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Blog Post

SPRING AWAKENING

by shurand

Spring Awakening today is, for some, what Rent was in the ‘90s. Originally written as a German play by Frank Wedekind in the 19th century (and promptly banned), it resurfaced as a rock musical by Duncan Sheik in 2006. Starring Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff of future Glee fame, the show took home eight Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Original Score. It was recently revived on Broadway by Deaf West Theater in 2015, receiving an additional three Tony nominations.

The story follows teens under oppressive boarding school and home regimes as they navigate a multitude of difficult topics including sexuality, pregnancy, abortion, suicide, neglect, and abuse – serious stuff! That’s why Ann Arbor in Concert – which is producing the show for one night only on Saturday, July 15th – is working to ensure that prospective patrons learn as much about the musical’s content and topics as they can before deciding if the show is right for them. The Ann Arbor District Library is presenting, Spring Awakening: How a 19th-Century German Play Rocks with Relevance Today,” a talk and discussion led by Corner Health Center Health Educator, Social Worker, and Teen Peer Education Theatre Troupe Leader, Craig VanKempen, MSW, MPH. This event will take place on Monday, July 10, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Library’s Downtown Branch.

The Library offers a plethora of additional resources for community members to educate themselves about Spring Awakening and its topics. Patrons can check out the musical score or soundtrack to hear the incredibly powerful music and decide if the more explicit lyrics are their cup of tea. Frank Wedekind’s Four Major Plays is also available for those interested in reading a translation of the original story.

One of the primary conflicts of the musical is that the adults prioritize avoiding their own discomfort over their children and students’ safety. Today we know that, although uncomfortable at times, understanding and talking about sex, consent, suicide, and bullying reduces shame, promotes accurate information, and enables people to access resources when they need help. How different would the story of Spring Awakening be if Wendla’s mother had talked to her the way that Grandma talks to her grandchild in Anastasia Higginbotham’s book, or if members of the entire community had been about to check out resources like Kate Bornstein’s book from their local library. Today we also have many excellent organizations in our community including Ele’s Place, Ozone House, SafeHouse Center, and Corner Health Center to provide additional support and resources to those who need them.

Spring Awakening is not a show for everyone, and Ann Arbor in Concert has posted a parental advisory to encourage prospective patrons, particularly those with younger family members, to learn more about the show before purchasing tickets.

AADL's Pulp has published a preview about the show.

Ann Arbor in Concert’s one-night-only performance of Spring Awakening will be on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 8 p.m. at the Power Center. Tickets are on sale at www.a2ic.org or at the Michigan Union Ticket Office.

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Crafts

Mini Succulent Pumpkins!

Friday October 27, 2017: 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Downtown Library: Secret Lab
Grade 6 - Adult

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Crafts

Halloween Costume Swap

Sunday October 22, 2017: 3:00pm to 4:30pm
Downtown Library: Secret Lab, Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room
All Ages.

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Crafts

Sharpie Dyed Coasters

Saturday November 18, 2017: 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Pittsfield Branch: Program Room
Grade 6 - Adult

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Blog Post

"The Wonder of Learning" Family Day

by Beth Manuel

Saturday July 8, 2017: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm -- James and Anne Duderstadt Center Gallery, University of Michigan and the Stamps Gallery

This event is intended for all ages!

AADL will join in on the fun along with other community partners to celebrate the importance of early childhood education, highlighting the Reggio Emilio model—a hands-on, child-centered approach to learning. Drop by and enjoy hands-on, fun activities, including a special Scent Atelier with Michelle Krell Kydd! Come and be a Scent Detective!

Yes, an actual Smell & Tell for kiddos! AADL will be there, so you know that there WILL BE CODES.

This program is in partnership with The Wonder of Learning—The Hundred Languages of Children traveling exhibit and the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance. The exhibit is on display at the U-M Stamps School of Art and Design & the James and Anne Duderstadt Center on North Campus through August 27.

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Crafts

Punched Tissue Paper Fans

Sunday October 15, 2017: 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Malletts Creek Branch: Program Room
Grade 6 - Adult

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Crafts

Felt Fortune Cookie Garland

Wednesday September 13, 2017: 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Pittsfield Branch: Program Room
Grade 6 - Adult

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Baby Playgroups

Dancing Babies with Monica Higman

Sunday September 24, 2017: 1:00pm to 1:40pm
Westgate Branch: West Side Room
Babies And Preschoolers, Up To Age 5

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Blog Post

What's On MyPlate?

by Beth Manuel

One of my favorite things about summer is the opportunity to eat so many healthy fruits and vegetables! Do you feel the same? Not so much? Or yes, a whole bunch? Well, join us Thursday June 22, 2017: 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm in the Downtown Library: Secret Lab to learn more about having a healthy lifestyle beginning when you're young like you are right now!

PE-Nut (Physical Education and Nutrition) is a program that uses a holistic approach to motivate kids, parents, and families to be physically active and eat healthier.

Join us for this fun session involving games, crafts, and activities to learn about nutrition and healthy eating choices. This program is facilitated by and in partnership with the National Kidney Foundation and is intended for grades K-5.

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Blog Post

What is the Reggio Emila Approach?

by Beth Manuel

The Reggio Emilia Approach is an educational philosophy based on the image of the child, and of human beings, as possessing strong potentials for development and as a subject of rights who learns and grows in the relationships with others.

This global educational project, which is carried forth in the Municipal Infant-toddler Centers and Preschools of Reggio Emilia, Italy, and has inspired other schools all over the world, is based on a number of distinctive characteristics: the participation of families, the collegial work of all the personnel, the importance of the educational environment, the presence of the atelier and the figure of the atelierista, the in-school kitchen, and the pedagogical coordinating team.

Join us as Suzanne Price of Sunshine Special Children's Studio and Early Childhood Educator Heidi Harris share key components of the Reggio Emilia philosophy in this interactive session.

This program is in partnership with the Wonder of Learning: 100 Languages of Children Exhibit (at the U-M Stamps School of Art and Design & the James and Anne Duderstadt Center on North Campus) and the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance.