Kit Homes of Ann Arbor: a Historical Tour

Thursday June 8, 2017: 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Shoebox Cities!

Friday April 7, 2017: 3:30pm to 5:00pm
Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room
Grade 2-8

EVENT CANCELLED: Building Matters Workshop: The Hands-On Museum's Building In a Building

Wednesday November 2, 2016: 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Downtown Library: Secret Lab

National Lighthouse Day!

Sunday August 7, 2016: 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Malletts Creek Branch: Program Room
Grade K - 5

Building Matters: Kahn Arbor

Wednesday March 2, 2016: 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Downtown Library: 4th Floor Meeting Room

Shoebox Cities!

Monday February 15, 2016: 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Malletts Creek Branch: Program Room
Grades 2-8

Researching Your Home's History

Saturday June 13, 2015: 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Cool new nonfiction for kids: Skyscrapers!

Thu, 02/05/2015 - 9:58am by eapearce

Are you curious about how huge buildings like the John Hancock Center, the Eiffel Tower and the Chrysler Building were constructed? I know I am, and I’ve always been interested in the architectural feats that keep such towering structures upright for—in some cases—over a hundred years. The amazing new book Who Built That? Skyscrapers, by Didier Cornille, is an introduction to familiar skyscrapers and their architects geared towards kids… but absolutely fascinating for all ages!

My favorite part of the book are the amazing illustrations that show different stages of construction of each building, including the inside skeleton and the frame, so readers can find out how the structure manages to stand so tall. It is so cool to see! Readers can also learn a little bit about each architect including what inspired them to build the featured structure, and what other unique buildings they constructed during their careers.

If you want to learn even more about skyscrapers, try Skyscrapers: Inside and Out, Unbuilding, or Skyscraper, all available at the AADL.

Local Event: Check Out 11 Homes

Sat, 09/27/2014 - 4:26pm by annevm

If you’re looking for something fun and educational to do the weekend of Oct. 4-5, check out the Remodelers Home Tour, put on by the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Ann Arbor and the Washtenaw Remodelers Council. Hours are Saturday 11 am – 6 pm and Sunday noon – 6 pm; cost is $10 per adult. Here at the library we have lots of good information about remodeling.

From Animal House to Our House with Writer and Preservationist Ron Tanner

Sat, 06/01/2013 - 11:50am by hillary dorwart

Monday June 10, 2013: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room

Twelve years ago, Ron Tanner and his then-girlfriend, Jill, did the impossible. They bought condemned property -- a big Baltimore Victorian brownstone - and vowed to bring it back to its original glory. The house had been home to Baltimore's most notorious fraternity for a decade.

Ron wrote a book about their experience - "From Animal House to Our House: A Love Story".

Join us for a delightful evening as Ron provides some hilarious tales and sound advice about fixing old houses -- including an awesome slide show! The event includes a book signing and books will be on sale.