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News
February 3, 2010  YDL is very pleased to announce that the popular library interloan program, MeLCat, is now available at YDL. MeLCat is a statewide service uniting communities in sharing materials among Michigan libraries. Now, with the advent of MeLCat, patrons are empowered to make their own searches and requests from the shared catalog. Requests can be processed quite quickly and be on their way through YDL to the requesting library user through the MeLCat delivery system.
MeLCat is supported by Library Services and Technology Grants through the Library of Michigan.
January 13, 2010 The Ypsilanti District Library announces that effective February 1, 2010, new fees will be implemented. The first change is for videos and DVDs received after their due date. Audio-visual media are some of the most sought after materials in the library. When patrons keep these items past their generous two week check-out period (plus multiple renewal opportunities), it inconveniences other patrons who are waiting to view those same materials. So to encourage prompt return of these fast-moving articles, YDL is instituting a $1 per day overdue fine.
The second change is for reservations of the YDL-Whittaker Road Community Room. This space is in high demand from community groups seeking a meeting place that accommodates
10-100 people. Since the library opened in 2002, this room has been available at no charge to public organizations. Starting on February 1, reservations of the Community Room will need to be accompanied by a $25 non-refundable fee. Reservations will be in effect once the fee is paid.
At its December board meeting, the trustees approved an increase in the amount paid by non-residents to acquire a YDL library card. Taxpayers are carrying a heavy burden in these difficult times and it is only fair that non-residents seeking to use the resources of the Ypsilanti District Library share the load. Non-resident cards will cost $150 annually starting on February 1.
January 13, 2010 The Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, can make life a little easier for workers struggling to make ends meet in today’s tight economy—up to $5,600, or more, easier. Yet, IRS estimates one in four eligible taxpayers could miss out on this valuable tax credit because they don’t check it out.
Many people will qualify for EITC for the first time this year because their income declined, their marital status changed or they added children to their families. Families with three or more children also get an extra boost with a larger credit this year.
The mission of the Washtenaw County Asset Building Coalition, of which the Ypsilanti District Library is a member, is “to increase the financial stability of low to moderate income families by providing tax assistance and financial education.” The group partners with the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program to certify volunteers to prepare income taxes. The group also provides financial literacy to EITC recipients regarding ways to build personal assets with their refund.
The Washtenaw County Asset Building Coalition encourages anyone who earned $48,279 or less from wages, self-employment or farming in 2009 to see if they qualify. Eligible taxpayers can get their EITC only if they file federal income tax returns – even if they are not otherwise required to file – and specifically claim the credit.
Taxpayers can get free help determining their EITC eligibility and claiming the credit by calling Washtenaw County ETCS at (734) 544-3053. Help is available from IRS trained volunteers during the months of February and March. Eligible households can also have their state taxes prepared, and may qualify for state credits such as the Home Heating Credit and the Homestead Property Tax Credit. October 6, 2009  Last year, Macy's raised over $9,500,000 for charities across America on a single day. This year's date is Saturday, October 17.
How does it work? Each participating library or charity sells $5 shopping passes to their supporters. All the money raised stays here at YDL. The shoppers take their passes to their favorite Macy's store and use it to purchase almost any item.
There will be special savings on select merchandise, but the pass can be used for regular or sales merchandise as well. The pass will allow a discount of 20% on apparel, accessories, jewelry, bed and bath items, housewares, frames, luggage, china, crystal and silver, all kitchen and personal care electrics and technology items. A 10% discount will be given on furniture, mattresses and rugs.
Passes will be available at the check-out desk at YDL-Whittaker Road starting today and going through October 16. If you are contemplating a purchase, this would be a great way to help yourself and help the library! More information about this activity is available by clicking here.
September 18, 2009 The Ypsilanti District Library is pleased to present an Artists’ Reception on Sunday, September 27 from 2:00-4:00 pm at our YDL-Whittaker Road location at 5577 Whittaker Road. Since YDL-Whittaker Road’s opening in 2002, YDL has sought and acquired art created by local artists and those with a connection to Ypsilanti.
A tour of our facilities is enhanced by visiting the variety of art YDL has in its permanent collection ranging from the massive hand-made quilt in the lobby of YDL-Whittaker Road to the life-sized bronze statue of Harriet Tubman in the Library Park Plaza downtown adjacent to the YDL-Michigan Avenue facility and everything in between. The vision has been to present the visitor to our libraries with a creative experience much like that of exploring an art gallery. For many years, the goal has been to produce an art catalog that introduces the art and artists who created it to those interested. This year the project came to fruition. Copies of the newly-minted catalog The Language of Art will be available at the reception.
Currently, YDL-Whittaker Road’s Community Room is hosting The Language of Art Exhibition featuring works by some of the artists whose works are part of our permanent collection and highlighted in the catalog. At the reception, some of the artists will be in attendance to talk about their art. In addition, light refreshments will be served and a pianist will play while guests are free to view the art in the exhibition as well as tour the facility for a look at the art installations. This event is free and open to the public.
July 16, 2009
 YDL was one of six libraries feted at a reception July 13 in Chicago for its public relations efforts. Publisher H.W. Wilson, sponsor of the John Cotton Dana Award and the reception, provides a $5,000 cash award to each winning library to use to enhance their promotional strategies. YDL’s Assistant Director, Lori Coryell, accepted the award on behalf of the library. Other libraries selected for the 2009 John Cotton Dana Award were from Baltimore, Gwinnett County Georgia, Houston, Portland Oregon, and St. Paul. More about the public relations campaigns of these libraries may be found here.
The award named for John Cotton Dana, a progressive librarian from the early 20th century, has been given out by the American Library Association since 1946. Dana strongly believed that public libraries needed to maintain rigorous and innovative public relations efforts to inform the community of library resources in the hopes that the more they knew, the more likely they would be to use them, and thereby become strong supporters of libraries.
YDL was recognized for its “Second Annual Ypsilanti Songwriting Festival” which took place in October 2008 and featured singer/songwriters Paul Burch and Jon Langford. “The judges enjoyed reviewing the many submissions and were impressed by the quality and creativity of the public relations campaigns being executed by libraries of all types and sizes from across the country and Canada,” said award committee chair, Linda Holtslander. “Public relations and marketing efforts are more important now, than ever, to communicate the many valuable services and programs provided by libraries to meet the increasing needs of their customers in these challenging economic times.”
Judges cited the festival as “a unique public library program which used music and performing arts to appeal to non-library users, teens and men ages 18-45. Creative, nontraditional marketing strategies and community partners helped the Library reach the targeted demographic: 75% of attendees at events were men.”
Preparations are underway for the Third Annual Ypsilanti Songwriting Festival which will take place on Saturday, October 10 at YDL-Whittaker Road, 5577 Whittaker Road. The award-winning Ypsilanti Songwriting Festival returns for YSF’09 on Saturday, October 10. It’s bigger and better than ever featuring Jason Ringenberg—“the rockingest folk singer that ever lived” according to Miles of Music, Nashville gem Paul Burch, and West Texas rocker Colin Gilmore. The day will include a local talent showcase, one-on-one sessions with accomplished songwriters, and a DIY session to assist people wishing to do their own home studio recordings. Jason’s alter ego, Farmer Jason, will do a program of children’s sing-along favorites in the morning. More information will be posted to YpsiSongFest on Twitter and on myspace.
May 18, 2009 We are pleased to announce new summer hours for YDL-Superior, located at 8975 MacArthur Blvd. We have added eight hours of service per week, beginning June 1. Please stop by and check us out!
Monday & Wednesday: 4-8pm
Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday: 10am-6pm
April 30, 2009 Dear Navigator and Big Blue Patrons,
Since the launching of the Navigator in February 2008, the Ypsilanti District Library has been proud to serve our community with two bookmobiles. With the addition of the Navigator, we were able to increase weekly neighborhood stops from 30 to 40. We must share with you the sad news that we are no longer able to continue maintenance of Big Blue.
Big Blue has been hitting the streets of Ypsilanti since 1999. During the last ten years, Big Blue’s staff have answered over 27,171 reference questions and checked out over 134,102 items. Big Blue has participated in countless school visits, community events, and parades. Ten years is an advanced age for a bookmobile, and in the last year, it has become clear that Big Blue is ready to retire from service.
We apologize for the interruptions in service that have taken place due to Big Blue being off the road. We will roll out a new Navigator-only schedule on June 1. Until that time, we will use the existing January-May schedule, alternating on a biweekly basis between Navigator stops and Big Blue stops. The schedule can be found here.
May 4-7 Big Blue schedule
May 11-14 Navigator schedule
May 18-21 Big Blue schedule
May 26-28 Navigator schedule (no service Monday, 5/25 – Memorial Day)
June 1 New summer schedule to begin
The new summer schedule will be available at all library locations and on our website at the end of May. Please contact me with any questions or concerns you have during this time of transition. Thank you for all of your wonderful support for the library. We hope to continue seeing you on the Navigator.
We have created a web page to share memories of Big Blue. Please share your memories with us by emailing them to carter-day@ypsilibrary.org.
Sincerely,
Mary Garboden
Head of Outreach Services
Ypsilanti District Library
ph: 482-4110, ext. 1316
email: garboden@ypsilibrary.org
March 16, 2009
 The Ypsilanti District Library presents Wrapped In Pride: Ghanaian Kente and African American Identity from March 25 to April 30, 2009 at YDL-Whittaker Road. Historically, kente—the cloth of many strips and colors—was the cloth of kings. Its roots lie in Africa with the Asante and Ewe people of Ghana and Togo. Wrapped in Pride explores the history of traditional Ghanaian weaving and its impact on cultures beyond Africa's shores.
This free museum-quality exhibit features a market stall, a loom, and many samples of cloth, some available to touch. Local school groups are encouraged to make an appointment for a class visit where young people will have the opportunity to do a “gallery walk” learning more about weaving, celebrations, and how kente cloth is made, named, and sold. Families are welcome to participate in the gallery walk exercises as well.
To augment the information and experience presented by Wrapped in Pride, the Ypsilanti District Library will present additional programs at YDL-Whittaker Road throughout the time the exhibit is in residence. All programs are free and open to the public.
• Creative Weaving: Techniques, Patterns, and Traditions
Try the craft of weaving. You’ll make a simple cardboard loom and use yarn, raffia, beads and other materials to create a beautifully unique weaving. (April 4, 11 am and 2 pm; April 18, 11 am)
• Design Your Own Kente Cloth
Design a pattern of your own on a computer, then print it out and take it home! A great parent/child activity. (April 5, 1-4 pm and April 27, 5-8 pm)
• The Weaving and Wearing of Cloth for Kings
Learn about the production of Kente cloth and its wearing by Ghanaian kings and their family members. (April 21, 7-8 pm)
For more information about the exhibit at YDL or the locations for these programs see the Wrapped in Pride page.
YDL-Whittaker is open 9 am to 9 pm Monday through Thursday, 10 am to 6 pm Friday and Saturday, and 1 pm to 5 pm on Sunday. Visit the exhibit any time the library is open. If you have any questions, feel free to call 482-4110 ext. 1303.
This traveling exhibit has been made possible through NEH on the Road, a special initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities. It is brought to you by Mid-America Arts Alliance. This version of the exhibition was developed by the UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History, Los Angeles, California. The Friends of the Ypsilanti District Library provided financial support to bring the exhibition to Ypsilanti.
December 17, 2008  YDL is pleased to share a lovely work of art with our community. “Up From Africa to America” is a unique quilted wall hanging which depicts the African American experience from slavery to modern times. This historical story is told through pictures woven into a hand-sewn quilt which incorporates fabric that came from Africa and includes many professionally transferred images.
Ms. Pennia Ford, an Ypsilanti resident since 1995, created this work of art. Her quilting projects deal with family, country, and history. She has made many other quilts, including one depicting the generations in her own family and another illustrating black women who have worked with United States presidents. Ms. Ford is a former reading specialist and in that capacity taught teachers in Belgium, Israel, Egypt, Malawi, and Gambia.
The quilt has been designed to move through the African-American experience from its origin to the current day. The bottom of the quilt depicts the African experience before being exploited as slaves. Moving towards the top of the quilt transports the viewer through the years of slavery, then to more recent history, with images representing African-Americans and their contributions to research, education, and commerce.
The wall hanging can be seen at the YDL-Michigan Avenue library, 229 West Michigan Avenue through January 30, 2009. November 12, 2008 YDL-Whittaker now has a circulating collection of children’s poetry, fiction, board and picture books in Braille. Among the titles are Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, by J.K. Rowling, Where the Sidewalk Ends, by Shel Silverstein, Duck for President, by Doreen Cronin and A Braille Spelling Dictionary, by Gregory Hurray. They can all be found in the Youth 411 section of the library. August 20, 2008 Ypsilanti District Library Serves “Stay-cationers”
YPSILANTI, MICH – In these times of expensive gas, increasing costs for travel, and high mortgage payments, where can people still find a great value? The answer: their library. This summer, the Ypsilanti District Library has seen record numbers of people visiting the library, attending programs, signing-up for summer reading, and checking out materials to take home.
July’s circulation figures at YDL topped 82,000 items, an increase of 14,000 over last summer. This is attributable in large measure to the fact that more and more residents are finding their entertainment in their own backyards rather than across the country. Want to listen to a book on your mp3 player? Come to the Ypsilanti District Library and go to our e-audiobooks station and download a book on your own machine. Want to visit the Detroit Institute of Art or take the Ford Rouge Plant Tour, but just don’t have the money to take your family on these outings? Visit your library first and check out a Museum Adventure Pass underwritten by Macy’s and get free admissions to your favorite cultural institutions with your library card.
Increased numbers are also indicative of the growing number of services that are part of the package when you obtain a library card. Libraries clearly still have books, magazines, CDs, and DVDs to check out. These are the mainstays of our lending collections. However, now YDL and other libraries are also conduits for access to electronic resources online like ValueLine, Morningstar, Chilton’s, and Heritage Quest. These data resources are available on home computers and laptops with a library card at any hour of the day and night.
MyLibraryDV is a resource accessible by residents who wish to watch over 500 movies or cooking shows or travel shows on their home computers or televisions, but you’ll need a library card to do it.
People looking for jobs in this tight economy also turn to the library for resources. In partner-ship with Michigan Works, all Ypsilanti District Library locations have staff that can assist with job search online through the Michigan Talent Bank website as well as help with writing a resume or a cover letter. Internet access at YDL is free so job-seekers may use our machines to check e-mail and send out inquiries about job listings. Many places now require applicants to fill out applications online.
At the Ypsilanti District Library, you can “Start Here. Go Anywhere.” for your summer vacation and save money too.
Friday, August 1, 2008 YPSILANTI, MICH – The Friends of the Ypsilanti District Library are proud to announce the re-opening of the Friends Shop on Friday, August 1 at 10 am in its new location within the library at 5577 Whittaker Road. The Ypsilanti District Library has been undergoing some remodeling to make way for the addition of a coffee shop opening in the fall. That led to the re-location of the Friends Shop which is now conveniently placed adjacent to the check-out counter. Shelving space has almost doubled so browsing customers have even MORE choices.
Currently, the Friends Shop is open 28 hours a week on this schedule:
Monday 2-8 pm, Tuesday 6-8 pm, Wednesday 10-2 pm, Thursday 10-4 pm, Friday 10-2 pm, and Saturday 11-5 pm. Three times a year the Friends conduct an Overstock Sale over a weekend to distribute even more books to the community. The next big sale will take place September 19-21.
The Friends are a group of volunteers who collect, sort, price, and shelve donated used books to re-sell to the community at very reasonable prices. Books and other materials sold in the shop help raise funds to support YDL’s programs and facilities. In 2007, the Friends contributed over $33,000 to the library. Their donations help make sure children who finish their summer reading goals receive a free book to keep, underwrite special guest speakers, purchase special equipment, and much, much more.
What compels people to dance? What fuels the choreographer’s creative vision? Why do most dancers devote their entire lives to this art form? Many artists refer to a spirit within that defines and drives their need to move, to create, to dance. It is this spirit that is explored in the evocative Smithsonian traveling exhibition “The Dancer Within.”
Featuring 48 color and black-and-white photographs by dancer-turned-photojournalist Rose Eichenbaum, the exhibition will be on view at the Ypsilanti District Library at 5577 Whittaker Road in Ypsilanti, Michigan, April 5 through June 1.
“Visually, the exhibition captures a moment in the life of a dancer,” said Eichenbaum. “Viscerally, it reflects how dance speaks to the social and cultural issues of our times and has the power to express the deepest of human emotions.” Rose Eichenbaum will be the opening speaker on Saturday, April 5 at 2:00 pm at YDL-Whittaker Road. The program is free and open to the public.
“The Dancer Within” was created by Rose Eichenbaum, organized for travel by SITES and made possible through the generous support of United Dance Merchants of America, presenter of National Dance Week. Additional support has been provided by The Enchanted Garden Conservatory of Music, Dance & Drama in Ridgefield, Conn. “The Dancer Within,” from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), will continue on a national tour through 2010.
Call 482-4110 ext. 1303 for more information about the programs being offered to augment the exhibit. In April and May, the library will offer a seven-week series, “Dance in the Movies,” on Mondays. On Saturdays during the exhibit’s tenure at YDL-Whittaker Road, our community will have the opportunity to view a variety of dancers performing their craft: tap, modern, flamenco, ballet and ballroom. The Smithsonian Community Grant program, funded by MetLife Foundation, is a proud sponsor of these public programs.
The Ypsilanti District Library now has two bookmobiles on the road providing service to those who find it difficult to come to our bricks-and-mortar locations. YDL’s bookmobiles are mobile mini-branches, conveniently bringing the library experience directly to you, with materials of all types and for all ages. You may register for a library card at any bookmobile stop. Library materials may be picked up or dropped off at all YDL locations. The schedule features 40 weekly throughout the library’s district of Ypsilanti City, Ypsilanti and Superior Townships.
The Navigator can also be found making the rounds of the area’s kindergarten and Head Start classrooms during the day. For more information about all of YDL’s outreach services such as the Books-on-Wheels program which is a service for homebound library patrons, call 734-482-4110 ext. 1316. As a special holiday gift to the community, the Ypsilanti District Library at 229 West Michigan Avenue will be open on Sunday, December 2 from 1-5 pm in support of the Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels Holiday Homes Tour. Bring the family and enjoy a storytime at 2 pm; then make and take a craft project home with you.
To continue that holiday glow, the merriment will move to the festively lit Library Park Plaza (weather permitting) at 4 pm where a brass quintet from the Ypsilanti Community Band will play seasonal music. At 4:30 pm the music will become a sing-along, and singers of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to chime in. You won’t want to miss out on this perfect start to the holiday season. The volunteers from the Ypsilanti Community Band who will be performing are: Joe Burke on trumpet, John Metzger on trumpet, Marge Taylor on horn, Wayne Jahnke on trombone, and Carter Adler on tuba. To find out more about the Ypsilanti Community Band, contact them at ypsi_band@comcast.net. YDL is pleased to announce its participation in the Museum Adventure Pass Program, presented by Macy’s. The program is a partnership between 162 metro area libraries and 25 area museums. It provides participating library card holders free passes to local museums, cultural centers and historical sites.
YDL card holders can receive free admission for either two or four people to 25 of Southeast Michigan’s world-class arts and cultural institutions. Passes are limited to one pass per week per card holder. A limited number of passes are available at any given time at each YDL location and they’re available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
For a full listing of participating institutions and for check-out guidelines, go to the Museum Adventure Pass website. This program runs through October 24, 2008.
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