Interest: Community Services & Assistance
Interest: Community Services & Assistance
Planning Garden Purchases? Visit YDL first!
Published: April 1, 2026
All YDL branches have seeds to take home.
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Your Library Card Packs a Punch
Published: August 30, 2025
Last September, YDL issued over 400 new library cards. This year, you can help us make National Library Card Sign-up Month even bigger! Since 1987, September has marked an annual effort to get a library card in as many hands as possible. This year, the American Library Association chose the theme “One Card, Endless Possibilities.” Anyone who gets their YDL card this September can also get a colorful beach ball, courtesy of Gene Butman Ford, or a nifty travel bag (while supplies last). Have you somehow finished reading all of the books in our collection? You can also use your …
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YDL’s Commitment to Accessibility
Published: March 20, 2025
Accessibility Statement The Ypsilanti District Library is committed to providing open and equitable access to all users, by following accessibility standards and responding to user feedback. We recognize that some site visitors may use our website with the assistance of technology such as screen readers and magnifiers, refreshable braille display, and voice recognition; as well as with captioning, transcripts, and other aids and services. We built our website to comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1, level AA. After consulting with our web designers, we have discontinued the ReciteMe accessibility toolbar. Research has shown that third-party accessibility overlays, such as …
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Michigan Memories
Allows users to search the online collections of cultural memory institutions all around Michigan.
Room Reservations have a New Look
Published: March 4, 2025
To avoid overbooking our available space, we ask that you please make a reservation to use a room.
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The Bookmobile Has New Stops
Published: February 7, 2025
Spring is the time of rebirth, so YDL is refreshing some of our Bookmobile routes. Since three of our stops have been unattended for some time, we’re breathing new life into those neighborhoods with brand-new ones! Starting Monday, March 3, we will no longer visit Perry School, Oakbrook Park, or Christ Temple. We’re sad to see them go, but we’re ecstatic to announce new Bookmobile stops at Ainsworth & Ferris, Rue Vendome (between Rue Willette & Rue Deauville), and Wendell Holmes Park (by the baseball diamond) off Wendell Road near Holmes Elementary. The new schedule with those stops looks like …
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Library Social Work program coming to YDL
Published: January 23, 2025
The Ypsilanti District Library is transforming how patrons can connect with social service resources in the community, thanks to a generous grant from Washtenaw County Community Mental Health. With funding from the Washtenaw County Mental Health and Public Safety Preservation Millage, YDL will hire a fulltime Library Social Worker. This MSW position will engage with the community at YDL’s three locations to help provide information, support, referrals, and follow-through to people experiencing challenging life circumstances. The Library Social Worker will help patrons seeking community resources such as mental health services, substance use services, housing services, food, education, and other social …
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Introducing: Recite Me!
Published: April 14, 2023
The Recite Me toolbar offers a screen reader; translations into over 100 languages; color, font, and size customization; and reading aids.
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Library of Things
Find games, tools, tech, cooking and office supplies, and more in our Library of Things collection.
Service
Welcome to Fine-Free
Published: May 31, 2022
Exciting news! Effective June 1, YDL will no longer charge fines for late materials.
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VISIONS Fair Showcases Disability Access Products and Services
Published: May 21, 2022
The 2022 VISIONS Vendor Fair takes place on Wednesday, June 8th from 11-4pm at the Ann Arbor District Library and features a variety of Michigan exhibitors who will demonstrate the latest products and services for the blind, visually impaired and physically disabled. Electronic readers, magnifiers, support services for the blind, Braille devices, library services, CCTVs, leader dogs, and transportation services are just a few of the many outstanding services and products that will be on display. The VISIONS Vendor Fair is presented by and is held at the downtown branch of the Ann Arbor District Library (which also serves as …
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YDL’s Senior Advisory Board keeps inspiring; seeks new members
Published: April 13, 2022
YDL’s Senior Advisory Board has been supporting and inspiring Ypsilanti’s older population since 2015, and they’re looking for new members to join the mission.
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Housing Choice Voucher waiting list to open March 15, 2022
Published: February 25, 2022
Get help applying at the Library! If you are low-income and need assistance in paying your rent, consider applying for the Housing Choice Voucher program wait list. Generally, to be eligible, families must have income levels at or below the extremely low income limit set by HUD for county and family size. These limits vary; the limits for Washtenaw County can be found by clicking here. The Housing Choice Voucher waiting list program will open March 15, 2022 at 9am and close March 22, 2022, at 3pm. Applications must be submitted online. If you need help, please stop by YDL-Michigan …
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MDHHS offering free access to the Get Set Up course catalog
Published: February 4, 2022
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has teamed up with GetSetUp to provide hundreds of live online classes to keep you mentally, physically and socially active. Classes are interactive, easy to join, offered day and night and free for our community. Visit the site to find classes on anything from tech tips to boosting your mental health.
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See Evicted: The latest travelling exhibit at YDL
Published: February 1, 2022
Check out Evicted, the latest travelling exhibit at YDL-Whittaker.
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Digital Michigan Newspaper Portal
A list of over 1,000 digitally-accessible newspaper collections across Michigan.
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.
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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.
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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. …
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YDL to Expand TALK Program with Prestigious IMLS Grant
Published: July 27, 2020
The Ypsilanti District Library, with the Library of Michigan and the Midwest Collaborative Library, will expand our early literacy text messaging service, TALK: Text and Learn for Kindergarten, to reach parents of children birth through five years old across Michigan and Indiana.
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OVERDUE FINE AMNESTY
Published: July 23, 2020
The fine forgiveness initiative that the YDL Board approved last month has gone into affect!
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YDL’s Update on Resuming Services
Published: June 2, 2020
We’re excited to resume operations at YDL, and we appreciate everyone’s patience and perseverance. We plan to gradually phase in our services in a way that keeps our community, patrons, and staff safe. Please read on for more information about what to expect as we re-open responsibly.
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Food Resources during COVID-19
Published: April 17, 2020
If you need assistance getting food for your family, local schools and organizations are ready to help. Families with children in Ypsilanti Community Schools may make use of a hotline for help. Click here for more information. Click on any heading below to see how you can get help accessing free food, plus tips for safe shopping and menu planning. Free Food Ypsilanti Community Schools Food Distribution Ypsilanti Community Schools is a variety of food options for students and families at no charge. Breakfast & lunch distribution for students: [pdf-embedder url=”https://www.ypsilibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/meals.pdf”] Grab & Go Food Delivery Ypsilanti Community Schools provides …
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Information on YDL-Michigan’s Closing on 3/4/2020
Published: March 4, 2020
We are set to reopen our downtown branch on Thursday, March 5.
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The News About Our Health
Published: January 31, 2020
Stay informed on the latest updates on maintaining both physical and mental health in Washtenaw County.
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Ypsilanti Housing Commission Announces Waitlist Opening
Published: December 28, 2019
The Ypsilanti Housing Commission has announced it will accept applications for its one-bedroom housing waitlist at Deborah Strong Housing from January 6-10. Applications will be accepted in person from 10am-3pm at 928 W Michigan Ave, or by faxing to (989) 400-4761. Deborah Strong Housing is composed of three different apartment complexes: Sauk Trail Pointe, Hollow Creek, and Towner. For more information about these properties, click here. The application will be available beginning January 6 at the Ypsilanti Housing Commission website or at 928 W. Michigan Ave. For help accessing and printing the application, visit any Ypsilanti District Library location.
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Get Weather-Ready with Home Improvement Programs
Published: November 16, 2019
In need of some home improvement projects? Washtenaw County is providing FREE weatherization services for eligible residents.
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Help for Veterans is Available
Published: November 14, 2019
Did you know that as of 2019, 11.7 million veterans are over the age of 65, which is about 61% of all veterans (U.S. Department of Labor – Bureau of Labor Statistics)? The Washtenaw County Department of Veterans Affairs can help veterans, their survivors and dependents, file claims for benefits from Federal, State, and Local governments and receive help with VA Pension, life insurance and health care, financial assistance with food, transportation, and housing, and funeral and burial reimbursements. Their mission is to provide accurate, efficient and timely services to ensure delivery of benefits to veterans and their families. If …
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Information on YDL-Michigan’s Closing
Published: October 17, 2019
Our Michigan Avenue location is closed after confirmed evidence of bed bugs. The library branch is scheduled to be inspected and treated on Friday, October 18. We plan to reopen on Saturday, October 19.
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Preparing Your Family for Immigration Enforcement
Published: October 7, 2019
Know your rights: Immigration Enforcement Michigan Immigrants Rights Center (MIRC) has released a comprehensive guide entitled, “Preparing your family for immigration enforcement.” Print copies of this guide will be available for free at all YDL Branches in English, Spanish, and Arabic. Electronic copies in English, Spanish, Arabic, Bangla, and French are available on the MIRC website. The guide focuses on navigating your rights throughout any immigration enforcement encounter, whether it be before, during, or after a raid. Topics include: An outline for creating an emergency plan. Short scripts and advice for interrogation situations. Multi-lingual, Printable “know your rights” cards that …
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Everyone’s A Writer: Introducing Ypsi Writes
Published: September 5, 2019
Ypsi Writes will host drop-in hours at all YDL locations offering help with any type of writing, and present writing workshops where both experienced and aspiring writers can learn various forms, from memoirs to résumés to poetry.
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Time Running Out to Keep Tuition Incentive Program Benefits!
Published: July 16, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 15, 2019 Deadline Fast Approaching for Low-Income Michigan Students to Apply for College Tuition Assistance Eligible Students from Class of 2019 Must Apply by Aug. 31, 2019 LANSING, Mich. – Time is running out for eligible individuals from the classes of 2015 and 2019 who have graduated with a high school diploma or equivalent to claim their Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) benefits, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury The grant program – commonly referred to as TIP – encourages eligible Medicaid recipients to complete high school by providing college tuition assistance. Eligible TIP students have …
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Have Questions about Medicare or Medicaid?
Published: June 10, 2019
Get unbiased advice to make the right decisions about your health care. Schedule a one-on-one conversation with an experienced health counselor, provided by the Area Agency on Aging 1-B. Counselors are available at the Michigan Avenue branch of YDL June 8, 22, July 13, 27, August 10, and 24. Make an appointment by calling 800-803-7174.
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Free Legal Advice Day CANCELLED
Published: April 15, 2019
Get twenty minutes of free legal advice from the New Lawyers Section of the Washtenaw County Bar Association in celebration of National Law Day on Wednesday, May 1st. Consultations will take place at YDL-Michigan between 10am and 3:30pm. To schedule an appointment, please call 734-996-3229, starting April 16th. Walk-ins welcome as time allows.
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Free Tax Prep at YDL & Beyond
Published: January 9, 2019
It is tax season once again, but don’t despair! If you are a local resident with low income, you have many options available for free tax preparation. Local organizations including the AARP Foundation, United Way of Washtenaw County, and the Eastern Michigan University Accounting Society have partnered with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs to help taxpayers receive more of their tax refund. A detailed list of sites, dates, and times is available by clicking here. YDL’s Michigan Avenue branch is one of AARP’s tax preparation sites. To learn more about getting your …
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Ann Arbor Housing Voucher applications will be open Nov. 12-16
Published: November 8, 2018
The Ann Arbor Housing Commission will accept applications for the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Waiting List from Monday, November 12 through 4pm on Friday, November 16. From these applications, 600 will be randomly selected to obtain a place on Ann Arbor’s Section 8 Waiting List. Of the 600 selected, 300 applications will have at least one household member between the ages of 18-61 with a disability. The other 300 applications will be randomly selected from all other households meeting the preferences listed below. The Ann Arbor Housing Commission has three preferences: Households who live in Washtenaw County Households …
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Health Insurance Marketplace: Hands-On Help Available
Published: November 8, 2018
The Health Insurance Marketplace is open for enrollment through December 15, 2018. Staff from the Washtenaw Health Plan can help you find the right plan and apply.
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Legal Information Reference Center
Designed for the general public, includes thousands of legal forms.
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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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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