Fuller Road, contains mesic forest, prairie and wetland ecosystems. The land was first acquired by the City of Ann Arbor in 1971 and much of the 1980s were spent turning it into the park it is today.

The walk begins at 7:00pm and goes until 8:30pm. We'll meet in the parking lot off of Fuller Road. Wear shoes that can get a little muddy and bring water and bug spray if you'd like!

If you're interested in learning more about the ecosystems and communities in the Huron River watershed, try the lovely little book Along the Huron: the natural communities along the Huron river corridor in Ann Arbor, Michigan, available in the library's collection.

Library Lists: Introducing Fine Art to Kids!

Mon, 06/29/2015 - 10:00am by eapearce

We know that kids love to create their own art, and children can recognize and be influenced by different artistic styles from a very young age. Learning about fine art can seem dry, but there are lots of great books geared towards younger ages that introduce famous artists and their work in fun and unique ways. Here are a few suggestions:

In the family-oriented An Eye For Art, children are introduced to over 50 famous artists and their work representing a huge range of styles and techniques. Related activities ranging from focused looking to creative writing and the child’s own artistic development accompany the information and images about each artist.

Learning Through Art, published by the Guggenheim Museum, offers art and art appreciation exercises based on well-known 20th century paintings and pieces from the Guggenheim.

Art Up Close: From Ancient to Modern is a beautiful book that emphasizes the finer points of various masterpieces by turning them into an “I Spy”-like game. In the same series, and just as well-done, are the Louvre Up Close and Masterpieces Up Close.

In Modern Art Adventures, kids are introduced to the fresh and unusual artistic styles of the past three centuries, then let loose to create their own art inspired by the techniques they’ve learned. Over 35 hands-on projects make sure that there’s something for everyone in this book.

Linnea in Monet’s Garden is an adorable introduction to Monet, his family, his garden at Giverny and his work. Readers will join a young girl as she visits the home and garden of Monet, and the illustrations include photographs from the painter’s life and of his work.

Ooh! Matisse is the most basic of introductions to fine art for the youngest readers. Portions of Matisse’s cut-out paper art are splashed brightly across the pages, and young readers will learn to recognize both the art and the words that describe it (“flower,” “square,” “figure,” etc.)

The Collins Big Book of Art opens with a useful timeline of the history of art: when different styles were developed and where, and what artists were doing around the world at different points in time. This collection is great for kids interested in artistic variety: from cave art to pop art, it has it all.

If you’re interested in other cool fine art books for children, check out the suggestions on this list.

Artist Appreciation: Matisse

Wed, 06/24/2015 - 5:07pm by eapearce

Kids in grades 3-8 are encouraged to join us at the downtown library Thursday afternoon, June 25, at 2:00pm for a Henri Matisse program! A short presentation will discuss the artist's life and style of work and then attendees will have the chance to create their own art in the style of Matisse.

This is a great way to learn about and create your own fine art!

Sensation Stations

Thursday December 10, 2015: 10:30am to 11:30am
Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room
Ages 10 Months–2 Years

Sensation Stations

Monday November 9, 2015: 10:30am to 11:30am
Traverwood Branch: Program Room
Ages 10 Months–2 Years

Sensation Stations

Thursday October 8, 2015: 10:30am to 11:30am
Pittsfield Branch: Program Room
Ages 10 Months–2 Years

Bullying in Our Schools: Strategies for Students, Parents and Educators

Monday October 26, 2015: 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room
Adults And Teens Grade 6 And Up.

Kids Read Comics Pre-Conference

Friday June 19, 2015: 10:00am to 5:00pm
University of Michigan Duderstadt Center (2281 Bonisteel Boulevard)
Information Professionals, Educators, And Cartoonists