Radiolab Reads

Wed, 09/17/2014 - 9:04am by eapearce

Some of you may be familiar with the Peabody-award winning radio show/podcast Radiolab, which airs on nearly 450 stations across the United States. Here in Ann Arbor, you can hear it on Michigan Public Radio on Friday and Sunday evenings. I love Radiolab for the vast array of topics that they cover in a fun, informative manner. There is a ton to learn in every episode and short that they do, and hosts Robert Krulwich and Jad Abumrad interview fascinating, knowledgeable people, turning their information into incredibly compelling stories.

I recently discovered the invaluable resource Radiolab Reads, a “virtual bookshelf” that compiles all of the books mentioned in their episodes, with links to the Amazon page for each book. Even if you’re not familiar with the show, this site is an amazing compilation of books on every topic imaginable. Most of the books are non-fiction, and this site might be particularly appealing to reluctant non-fiction readers since you’re sure to find something that catches your eye!

If you tend to—literally—judge books by their cover (hey, it’s okay, we all do it sometimes!), Radiolab has a cool tumblr with the covers of each of the books mentioned on their Radiolab Reads page. You can sort by genre, and find the link to the books’ Amazon pages after clicking on a given cover.

Nearly all of the books discussed on these Radiolab pages can be borrowed from the AADL. You can search our catalog for any that you're interested in. For more information about Radiolab, visit their website, and find specifics about how to listen to the show here.

DIY Bath Bombs

Wednesday February 11, 2015: 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Pittsfield Branch: Program Room
Adults And Teens Grade 6 And Up.

Chesstastic is back!

Mon, 09/15/2014 - 1:16pm by eapearce

The Chesstastic program is starting up again for the school year on the third Sunday of each month at AADL's Traverwood branch. This program is a great opportunity to meet people of all ages and challenge new players to game of chess in a fun and relaxing environment. Players of all skill levels are welcome: come ready to play and improve! Chess sets and light refreshments are provided. The first Chesstastic for this school year will be Sunday, September 21 from 1:00 to 4:00pm. See you there!

Mosaic Jewelry Workshop

Sunday December 21, 2014: 3:30pm to 5:30pm
Downtown Library: 4th Floor Meeting Room
Teens (Grades 6-12) And Adults.

Mosaic Jewelry Workshop

Sunday December 21, 2014: 12:30pm to 2:30pm
Downtown Library: 4th Floor Meeting Room
Adults And Teens Grade 6 And Up

Dreamcatchers Craft Workshop

Saturday November 8, 2014: 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Traverwood Branch: Program Room
Adults And Teens Grade 6 And Up

Web Design

Monday December 1, 2014: 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Downtown Library: Training Center
Grades 3-8.

Video Game Development: Unity Racer

Monday November 24, 2014: 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Downtown Library: Training Center
Grades 3 - 10.

New Teen Fiction!

Sat, 09/13/2014 - 9:27am by eapearce

Strange and Ever After is the third and final book of the Something Strange and Deadly trilogy, by Susan Dennard. This fun and unique series blends together lots of great elements: fantasy, romance, steampunk, historical fiction…and zombies! In this final installment, main character Eleanor Fitt travels to Egypt to track down and battle the evil necromancer who kidnapped her mother, brother, and friends. The conclusion of this pursuit causes unexpected consequences that will change Eleanor, and the world, forever. Haven’t read the first two books in the trilogy? Start with Something Strange and Deadly and follow with A Darkness Strange and Lovely, before finding out how it all ends in Strange and Ever After.

Touted as a combination of John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars and Rainbow Rowell’s Eleanor and Park, Cammie McGovern’s new book Say What You Will is a heartfelt and honest story. Amy, who was born with cerebral palsy, has struggled her whole life to move, communicate and even control her facial expressions. When she finally decides to hire student aides to assist her during her senior year of high school, Matthew, who suffers from severe obsessive-compulsive disorder and crippling fears, is thrust into her life. Despite their physical, psychological and emotional differences, a friendship blossoms between the two. Readers will fly through this book eager to find out if the teens’ unique connection may grow into something more.

The Ring and the Crown, by prolific teen author Melissa de la Cruz, is set in an alternate 19th century world in which the Franco-British empire controls the only source of magic. Told from the perspective of five different characters related to the royal court, the story is a light and fun historical fantasy/romance. In order to protect the empire, Princess Marie-Victoria must enter into a loveless marriage with the heir to the Prussian throne. With the aid of her childhood friend Aelwyn, Marie conspires to escaper her fate… and potentially changes the fate of the entire world while she’s at it!

Felt Ball Fun!

Sunday November 9, 2014: 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Pittsfield Branch: Program Room
Adults And Teens Grade 6 And Up