UMS Book Discussion For Teachers: ‘The Souls of Black Folk' by W.E.B. Du Bois

Tuesday March 10, 2015: 4:30pm to 6:30pm
Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room
Educators

UMS Book Club: 'Practice Perfect: 42 Rules for Getting Better at Getting Better'

Thursday January 29, 2015: 4:30pm to 6:30pm
Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room
Educators

UMS Book Discussion For Teachers: “Creativity, Inc: Overcoming the Unseen Forces that Stand in the Way of True Inspiration” by Ed Catmull

Monday December 8, 2014: 4:30pm to 6:30pm
Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room
Educators

The Impact of Academic Stress on Student Mental Health

Tuesday September 30, 2014: 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Downtown Library: 4th Floor Meeting Room

Child in a Strange Country: Exhibit and Events

Mon, 04/28/2014 - 12:05pm by muskrat

The traveling exhibit from the Museum of the American Printing House for the Blind, "Child in a Strange Country: Helen Keller and the History of Education for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired" officially opens this Friday, May 2, with a reception featuring library director Josie Parker, Museum Director Micheal A. Hudson, harpist Deborah Gabrion, and refreshments.

But the exhibit is already assembled enough (in the Downtown Library's lobby and 3rd floor) to see it will be fun and informative featuring a big globe with raised features, selections of writing such as Valentin Hauy’s tactile book and Louis Braille’s dot code, and insights, events, and photographs from Helen's life.

The title of the exhibit comes from Anne Sullivan's report about Helen in which she said, “For the first two years of her intellectual life she was like a child in a strange country,” and noted that no learning was possible until she could overcome the communication barrier posed by blindness and deafness. With that in mind, “Child in a Strange Country” explores four primary subjects: Reading, Science, Math, and Geography. Using Helen Keller’s educational journey as a lens, the exhibit uses tactile reproductions and authentic artifacts to uncover the roots of modern education for children with vision loss. The exhibit is designed to be fully accessible and interactive. You can touch and explore that big globe as much as you want.

If the exhibit whets your appetite, come see Child in a Strange Country or Why is Helen Keller at the Water Pump the Only Person Who Was Blind that Most Americans Know?, on Sunday, May 4 from 2 - 3:30 PM, a talk by Museum Director Micheal A. Hudson in which he explores major advances in learning and literacy since 1784 for people who are blind or visually impaired, introducing characters that most people do not know. Also join us on Wednesday, May 7 from 7 - 8:30 PM for Sensory Communication: Relaying and Receiving Information Through Touch, in which UM Performing Arts Technology Professor Sile O'Modhrain discusses touch, communication, and Helen Keller.

You may also be interested in Visions 2014 in the Morris Lawrence Building at Washtenaw Community College on Wednesday, May 14 from 10 AM - 3 PM, where a variety of exhibitors demonstrate the latest products and services for people with vision loss. The fair also features presentations by guest speakers from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Disabled, UM Kellogg Eye Center, WLBPD @ AADL, and the AT Guys.

Spring GED Preparation Classes

Thu, 04/24/2014 - 1:28pm by monkk

Ann Arbor Public Schools Adult Education is offering an opportunity for students to prepare for the new 2014 GED Test. GED preparation classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 8 pm from May 29th to June 26 at Ann Arbor Tech High School. Registration for classes is May 27 and 28 from 4 to 6 pm at Ann Arbor Tech High School in room 210. These classes are available for presently enrolled GED students as well as newly registered students. There are no class or testing fees. If you have questions, please call (734)997-1250.

If you're working to get your GED, be sure to check out AADL's Homework Help page. There are many resources available to help you on your way!

Nerd Nite Ann Arbor: February 20 & March 27

Thu, 02/13/2014 - 12:32pm by mariah

For the last year, crowds have gathered each month in the early evening - in bars and venues around Ann Arbor. Around 7pm, it begins: three boisterous speakers geek out up front. What is this? Some secret club?

Nope! It's Nerd Nite Ann Arbor! And it's open to anyone and everyone who loves to learn or share what they love.

For the uninitiated, Nerd Nite (NN) has been described as “...like the Discovery Channel™…with beer!” Sounds fun, right? It is! NN is held monthly in 70+ cities, giving several folks the opportunity to give 18-21minute fun-yet-informative presentations across all disciplines. Imagine learning about everything from the science of the Simpsons to the genealogy of Godzilla. Fun stuff!

The next Nerd Nite will be next Thursday, February 20, at LIVE (102 S First St.). Doors open at 6:30, and speakers start at 7pm. What topics are on tap? Find out where beer came from, what the inside of your hand looks like, and just who is looking through all the cameras you see everywhere! Cover is just $5 (payable in cash at the door, or in advance).

There's big news about March's Nerd Nite: AADL will be co-presenting the March 27 edition of Nerd Nite (thus making that date free for all to attend). We're still finalizing the speaker line-up, so if you have something you'd love to talk about, submit your talk idea ASAP. There's a chance you could be of the speakers!

Mark your calendars and spread the word! Any and all nerds (and non-nerds!) who love learning and having a great time are welcome!

ACT Plus Writing Tips With Kaplan Experts

Tuesday January 14, 2014: 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Traverwood Branch: Program Room
Teens (Grades 9-12).

Film: Sundance Film Festival Award-Winner: American Promise

Thursday January 23, 2014: 6:30pm to 8:45pm
Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room
Adults And Teens (Grade 6 And Up)

Test Taking 101 with Kaplan Experts

Tue, 11/05/2013 - 9:28am by K.C.

Wednesday, November 13 | 7:00-8:30 PM | Pittsfield Branch | Grades 9-12

Approach the ACT or SAT test day with confidence! A top Kaplan instructor will present strategies for preparing for the tests and guide you through some questions, demonstrating how to arrive at the correct answer.