LIBRARY

Booksweet's Banned Book Club meets bi-monthly to discuss works challenged and banned in K-12 schools and libraries.

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.

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

The below-freezing temperatures on Christmas Eve caused pipes to burst inside the new Shelby Township Library.

An embattled western Michigan library targeted by residents opposed to LGBTQ materials on its shelves has lost most of its funding with the latest failure of the renewal of a property tax millage.

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

A board meeting will resume for Dearborn Public Schools at Stout Middle School on Thursday after Monday’s board meeting was suspended because of an “unruly” crowd and tight space.

Several places around Washtenaw County act as cooling centers during the summer to make sure that those needing to escape the heat have a safe place to go.

The fun begins on June 10.

Libraries offer a lot more than just books, and there’s even more that’s coming thanks to a huge multi-million-dollar grant.

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

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

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.

Outdoor Storytimes will launch on July 20.

The Detroit Public Library will remain closed through Labor Day due to the impact of major flooding that struck the region last weekend.

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

Shauna Anderson has been named the new director at the Plymouth District Library.

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).

REDFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The Redford Township Library has reopened for limited in-person browsing after being closed due to COVID-19. Visitors are asked to keep their browsing time to 30 minutes, at most. Curbside pickup and the Friends of the Library Mini self-service bookstore on the first floor are still available. What’s still unavailableMeeting rooms, study rooms, the cafe and patron seating are still unavailable at the library. “We are very happy to welcome you back to our building,” the library announced in a release.

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 – 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.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Officials with the Southfield Public Library said the library will remain closed due to possible exposure of COVID-19. “The Southfield Public Library will remain closed through Sunday, October 18 for deep cleaning due to possible COVID-19 exposure. It is anticipated that the Library will re-open on Monday, October 19, 2020,” read a statement from officials. “In the interim, patrons are encouraged to visit the Library’s website at www.southfieldlibrary.org for numerous e-books, audio books, movies, music, children’s materials, research tools and many other resources.”According to the library’s website, anyone with library materials are instructed to hold them until the library reopens. No fines will be assessed until then.

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.

Libraries are working to help parents and students through this unprecedented start to the school year. Here’s what you should know about what libraries have to offer. More: Return To School section

Published: August 1, 2020, 11:51 am Updated: August 2, 2020, 10:36 amGROSSE POINTE, Mich. – This weekend’s Tech Time segment features information about virtual libraries. The coronavirus pandemic has forced many libraries to go virtual including one in Grosse Pointe. You can watch today’s segment in the video player above.

Access to digital books is so simple, but there’s something unique about physically holding a book when you’re reading, isn’t there?

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.

Metro Detroit libraries prepare to reopenPublished: June 3, 2020, 11:47 pmAs Michigan slowly eases restrictions and businesses open back up, local libraries are rushing to get ready.

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.

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Michigan National Guard rescued 80,000 items from the basement of a Midland library that was flooded when rain swept through the area and dams failed. “There’s no way we could have done it without them,” said Terrie Ahlers, supervisor of adult services at Grace A. Dow Memorial Library. Most books and other items in the basement are going to be OK, the Midland Daily News reported. Guard members had to use the stairs because the elevator was out. Library staff over the weekend focused on removing moisture from the lower level.

YPSILANTI, Mich. – The Ypsilanti District Library may be closed but patrons are still able to sign up for library cards, renew expired cards and use the YDL online services. Find Ypsilanti District Library library card applications here. Those with a YDL digital card, or a renewed card, can download books, music, digital magazines and audiobooks. The Ypsilanti library also has a community list of resources ranging from health resources to recreation activities. Related: Here’s how to apply for an Ann Arbor District Library card remotely