Category: Post
Category: Post
Tax time again! Useful information from the IRS and State of Michigan
Published: February 8, 2018
Really, there IS useful tax information on irs.gov and michigan.gov Taxes-a word we all hear a lot this time of year. Benjamin Franklin wrote in a 1789 letter that “Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” I’d rather not talk about death, so let’s make this about taxes. The 2018 tax season runs from January 29-April 17, 2018. If you’re running a business, you’re busy, we get that. No worries! You’ll find a wealth of information online, from the …
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Get acquainted with Washtenaw Literacy
Published: February 8, 2018
If you’ve visited the Whittaker Road library, you may have noticed the office beside the checkout desk. Housed in that office is one of YDL’s strongest partners, Washtenaw Literacy. Washtenaw Literacy is the area’s go-to organization for adults who want to increase their reading and writing skills. They rely on a network of highly trained volunteer tutors. Tutors are paired with learners to help the learner achieve their long-term literacy goals. In addition to these tutor-learner pairings, Washtenaw Literacy offers the following: Drop-in English as a Second Language tutoring Computer lab at the Grace Fellowship House of Solutions Community Opportunity …
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Inside YDL’s Guitar Club
Published: February 7, 2018
Q&A with Jesse Morgan, leader of YDL’s Guitar Club for Adults.
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Start exploring your ancestry
Published: February 7, 2018
Researching your family tree can seem daunting…where do you even start? Here are some online resources to help you navigate the world of genealogy. Ancestry: This is one of the most popular and well-known genealogical research sites. It features census, vital, military, and immigration records. Ancestry.com requires a paid subscription. The library offers access to Ancestry.com on library computers only (not accessible from home). Cyndi’s List: Here is a popular online genealogy index which features over 270,000 links, categorized and cross-referenced. This particular link takes you to it’s Beginners page so you can learn the ins and outs of genealogical …
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Making with Maker Cart
Published: February 7, 2018
What is a Maker Cart? YDL-Whittaker has added a new afterschool activity for kids. It is called the Maker Cart. The Maker Cart is available from 2pm to 4pm on 2nd and 4th Mondays, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, and 2nd Saturdays. That is five days of making each month. What is Making? YDL thinks of “making” as an opportunity for kids to create at their own pace. Anyone using the maker cart is encouraged to explore the possibilities of different materials. There is no right or wrong way to create. Making with the Maker Cart is about the process. What …
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What is Creative Aging?
Published: February 6, 2018
Research on the aging process has shown that participating in the arts contributes to positive aging, promoting personal growth, enhanced well-being, and social engagement. Dr Gene Cohen’s landmark study on Arts and Aging illuminates how the creative arts promotes healthier aging. YDL has embraced this idea by offering several creative aging workshops for those 55 years and older. Local professional artists partner with the library to offer free instructional programs that build skills in the arts through participatory workshops and culminate in a public sharing. Recent courses in the Creative Aging series have included: Acrylic Painting: with artist Debra Golden Photography: with Jennifer …
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An invaluable resource: the Ypsilanti Historical Society
Published: February 6, 2018
Ypsilanti, Michigan is a city full of history. If you are looking to learn about that history, the Ypsilanti Historical Society is a wonderful source of information. Located in an historic house at 220 North Huron Street, the Ypsilanti Historical Society is both a museum and an archive. The house itself is the museum, decorated like a house would be in Ypsilanti in 1860. Step back into time while touring the parlor, dining room, solarium, bedroom, and more in the two-story house. There is also an Ypsilanti Room, featuring a permanent exhibit on the city’s history, dating all the way …
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Watch live video of local meetings with Ypsi Live
Published: February 6, 2018
In 2017, a new project dedicated to fostering a greater sense of civic engagement and access bloomed. Sustainability Commissioner Keith Michalowski has created a facebook page where interested residents can view live video coverage of meetings–including city council, city board and commission meetings, school board meetings, public forums, and political debates. Many residents have busy lives and cannot always make it to meetings they may really want to hear. Through the work of volunteers, Ypsi Live makes public meetings accessible from anywhere you can find an internet connection. Not only are the videos streamed live, they are also archived so anyone …
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Ypsilanti’s historic African American community
Published: February 6, 2018
Did you know that after the Civil War Ypsilanti had one of the largest African American populations in Michigan? Members of this well-organized community lived through the Jim Crow era, fought racism during World War II, and led the local Civil Rights movement. You can explore their stories through the A.P. Marshall African American Oral History Archive. A.P. Marshall was a local historian who sought to preserve the stories of Ypsilanti’s African American community and did so by recording numerous oral history interviews in the 1980s. The interviews are now available online, with each one featuring a biography of the …
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What is “early literacy” and why does my kid need it?
Published: February 5, 2018
We’re constantly bombarded with messages about making sure our kids are prepared to succeed in school. “Try this app, read this parenting book, watch that DVD…” and so on. Many of those materials can offer good suggestions (we have a great selection of parenting materials at YDL, for example) but being pulled in so many different directions, while trying to survive on less than 8 hours of sleep, can be overwhelming! YDL librarians are here to help. Let’s start by talking about early literacy skills, defining them and unpacking the mystery that “experts” create around them. What is early literacy? …
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Techboomers: quality, up-to-date information and tutorials
Published: February 5, 2018
The Internet is changing our world. Techboomers can help you keep up. This free educational website teaches older adults and other inexperienced Internet users with basic computer skills about websites that can help improve their quality of life.
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Digital Resources
Published: February 3, 2018
Check out the latest bestseller, catch up with your favorite magazine, or stream a movie all from the comfort of your own home!
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WLBPD
Published: February 3, 2018
The Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled is a great county wide resource for patrons with a visual impairment or physical disability.
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2-1-1 of Washtenaw County
Published: February 2, 2018
Washtenaw County benefits from a large number of organizations ready to help residents in times of need. When you don’t know where to get help, try calling 2-1-1. A service provided by United Way of Washtenaw County, 2-1-1 is a directory of agencies in the area who provide all sorts of assistance. Use 2-1-1 to get help with: Food Housing Early childhood services Senior assistance and much, much more 2-1-1 is staffed by trained professionals who will listen and give you options. The call center is staffed 24 hours a day, every day of the year. In addition to the …
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Dinner Inspiration with RB Digital
Published: February 2, 2018
Using digital magazines is a great way to figure out what’s for dinner.
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Why every teacher needs a classroom card
Published: January 31, 2018
Find out how Ypsilanti teachers have used their classroom card.
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150 years: letter from the director
Published: January 26, 2018
In 1868 a group of enterprising women established what we now call the Ypsilanti District Library. There were 160 registered borrowers, a collection of 175 books, and a budget of $260. 150 years later, YDL remains a vital and vibrant information hub for our community!
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150 Years!
Published: January 3, 2018
In 1868 a group of enterprising women established what we now call the Ypsilanti District Library. To celebrate our 150th anniversary, resolve to explore all the library has to offer in 2018.
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