At the Art Table: Leaf Rubbings

Mon, 09/15/2014 - 3:10pm by manz

The next time you’re at the Downtown Library, pop into the Youth Department and check out the new art project at the art table.

This month we're making leaf rubbings in fall colors! Celebrate fall with this easy and fun project.

At the library we'll be using plastic leaf rubbing plates, but did you know you can make your own leaf rubbings at home using real leaves?! Try it! It's pretty fun. Happy Fall!

Furry Friends at the Tot Table

Tue, 09/02/2014 - 2:08pm by StoryLaura

Check out all the furry forest friends at the tot table in the youth area of the Downtown Library. Possums dangle from the big tree and fawns curl up in their hidey hole. Raccoon chases squirrel through the log tunnel and watch out for those skunks! For real wildlife adventures make sure to visit Leslie Science Center or The Creature Conservancy or take a walk through Saginaw Forest while the beautiful weather holds!

At the Art Table: Chalk It Up!

Wed, 07/23/2014 - 3:05pm by manz

Hey kiddos! Next time you’re in the youth area downtown visit the art table and see what’s new! This month we’re working with chalk. We have colorful sidewalk chalk and chalkboards ready for you to create a masterpiece, erase it, and start all over!

Chalk artist Julian Beever uses a technique called anamorphosis in his amazing 3D effect large scale chalk drawings. To read more about his process and see samples, check out the book Pavement chalk artist: the three-dimensional drawings of Julian Beever.

At the Art Table: Make a Comic Strip!

Wed, 06/11/2014 - 10:15am by manz

This month you can make your own comic strips at the Art Table in the youth area at the downtown branch! We have blank comic strips ready for your stories. Be sure to check it out next time you’re here.

At AADL we’re gearing up for Kids Read Comics which happens on June 21-22. If you’re a fan of comics, this is the place to be.

For the enthusiasts, here are some books on how to draw comics.

Yarn Bomb Zone

Sun, 06/08/2014 - 3:44pm by manz

This past weekend the outdoor garden at the downtown branch was yarn bombed to celebrate International Yarn Bombing Day! Patrons learned how to knit at a library program and took their creations outdoors to create a bit of whimsy. I’m not sure how long the exhibit will stay up, so check it out the next time you’re downtown!

If you’re curious and want to learn more I recommend Yarn bombing: the art of crochet and knit graffiti by Mandy Moore. The book talks about the birth of knit graffiti and all it encompasses. It’s a great read for the crafters out there, whether you knit or not.

At the Art Table: Bookmarks!

Wed, 05/14/2014 - 10:23am by manz

The next time you’re at the Downtown Library, pop into the Youth Department and check out the new art project at the art table. This month we're talking about book art and making bookmarks! Because sometimes it's hard to finish a book in one sitting, and sometimes it's nice to mark your favorite page for easy finding later.

We've got supplies for children to make a dandy bookmark with a pretty ribbon to keep your spot safe.

April Showers Bring May Fairies!

Fri, 04/25/2014 - 8:59am by StoryLaura

There is only one place that you can discover Library Rachel’s one-of-a-kind fairy babies. They are not for sale. You cannot find these unique fairies on Amazon. Disney cannot claim them. They could have chosen any fairy garden or fairy door in Ann Arbor. They appeared yesterday, out of the blue, and began to frolic on the Tot Table at the Downtown Library. They are so soft and funny and magical, with their chubby tummies and colorful wings, that we decided to adopt them and love them forever!

At the Art Table: Pop Art!

Tue, 03/11/2014 - 3:45pm by manz

The next time you’re at the Downtown Library, pop into the Youth Department and check out the new art project at the art table. This month you’ll have the chance to create some POP ART!

Pop art is the art of every day things. This art form works off things in pop culture and mass media. We’ve got crayons, paper and samples to get you started in your own artistic endeavors. And for some books as inspiration, check out these youth titles about pop art.

Lego Love

Tue, 02/25/2014 - 11:54am by StoryLaura

Inspired by the amazing Lego Movie? Start planning for our lego contest this summer and check out the cool little display in the youth area downtown. You'll see a wonderful wintry scene, a dragon, a castle and more!

The whole display was created by Dirk Johnston, an artist and father of one of AADL’s staff members.

Tot Table Time

Fri, 02/14/2014 - 11:50am by StoryLaura

The best part about the Tot Table in the Youth area is watching children learn how to play with others they have never met before. The Playmobil 123 House is one of our most popular toys. Come hang out at the Tot Table with the coolest A2 crowd of all!