Category: Post
Category: Post
Garden Gatherings: Backyard Jungle
Published: July 12, 2021
Looking for an outdoor activity? Measure off a square foot and explore.
Post
Rain Garden Plants
Published: July 9, 2021
Our newly planted rain garden is ready to be explored!
Post
Ypsi Stories Episode 9: Why Do We Call It Ypsilanti?
Published: July 7, 2021
Episode 9 of Ypsi Stories.
Post
Garden Gatherings: Dendrochronology
Published: June 25, 2021
Pick up information at the YDL-Whittaker youth desk, then study our tree slices from Matthaei Botanical Garden, or use the resources in this post to learn more!
Post
Ruby’s Birds: A read aloud and activities
Published: June 19, 2021
Hear a read aloud and find birding activities you can do at home!
Post
Construction has Begun!
Published: June 3, 2021
After the YDL Board of Trustees approved initial construction bids, construction work has officially begun! Beginning the week of May 24, O’Neal Construction is on site to coordinate work, and subcontractors have begun earth moving operations. This involves leveling, moving, and compacting soil in preparation for foundation work and stormwater retention development. A construction trailer will be installed on site in the next week. We kicked off the Next Chapter Capital Campaign on June 1. You and your friends can help make the new library everything the community wants and needs! Please visit ypsilibrary.org/nextchapter to learn more about how your …
Post
Ypsi Stories Episode 8: Ypsilanti’s Black Civil War Experience
Published: June 1, 2021
Episode 8 of Ypsi Stories.
Post
Launching YDL’s Next Chapter Capital Campaign
Published: May 18, 2021
The Ypsilanti District Library is turning the page to a bright future, launching the Next Chapter Capital Campaign to help build a new branch in Superior Township!
Post
Celebrate Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
Published: May 18, 2021
Celebrate the culture and historical influence of the AAPI community during Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month!
Post
Make online learning easy
Published: May 14, 2021
Get help using our digital collections, research tools, and more!
Post
Ypsi Stories Episode 7: Ypsilanti’s Water Street Sculpture Garden
Published: May 5, 2021
Episode 7 of Ypsi Stories.
Post
Little Ones STEAM: Colors
Published: May 4, 2021
Talk about colors while you write, read, sing and play!
Post
Improving access to fresh food
Published: April 29, 2021
A new pilot project aims to make it easier to use food assistance benefits, like SNAP, to get fresh produce.
Post
Ancient Egypt
Published: April 29, 2021
Travel back in time this week, to Ancient Egypt! Explore pyramids, learn about mummies, write your name in hieroglyphics, and more.
Post
Microbiology 101
Published: April 27, 2021
What is a Microbe and how can I learn more about? Check out a petri dish demonstration and lots of recommended books that deal with our tiniest neighbors.
Post
Online classes for older adults
Published: April 25, 2021
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and GetSetup-Michigan have online classes for older adults where you can get computer, fitness, and other help.
Post
Ready to Build!
Published: April 19, 2021
We have officially broken ground! Our Groundbreaking Celebration, held April 7, was an exciting milestone in the construction process. The enthusiastic in-person crowd, engaging speakers, and fabulous weather made for quite a memorable event. Thank you to Bank of Ann Arbor for sponsoring the livestream, which allowed many more people to attend remotely. If you missed the event, check out the recording on the YDL Youtube channel. Thanks to an in-kind gift from Superior Township, we finalized the transfer of the land on March 29 for the rock-bottom price of one dollar. We are so grateful to Superior Township for …
Post
Designing Your Own Dream House
Published: April 15, 2021
Using graph paper, rulers, and pencils design the floor plan for your very own dream house.
Post
Racism and Diversity in Kids’ Books
Published: April 12, 2021
Read about what we’re doing to make sure out collection is inclusive and learn what you can do to navigate the collection and find what you want to meet your family’s needs.
Post
What to do about racism in children’s books
Published: April 12, 2021
Research has shown that infants are aware of differences in skin color, and by the age of 5 kids understand that skin color is associated with status in our country. There is research-based evidence that kids of color are negatively impacted by these stereotypes, and they aren’t good for white children either. Books can add to the harm or provide ways for children to see themselves reflected positively in the world by serving as mirrors and windows for all kids. As part of our series on racism and diversity in children’s books, read further and reflect on your own childhood …
Post
Why read diversely?
Published: April 12, 2021
Research has shown that infants are aware of differences in skin color, and by the age of 5 kids understand that skin color is associated with status in our country. There is research-based evidence that kids of color are negatively impacted by these stereotypes, and they aren’t good for white children either. Books can add to the harm or provide ways for children to see themselves reflected positively in the world by serving as mirrors and windows for all kids. As part of our series on diversity in children’s books, read further to learn more about why reading books …
Post
How to diversify your reading
Published: April 12, 2021
Research has shown that infants are aware of differences in skin color, and by the age of 5 kids understand that skin color is associated with status in our country. There is research-based evidence that kids of color are negatively impacted by these stereotypes, and they aren’t good for white children either. Books are one tool to use to teach your child to understand racism and bias. As part of our series on racism and diversity in children’s books, read further to find tips for how to diversify the reading you do as a family. How to make sure …
Post
Ypsi Stories Episode 6: The Information Age before the Information Age
Published: April 6, 2021
Episode 6 of Ypsi Stories.
Post
TAG speaks out against racism
Published: April 5, 2021
The teen advisory is passionate about social justice. Find their resources here!
Post
Bioplastic
Published: April 3, 2021
What is Bioplastic? Bioplastic, moldable plastic material made up of chemical compounds that are derived from or synthesized by microbes such as bacteria or by genetically modified plants. Unlike traditional plastics, which are derived from petroleum, bioplastics are obtained from renewable resources, and some bioplastics are biodegradable. Read More Sustainability Riddles Q: Why did the foolish gardener plant a light bulb? A: They wanted to grow a power plant. Q: Why did the foolish gardener plant a light bulb? A: They wanted to grow a power plant. Three Ways to make Plastic at Home Gelatin Bioplastic Materials: Stove Saucepan Spoon …
Post
Racism in Children’s Books Feedback Form
Published: March 30, 2021
Oops! We could not locate your form.
Post
The Making of YpsiWrites
Published: March 24, 2021
Do you ever wonder about the work that went in to creating YpsiWrites? This partnership with 826michigan, Eastern Michigan University’s Office of Campus and Community Writing, and the Ypsilanti District Library took a lot of planning, and requires a lot of effort to keep it going. In the latest issue of Teaching/Writing: The Journal of Writing Teacher Education, Catherine Calabro Cavin from 826michigan, Cathy Fleischer and Ann Blakeslee, from Eastern Michigan University and Mary Garboden from YDL talk about how they created and sustain YpsiWrites, a community writing center that supports youth and adults. In the article “Extending Literacy Work …
Post
New Year’s Foods From Around the World
Published: March 17, 2021
This week at Garden-to-Table, learn all about traditional New Years foods!
Post
Groundbreaking celebration for new Superior Library Branch: YDL’s Next Chapter
Published: March 16, 2021
The Ypsilanti District Library is hosting an outdoor, socially distanced community celebration for the groundbreaking of the new Superior Library building!
Post
Oscar Contest 2021
Published: March 15, 2021
Fill in your ballot for YDL’s Oscar Awards contest!
Post
What Can We Learn From Nature?
Published: March 13, 2021
Learn all about biomimicry, as part of our Garden to Table series!
Post
Let’s Dig for Fossils!
Published: March 11, 2021
Learn fossil facts and watch fun paleontology videos for this week’s Saturday Afternoon Adventure!
Post
Ypsi Stories Episode 5: Ypsilanti’s Palm Leaf Club
Published: March 3, 2021
Episode 5 of Ypsi Stories.
Post
TAKE A WALK ON MARS
Published: March 1, 2021
Take a walk on Mars for this week’s Saturday Afternoon Adventure!
Post
Footprints in the Snow
Published: February 25, 2021
Find fun activities to do inside and outside with your little one to learn about animal tracks!
Post
Kids at the Table: Food Justice
Published: February 19, 2021
This week at Garden-to-Table, learn all about food justice!
Post
The Ripple Effect of Kindness
Published: February 11, 2021
When you are kind, it can spread just like the ripples in water, to help make your home and community a better place!
Post
Magnet Magic
Published: February 10, 2021
Use magnets to discover what is magnetic and what is not.
Post
Ypsi Stories Episode 4: A Tale of Two Ypsis
Published: February 3, 2021
Episode 4 of Ypsi Stories.
Post
Celebrate Black History Month with YDL
Published: February 1, 2021
Black History Month is every month at YDL! Check out some ways you can celebrate in 2021.
Post
Make Music
Published: January 31, 2021
Explore music, including protest songs. Pick up a kit from the library with supplies to make a hand drum!
Post
Path to the Stars Storytelling Badge
Published: January 28, 2021
Path to the Stars: my journey from Girl Scout to rocket scientist by Sylvia Acevedo is an inspiring memoir about a Latina rocket scientist whose early life was transformed by joining the Girl Scouts and who currently serves as CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA. WATCH AND RESPOND Hear Sylvia talk about being one of the first females to study industrial engineering. What challenges have you faced in your life so far? https://youtu.be/moqdIJ3zDIg Hear Sylvia talk about lessons learned from Girl Scouts. What have you learned from Girl Scouts? https://youtu.be/nvKwgWOfESM Hear Sylvia talk about Path to …
Post
A2SO Virtual KinderConcerts
Published: January 28, 2021
Missing music time at the library with your children? Our friends with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra have KinderConcerts videos!
Post
Learn the ABCs
Published: January 19, 2021
Gather supplies around your house, then do some fun activities to help your child learn the ABCs!
Post
Readers Theatre in a Bag
Published: January 16, 2021
Pick up a kit with scripts and simple costume props you can make at home. Then read aloud–together!
Post
Ypsi Stories Episode 3: Ypsi March for Love, Resilience & Action
Published: January 6, 2021
Episode 3 of Ypsi Stories.
Post
DIY Stress Relief for Kids
Published: January 4, 2021
Get ideas for DIY stress relief you can do at home to help kids cope and stay focused during online school.
Post
Teen MiLibrary Quest
Published: December 30, 2020
[pdf-embedder url=”https://www.ypsilibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Winter-Quest-Flyer-pdf.pdf” title=”Winter Quest Flyer pdf”]
Post
Committing to Compassion
Published: December 29, 2020
Last year brought challenges. It also brought opportunities for compassion, community, and patience. In addition to the pandemic, racial unrest throughout the country forced us to think about how we make a community work for everyone. This year, renew your commitment to personal and community growth. In the spirit of spreading knowledge, here are some tools and tips for achieving your resolutions and becoming a more informed and engaged citizen. Talk to your family about race Research from the American Psychological Association shows some preschoolers may have already developed racist beliefs well before adults start talking about race with them. …
Post
For the Whole World to See: Civil Rights Bibliographies
Published: December 21, 2020
Browse this selection of books and DVD titles that discuss different aspects of the Civil Rights Movement, from the ’50s and ’60s. This list is a part of the For All the World to See exhibit.
Post
Finland
Published: December 18, 2020
Let’s visit Finland and see reindeer, as part of our Around the World tour.
Post
Family Games
Published: December 16, 2020
Stay connected to friends and family this winter with fun games you can play together in virtual meetups!
Post
The Secret Life of Pine Cones
Published: December 11, 2020
This week at Garden-to-Table, learn all about the secret life of pine cones!
Post
Mug Cakes
Published: December 7, 2020
Pick up a supply kit curbside, then get creative at home decorating a mug and making a sweet treat!
Post
Ypsi Stories Episode 2: Urban Renewal on Ypsilanti’s Southside
Published: December 2, 2020
Hear Chapter 1 of Look Both Ways!
Post
Help YDL Prepare for Reopening
Published: December 1, 2020
To welcome patrons back to the library safely, YDL wants to install air purification systems at Whittaker Road and Michigan Avenue. Read on to learn more, and visit our Donate Page to contribute to the project.
Post
YpsiWrites Virtual Tutoring
Published: November 24, 2020
Having a hard time with virtual learning? YpsiWrites is excited to offer both asynchronous and synchronous (real time) virtual writing support during this time of social distancing. With YpsiWrites, you can expect to receive focused feedback on your writing and strategies for development and revision. A tutor will review your submitted work, writing comments and giving feedback, as well as scheduling a virtual consultation so you can discuss your writing with a tutor in real time. To sign up, just click here and fill out the form! [pdf-embedder url=”https://www.ypsilibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/YpsiWritesVirtual_Writers2.0.pdf” title=”YpsiWrites+Virtual_+Writers+2.0″]
Post
Henna Art
Published: November 20, 2020
Pick up a supply kit curbside, then get creative at home and make henna-inspired art developed by the teen advisory!
Post
Tales of Ikkyu
Published: November 20, 2020
Watch a short animated film about the Tales of Ikkyu and get inspired to make art!
Post
Constellations for Little Ones
Published: November 11, 2020
Learn about constellations with a read aloud of Zoo in the Sky and activity suggestions for little ones!
Post
The Night Sky
Published: November 11, 2020
Our ancestors knew the night sky like the back of their hands.They observed the sky until they found patterns in the stars and utilized them as tools for navigation. They made up stories about mythological creatures and characters which they associated with the star patterns. Astronomers began to make maps of the stars and called them constellations. There are 88 officially recognized constellations in the sky. At different times of the year, different constellations can be seen. Different constellations can also be seen depending on where you are on Earth. Scroll down to learn more about constellations and the night …
Post
Ypsi Stories Episode 1: Lucius Lyon and the Land Speculators
Published: November 4, 2020
Hear Chapter 1 of Look Both Ways!
Post
Look Both Ways Teacher Resources
Published: November 3, 2020
Teachers, find direct links to Look Both Ways resources you can use with students!
Post
Chapter 2: The Low Cuts Strike Again
Published: October 30, 2020
Hear Chapter 2 of Look Both Ways!
Post
Pumpkins
Published: October 28, 2020
PUMPKINS–THE ORANGE ICON OF FALL Pumpkins were one of the earliest cultivated foods of the Americas. Over 9,000 years ago the indigenous peoples of North America were growing pumpkins in Oaxaca, Mexico. Pumpkins spread north to the eastern region of the United States by 2700 BCE, where they were grown by the Pueblo tribes of the southwestern United States, as well as the Apaches, Hopi, Navajo, Havasupai, Papago, Pima and Yuman tribes. The pumpkin’s thick orange flesh was a staple food source for thousands of years, and the seeds can be eaten too. The Tohono O’Odham people ground pumpkin seeds …
Post
Shapes
Published: October 22, 2020
Learn all about shapes with fun activities you can do at home!
Post
2020 Election for Kids
Published: October 17, 2020
Kids, learn about elections and the book character candidates, then cast your vote!
Post
Grab an ypsiGLOW poster kit!
Published: October 12, 2020
Feeling artistic for the Fall season? Grab an ypsiGLOW Social Justice poster kit.
Post
Voters with Disabilities: Know Your Rights
Published: October 6, 2020
The Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal and state laws protect the rights of voters with disabilities. Know your rights and make a plan to vote on or before November 3rd. Check out these helpful websites. Michigan Secretary of State: The Rights of Voters with Disabilities U.S. Department of Justice-Civil Rights Division: Disability Rights Section American Association of People with Disabilities: REV UP the Vote Program National Disability Rights Network: Voting Power at the Polls
Post
Little Ones STEAM
Published: October 6, 2020
New supplies and ideas each session to engage your little one at home.
Post
South Korea
Published: October 2, 2020
Let’s visit South Korea, as part of our Around the World tour.
Post
Introducing Creativebug
Published: September 29, 2020
Introducing Creativebug, where you can watch thousands of arts and craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists.
Post
New Library Update: Fall 2020
Published: September 29, 2020
This is part of a series of updates about the new YDL library being constructed on North Harris Road in Superior Township. Find more information and updates about the project at ypsilibrary.org/newlibrary. Behind-the-scenes work continues on the new library, but soon everyone will see visible progress! The week of 9/21 both the Superior Township Board and the YDL Board of Trustees approved a proposal for clearing the site on Harris Road in preparation for a spring 2021 groundbreaking. E.T. MacKenzie Company was awarded the contract, and work is scheduled to begin on or around October 1st. Covid-19 has inflated the construction …
Post
Roller Girl: Chapter Two
Published: September 25, 2020
Hear chapter two read aloud by a member of the Ann Arbor Roller Derby and make a graphic story of your own with 826michigan.
Post
Friendship Bracelets
Published: September 24, 2020
Pick up a supply kit at the library and make a friendship bracelet!
Post
Let Your Voice Be Heard
Published: September 22, 2020
Everyone has a voice in our community and government. Make sure yours is heard!
Post
Roller Girl: Chapter One
Published: September 5, 2020
Hear chapter one of Roller Girl, get some skating tips, and make a friendship bracelet!
Post
Look Both Ways
Published: September 5, 2020
The Ypsi Family Read brings our entire community together around one book. This season’s pick is Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds.
Post
Town Hall Anti-Racism Series: Talking with Kids about Race and Racism
Published: September 2, 2020
Our final installment in our family townhall anti-racism series.
Post
We can help you browse with Hand-Picked for You!
Published: August 17, 2020
Make a special request for up to 10 items, based on any subject, author/director, or age group. Chose from DVDs, books, audiobooks, and music.
Post
Help for Caregivers
Published: July 31, 2020
The Area Agency on Aging 1-B (AAA 1-B) has a new program to support family caregivers. Caregiver Coaching aims to smooth the way for family caregivers by providing them with a trained volunteer coach who can provide a listening ear, talk through care options, and provide access to resources the caregiver may need. Caregiver Coaching is free to family and informal caregivers (anyone who is caring for a spouse, sibling or other loved one). After the coach and caregiver are matched, they communicate by phone for a one-time consultation or ongoing support, at times that are convenient for the caregiver. …
Post
Town Hall Anti-Racism Series: Self-Care, Community Care, and Reflection
Published: July 28, 2020
Join YDL Storytme presenter Kristen Hamilton and Kekere Freedom School to learn about anti-racism.
Post
Little Ones Supply Kit Form
Published: July 24, 2020
Little Ones Supply Kits We’re sorry that all Spring kits for little ones have been reserved. Please watch The Loop for more opportunities to pick up supplies or see us at outdoor activities this Summer!
Post
Animal Life in Your Backyard
Published: July 24, 2020
https://www.ypsilibrary.org/2020/07/supplies-available-for-teens-to-get-creative-this-summer/
Post
Bottle Cap Magnets
Published: July 23, 2020
Pick up a bottle cap supply kit at the library and get creative.
Post
Town Hall Anti-Racism Series: Community Transformation and Uplifting the Voices of Young People
Published: July 22, 2020
Join YDL Storytme presenter Kristen Hamilton and Kekere Freedom School to learn about anti-racism.
Post
Body Shadow Science
Published: July 21, 2020
Teach your little one about shadows using sidewalk chalk and the sun at this week’s TinkerLab.
Post
Mini Canvas Album Cover Art
Published: July 17, 2020
Pick up a mini canvas supply kit at the library, then recreate your favorite CD cover in miniature for this week’s Get Creative teen activity.
Post
Town Hall Anti-Racism Series: Youth Empowerment and Radical Imagination
Published: July 13, 2020
Join YDL Storytme presenter Kristen Hamilton and Kekere Freedom School to learn about anti-racism.
Post
Resprouting Vegetables
Published: July 10, 2020
This week at Garden-to-Table, learn all about resprouting vegetables!
Post
New Library Update: Summer 2020
Published: July 9, 2020
This is part of a series of updates about the new YDL library being constructed on North Harris Road in Superior Township. Find more information and updates about the project at ypsilibrary.org/newlibrary. The Covid-19 Stay Home order closed the library and delayed our project, but the new library is still happening! If anything, the Covid crisis highlights for us even more the need for a full-service library in Superior Township, as the current facility is too small to allow for adequate social distancing. Superior Township has engaged OHM Advisors to engineer a widening of Harris Road. This work was required by …
Post
Town Hall Anti-Racism Series: The Power of Stories
Published: July 8, 2020
Join YDL Storytme presenter Kristen Hamilton and Kekere Freedom School to learn about anti-racism.
Post
Mission Impossible
Published: July 4, 2020
Can you break out of our online escape room? Be a secret agent this week and see if you can complete all of our puzzles, and make some of your own!
Post
Powerful Films on Race Relations in YDL Collection
Published: July 3, 2020
Powerful Films on Race Relations YDL owns copies of all but one of these films: reserve your copy today The Color Purple (1985) PG-13 Fiction: Based on the novel by Alice Walker Do The Right Thing (1989) R Fiction Get Out (2017) R Fiction: Horror Django Unchained (2013) R Fiction-Western Harriet (2019) PG-13 Fiction: Biographical: Harriet Tubman 13th (2016) Documentary about 13th Amendment & Mass Incarceration No DVD release; streaming only on www.Netflix.com Birth of a Nation (2016) R Fiction: Biographical: Nat Turner Note: For historical purposes, YDL also owns a copy of the original film called Birth of a …
Post
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Published: July 3, 2020
Go on an outdoor scavenger hunt with your little one for this week’s Little Ones STEAM.
Post
Bees and Pollination
Published: June 26, 2020
This week at Garden-to-Table, learn all about composting!
Post
Coloring Page Projects
Published: June 26, 2020
Learn how to repurpose your coloring pages and other artwork in this week’s Get Creative session.
Post
Trash to Treasure
Published: June 19, 2020
What can you do with a toilet paper tube? Nicole shows you!
Post
Acts of Care for Kids
Published: June 12, 2020
As people protest systemic racism, families may be trying to help kids understand current events, cope with stress, learn about anti-racism, and feel empowered to make the community a more equitable place to live. Here are some resources to help.
Post
ZenDoodles
Published: June 12, 2020
WHAT IS A ZENDOODLE? Do you need to relax a little? Do you enjoy doodling? ZenDoodle takes simple shapes and patterns and uses them to create a finished piece of art. MAKE YOUR OWN For this week’s Get Creative at home session, grab a pencil, eraser, and some kind of pen and draw along as Nicole takes you through a set of simple doodles to create your finished product.
Post