Participants can show off their architectural skills and imagination by competing in six age-based categories for the chance to win medals, gift cards and trophies.

The Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti District libraries are partnering with the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) to offer free rides.

Those without air conditioning or a cool place to stay can stop by one of several cooling sites around the county.

The downtown library branch will host hours of presentations, gaming sessions and gaming-based vendors between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The multimedia exhibition showcases the work of seven artists working in film, video, photography and new media.

City officials and members of the Downtown Development Authority will meet with residents and hear their take on land use, sustainability, equity, transportation and street usage.

If you’re from or live in Ann Arbor, you can spot a Zingerman’s product from a mile away thanks to the work of illustrator Ian Nagy.

The book by cultural historian Frank Uhle explores Tree Town’s growing film scene throughout the years in 340 pages.

With winter weather on its way again, Washtenaw County community members can turn to these temporary daytime weather havens when things get bad.

A new podcast from Ann Arbor District Library and Fifth Avenue Studios delves deep into how language and linguistics shape us.

Goblins, ghosts, ghouls and trolls will make their way along Main Street on Sunday, Oct. 29, during the annual Downtown Trick-or-Treating & Costume Parade.

The one-day event will have book signings, dozens of exhibitors, author talks and panel discussions.

Now called the A2 Community Bookfest, the event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Each episode of Groundcover Speaks is a full-text issue of the paper, read by the authors themselves.

The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) is partnering with the AADL and YDL to offer library patrons free rides on Saturdays and Sundays between June 10 to August 27.

Players of the free, annual event can earn points as they attend events, explore Tree Town and collect codes.

Those without air conditioning or a cool place to stay can stop by one of several cooling sites around the county to escape the hot weather.

Friends of the Ann Arbor District Library is expanding its impact with a new membership program, a partnership with Michigan Medicine and a donation to the Ann Arbor District Library.

The event will feature special programming and an artisan market.

Experts from the University of Michigan will discuss the phenomenon of ChatGPT at an event at the Ann Arbor District Library.

Parks, streets and businesses will be filled with live music in Ann Arbor on June 21.

This summer, the series has a lineup of free activities between June 9-25.

Record Store Day will take place at AADL's downtown branch.

Legal volunteers will be at the event to answer questions and help participants with forms.

Additional nights may be added depending on volunteer capacity, city officials said in a notice.

Library patrons who stop by the downtown branch can participate in hands-on crafting sessions with sushi-themed pom-poms, jellyfish friendship bracelets, handknitted bookmarks, swatches and looms.

If you’re looking for something entertaining to do, the library may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but you may want to give that another thought. That’s because libraries are not what they used to be, there are all kinds of things to check out and enjoy, beyond the great books.

Here are 4 more New Year's Eve events happening in Ann Arbor this week.

This is the Ann Arbor District Library’s fifteenth year to receive an America Star Libraries rating.

Washtenaw County has numerous locations for individuals to escape the cold and keep warm.

Watch robots and robotics teams from around Washtenaw County battle it out on Dec. 17.

It can be hard finding the right gift, and even more difficult to find one that is special. Here are 4 unique to Ann Arbor.

Aidan Sova has become the youngest ever Black person to be elected to public office in the city.

Community members can submit their artwork to be featured on two books to be produced in the public domain in 2023.

Dr. Sherrie Kossoudji aims to foster growth, sustainability and accessibility within the library system while anticipating challenges the AADL may face.

Truman Scholar and Ann Arbor native Catherine Hadley is running for one of the open seats on the Ann Arbor District Library Board of Trustees.

Jim Leija is seeking his third term on the AADL Board of Trustees.

Visitors can now access FamilySearch on AADL’s public computers.

University of Michigan graduate and newly-minted Ann Arborite Aidan Sova wants to serve his chosen community as a trustee of the Ann Arbor District Library.

Here are four of our favorite adult-only Halloween happenings planned for this year.

Several have put together events for little ghosts and ghouls, and even for the four-legged trick-or-treaters

Attend a public session to provide feedback input on how to enhance accessibility in the city’s parks and programs.

Pick up free Narcan and first aid kits at two community pop-ups.

All ages are welcome at the city's Autumn Nature Walk.

Here are four ways to celebrate the unofficial bookworm holiday in Tree Town.

Join other nature lovers on a stroll through Buttonbush Nature Area later this month.

Starting at 11 a.m. Ann Arbor Comic Arts Festival Mini (A2CAF) will take over the library’s first-floor lobby and the multi-purpose room.

David Zinn will be doing a live demo on Sunday at Ann Arbor Summer Festival.

The fun begins on June 10.

AADL card holders can ride TheRide buses for free this summer.

Musicians, podcasters and audiophiles around Tree Town can now submit their project ideas to Ann Arbor District Library’s new audio service.

Celebrate all things cycling at a downtown event with the DDA.

Each kit contains two doses of Naloxone and instructions on how to use them. Community members can access the machine from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. when the library is open.

On Tuesday, Eli Neiburger was named as the library system’s new director after it conducted a nationwide search.

Several organizations including the Ann Arbor District Library and Ann Arbor YMCA have put together events in recognition of the month.

Michigan artists can submit an artist’s statement and examples of previous work for a chance to be commissioned for the covers.

On Monday, the Ann Arbor District Library will release a series of videos celebrating the life and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Here's where you can ring in the new year around Ann Arbor.

AADL receives its 14th five-star rating from Library Journal.

Two events are coming to local libraries to celebrate literacy.

Exciting changes are taking place at the Ann Arbor District Library including more movies for streaming, longer hours of operation and early access to the Westgate branch.

Parker will retire on February 28, 2022, nearly 22 years after she started at the library system.

AADL is taking over from Pioneer High with new relief stations for those without power.

The public can vote on winning designs in three categories; K-5, 6-8, and 9-12.

The beloved Ann Arbor District Library is turning the big 2-0-0 in 2024 and needs community help to prepare.

Books can be dropped off at the Ann Arbor District Library’s Traverwood branch between noon and 8 p.m. during the week until July 31.

Outdoor Storytimes will launch on July 20.

A book that was checked out at the Ann Arbor District Library more than 70 years ago has finally been returned.

Some books are never returned to the library, but one book in Ann Arbor made its way back after decades.

More than 20 family-friendly in-person and virtual events are scheduled from June 1-6 to commemorate the event, highlight sustainability and educate the community.

Happy Friday!

AADL will reopen all five of its locations on July 12.

On Friday, a Black Lives Matter mural was installed right outside the downtown branch of the Ann Arbor District Library (AADL).

Two University of Michigan professors partnered with the 'nose of Ann Arbor' to bring students innovative, scent-based programming.

De-stress while supporting Ann Arbor businesses and organizations at the same time.

ANN ARBOR – Here’s a ranking that doesn’t surprise us. TravelMag recently released its 30 Most Charming Small Cities in the USA list and Ann Arbor appears along other famed small cities -- and college towns -- like Annapolis, Maryland, Charleston, South Carolina and Bloomington, Indiana. “Home to the University of Michigan, it has long been a seat of higher education, forward-thinking, technology and progressive ideas,” wrote TravelMag. “You can see echoes of these elements everywhere, including at the numerous annual events held in the city, including expos, airshows, and the annual film festival that has been running for decades. “In the city’s lively dining scene, this same balance of tradition and modernity is reflected by Ann Arbor mainstays such as Zingerman’s Deli, right through to the trendy international cuisine from across five continents.”AdWith the award-winning Ann Arbor District Library, 161 beautiful public parks and educational and cultural events abound, it certainly is a wonderful place to live.

ANN ARBOR – The Washtenaw Reads program is an initiative by local public libraries to encourage reading and civic dialogue. One book is selected each year and participating libraries include Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, Milan, Salem-South Lyon, Saline and Ypsilanti. This year’s Washtenaw Read is “All American Boys” by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely. For more information about the book, to see the authors’ websites and to discover related titles for people of all ages, click here. According to the Ann Arbor District Library’s website, Washtenaw Reads books should meet the following criteria:

ANN ARBOR – 2020 was certainly a year for the books -- and many, many other things at Ann Arbor District Library. Each year, the library releases its most requested items and it’s always interesting to see what people sought out the most. I personally enjoy seeing which tools were checked out the most. Below are the top five items requested in each category. FictionNon-FictionMoviesTV and MiniseriesMusicToolsArt PrintsTo see the full list of AADL’s most requested items for 2020, click here.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Ann Arbor District Library has announced the return of its online community game platform, but with a new name and a few twists. Through the Winter Game, players create an account, solve puzzles, collect codes and earn points all from the comfort of home. Points players accrue during the Winter Game will roll over to the AADL’s 2021 Summer Game 2021, the AADL said. New content will be released until March 12 but players can continue playing until the end of the 2021 Summer Game, according to the AADL. Read: Ann Arbor District Library named five star library for 13th consecutive year𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚆𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝙶𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝙲𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚐!

ANN ARBOR – The Ann Arbor District Library earned five stars in Library Journal’s annual national ratings of public libraries for the 13th year in a row. Library Journal has been releasing its America Star Libraries ratings since 2008. Total scores and star ratings for 2020 were determined based on the following factors:Circulation of physical materialsCirculation of electronic materialsLibrary visitsLibrary program attendancePublic internet usersWiFi sessionsE-retrievals (usage of online content like databases)To develop its ratings, Library Journal sources FY18 data on per capita output measures from the Institute of Museum and Library Services Public Library Survey. Kent District Library joined AADL on this year’s list with a four star rating. See Library Journal’s full list of rankings here.

(A4)✋ Five new Ann Arbor City Councilmembers were sworn in last Friday in a socially distanced, outdoor ceremony. (MLive)🏠 On Nov. 3, Ann Arbor residents approved the Prop C affordable housing millage with roughly 73% of the vote. (A4)Good to know:❤️️ The downtown Ann Arbor area associations launched a new campaign called “Show Your Love A2″ to boost support for local businesses. (A4)♻️ Recycle Ann Arbor will reopen with a new state-of-the-art facility thanks to recent investments by the beverage industry and the state of Michigan. All About Ann Arbor is powered by ClickOnDetroit/WDIV.

ANN ARBOR – All Ann Arbor District Library locations closed on Sunday after some staff members tested positive for COVID-19. This means that all lobbies will be closed and all scheduled pick ups have been canceled. While AADL’s outdoor drop boxes are still open, library staff will not be checking in materials at this time. “No fees are being charged,” wrote Parker. “Don’t worry if you picked up items from the library recently; there was no exposure risk related to contactless pickups,” wrote Parker.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Already trying to find the perfect present? Ann Arbor District Library can help. Every year the library system holds its annual Tiny Expo in the lobby of its downtown branch. Starting on Monday, the indie handcraft online expo will bring together more than 50 artists who have sold their wares at the expo previously. Check out crafters representing various arts and disciplines including:apparelfiber artshealth and beautyceramicshome goodsjewelrypaper goodssewn goodstoys and kids itemsLearn more about the handicraft expo through the Tiny Expo website or Facebook page.

The Michigan Theater will reopen on Sunday, and the theaters will only be showing one film a day to allow for cleaning. The two iconic Ann Arbor establishments have been closed since mid-March. (A4)Feature interview of the week:“The hard part in a town like Ann Arbor, that just has so much to offer, was to narrow it down to 100.”- Patricia Majher, author of “100 Things To Do In Ann Arbor Before You Die”✉️ Have something to share? Know someone who loves Ann Arbor? All About Ann Arbor is powered by ClickOnDetroit/WDIV.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Ann Arbor District Library is expanding its public services during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Although it’s closed to in-person book browsing, the library system has been offering contactless services, digital community events and virtual services over the past months. Bookable Zoom Meeting RoomsNo Zoom account? The AADL is now offering bookable Zoom meeting rooms so meetings don’t have to be cut short. The library system will also resume using the MeLCat service which brings in books from other libraries in Michigan.

ANN ARBOR – Michigan’s AI lab is partnering with the Ann Arbor District Library to present “AI to Address Misinformation and Fake News” on Friday. With the upcoming federal elections and ongoing coronavirus pandemic, misinformation is flooding social media feeds, blogs and news outlets. The event’s speakers will discuss how Artificial Intelligence can be used to identify and potentially curb the spread of misinformation and fake news. Her research interests lie in the area of computational social science. Her research interests are in computational linguistics, with a focus on lexical semantics, multilingual natural language processing, and computational social sciences.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. Missed Ann Arbor Summer Festivals Not Too Close summer concerts? At 8 p.m. from Thursday, Aug. 20, to Saturday, Aug. 22, A2SF will broadcast three concerts on its social media pages. Each performance has been recorded and edited by the Ann Arbor District Library. In an email, A2SF said that concerts from the Aug. 13 Not Too Close events will be broadcast next week but details have not been announced. In July, A2SF announced that it would host a series of limited capacity outdoor events at different locations around Ann Arbor.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. The University of Michigan Librarys Book Arts Studio and the Ann Arbor District Library are asking community members for art. The project will act as a physical artifact of the current times by capturing community experiences and feelings about the pandemic or recent events. Mail art is typically sent between artists but the Book Arts Studio and AADL are asking community members to submit their postcard-sized works of art that will be turned into a digital exhibit. Community members should explore their emotions and create art based on how they currently experience the world around them. Submit art to the Ann Arbor District Library by Sept. 30.

A new round of free events have been announced by the Ann Arbor Summer Festival as part of its Not Too Close event series. The series kicked off at the end of July and offers socially distanced concerts and movies at locations around Ann Arbor. Heres what is scheduled so far:Concerts3 p.m. on Aug. 13 -- LaRon Williams5:30 p.m. on Aug. 13 -- Sumkali7:30 p.m. on Aug. 13 -- Dani DarlingMovies10.p.m. Participants at Not Too Close events are required to wear masks unless in their assigned area. The Not Too Close events are offered as part of the Ann Arbor District Librarys Summer Game and sponsored by KLA.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. The Ann Arbor District Library announced on Thursday that its downtown Ann Arbor branch would be closed between Friday, July 31, and Aug. 13. The library branch is closing so that staff can quarantine for two weeks after a downtown library staff member tested positive for COVID-19, according to a statement released by AADL Director Josie Parker. Items scheduled for pickup at the branch will be unavailable during the two-week closure. Items cannot be moved to other branches and will become available again once the downtown branch reopens. The four other AADL branches will remain open for contactless pickup for library items.

ANN ARBOR Its usual roster of events may have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic but the Ann Arbor Summer Festival is kicking off live summer concerts and movies on Thursday. Working with the City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Department, AASF is introducing its limited capacity Not Too Close events. Each event is limited to 100 people who will be socially distanced. The Not Too Close live concerts and movies are offered as part of the Ann Arbor District Librarys Summer Game. Learn more about the Not Too Close events here.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. The Ann Arbor District Library has launched three new initiatives intended to address anti-Black racism in the Ann Arbor community and add to community history. Through the initiatives, the library system is seeking stories from community members, will put out of a call for artwork from Black artists and will engage community members with discussion materials. The new initiatives join two ongoing projects from the library system; the African-American Cultural and Historical Museum Living Oral History Project and weekly newsletter recommendations. Here are the new initiatives:Black Lives Matter Discussion SeriesThe series is intended to support community members engaging with materials related to anti-Black racism. Call for Stories: Anti-Black RacismIn order to further document community history in Ann Arbor, AADL Archives to is asking for community members who has been affected by racism to share their stories.

The Ann Arbor Summer Festival recently released a fresh new round of programming, which included Sundays #a2chalkday. We've partnered with @davidzinn_art and the @AASummerFest to provide prizes for the best chalk art done across Ann Arbor today. More info: https://t.co/evlpb33oiC pic.twitter.com/Ku6rHI9GRF Ann Arbor District Library (@aadl) June 14, 2020 Like what youre reading? @aadl pic.twitter.com/LHRWxVqwSS Meg Hixon (@MegDaLibrarian) June 13, 2020We miss Top of the Park but still love Ann Arbor Summer Festival. Part of the A2District Library Summer Game 2020 #a2chalkday @AASummerFest @aadl pic.twitter.com/v54usaOZS1 Kathleen M. Wright (@kidpeoplewrite) June 15, 2020#A2CHALKDAY!

ANN ARBOR, Mich. Today, the Ann Arbor District Library kicked-off the tenth annual Summer Game, the librarys summer reading challenge and scavenger hunt. Those who complete the 10 anythings challenge receive extra Summer Game points. Players do not need an AADL library card in order to play the Summer Game or to collect prizes. Download the Classic Summer Reading Game card for your 10 anythings or log them through an online account. Players can also receive points for logging daily reading or listening activities on their Summer Game accounts.

ANN ARBOR While the Ann Arbor Summer Festival has canceled its traditional indoor events and outdoor Top of the Park, it is adapting to the times and announced Friday new programming for the local community to enjoy. Music Hikes & Story WalksTop Music Hikes & Story Walks is presented in partnership with the Ann Arbor District Librarys Summer Game. The activity geo-tags music and audio stories to trails around Ann Arbor. At the end of the month, a fictionalized story set in downtown Ann Arbor featuring shops and landmarks will be available to audiences. As part of its Summer Game, the Ann Arbor District Library will select winners.

- Meredith (@meredith_A4)Whats been happening: The Ann Arbor District Library will open in phases starting June 15. (A4) Although its been open since May, the Ann Arbor Farmers Market now allows on-site shopping with restrictions. (A4) Ann Arbor City Council voted to put off a water rate hike until 2021 due to the health crisis. (A4) The first Fisher House in Michigan opened in Ann Arbor this week to serve families and caregivers of veterans hospitalized at VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. Either way, youll want to look at this epic fort an Ann Arbor family of artists built in their basement.

TROY, Mich. – As Michigan slowly eases restrictions and businesses open back up, local libraries are rushing to get ready. But with all the books, it’s going to be a lot of work to keep everything clean. Related: Ann Arbor District Library announces reopening plansCathy Russ, the director of the Troy Public Library, could barely contain her excitement when she heard libraries across the state would reopen. Read more: Reopening MichiganThere were 40,000 library books checked out when the quarantine began. Russ said she’s excited to welcome people back inside and get them reading some of their favorite books again -- while staying health.

ANN ARBOR The Ann Arbor District Library has Tuesday it will begin opening in phases starting on June 15, in accordance with Gov. Heres a timeline the library provided for reopening phases:June 15: Open for returns and pick up of requests filed prior to the closureJune 22: All locations open noon to 8 p.m. daily for scheduled locker or lobby pick up. July: Public computing opens by appointment at the Downtown LibraryMaterials checked out prior to the closure are not due until after July 1. While the Summer Game will go on as planned online and in outside venues, in-person programming will take many months to resume. Everyone at AADL extends our gratitude to you for your patience with the library closure during this sad and difficult time, read a news release.

ANN ARBOR The Ann Arbor District Library wants to hear from you for a new project. The AADL Archives has launched the Pandemic Log in order to document life during the coronavirus pandemic. Anyone can submit materials to the Pandemic Log via the following methods:Here are some Frequently Asked Questions from AADL:What types of submissions are you looking for? Since we are looking to document whatever we can, we are looking for any way you think is best to document. What's the thing you will tell people 40 years from now when you are all talking about what you did during the 2020 pandemic?