The world is changing and today’s writer has more options than ever to see their work in print. Which is the right one for you?

Local authors Lara Zielin and Margaret Yang will explore the differences between traditional publishing and “indie” self-publishing, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each path. This is the third in a monthly series of writing and publishing events called the Emerging Writers Workshops.

These events feature perspectives from both traditional publishing and indie publishing. Considerations for fiction and non-fiction writing will be covered as well.

There will also be an opportunity for workshop attendees to meet up at the Traverwood Branch on Thursday, May 15 from 7 – 8:45 pm to discuss their works-in-progress. Both Lara Zielin and Margaret Yang will be on hand to offer advice, tips and review. These open houses will be a wonderful time to meet your fellow writers and potentially create your own writing group.

You’ve spent countless hours developing your storytelling chops and designing intricate worlds and compelling characters. You’re sharing your work on the social media sites and keeping an update schedule for your webcomic. Now you just wait for the readers to show up, right? Jerzy will cover the value of leveraging audio and video to help you reach new readers, connect with peers, and build audience support by sharing your most unique value—-yourself.

Jerzy Drozd is the author/illustrator of The Front and has worked on Antarctic Press’ "Ninja High School," as well as projects for Marvel Comics and Glencoe/McGraw-Hill. He also has produced several long-running podcasts.

The Forum is for comics enthusiasts AND cartoonists—beginning and professional. Bring your drawing tools and drop in for learning, drawing and sharing.

Back by popular demand! This local band features music-based storytelling from traditional favorites to funny originals. Sing along, dance and enjoy the music!

The Kerfuffles are an Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti-based group of musicians who believe that kids' music should be fun for both kids and parents!

Calling all wizards, nerdfighters, book lovers, and pop culture fiends! Tonks & The Aurors return for a book blasting good time with fellow Wizard & Nerd rock bands: Justin Finch-Fletchley & the Sugar Quills,
Kirstyn Hippe and Tianna & the Cliffhangers! Dress up, nerd-out and bring your friends for two hours of rock!

Note: This event may possibly be relocated to the 4th floor of the Downtown Library.

Join us for an intimate evening as local author Lisa Anderson and staff from Dawn Farm discuss alcoholism and the effect on families.

Lisa is the author of the book The Lost Chapters: A Daughter's Hard Questions About An Ad Man's "Unexpected" Death, the truth about her late father, a New York ad man. The event includes a book signing and books will be for sale.

Lisa Anderson grew up in New York City and graduated from U-M with a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology and a Master’s degree in Public Health. Professionally she develops research training programs for early career researchers in the health sciences. "The Lost Chapters," is her first book and invites others seeking the truth about a loss to go the distance.

"Healing comes in getting the story right," the author says. "The Lost Chapters explores class, love, and the legacy of addiction, and delivers a hopeful rendering of a difficult journey."

For many years, Dawn Farm has offered a continuum of services to help addicts and alcoholics achieve long term recovery. From humble roots in 1973 to the current array of community programs, Dawn Farm’s plainspoken ideal has always been the same—to be the place where addicts and alcoholics could go for help, regardless of their ability to pay. With residential services, supportive transitional housing, outpatient treatment, sub-acute detoxification and a range of active outreach programs, Dawn Farm has always been there to help.

The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original, is calling young artists from Washtenaw County in 3rd – 8th grades to submit their artwork to be juried for the 2014 Kids’ Art Fair (to be held at the Townie Street Party on the evening of Monday, July 14.

Drop-In Jury Sessions will take place at the Pittsfield Branch - You need to attend only one of these three sessions. Interested young artists should arrive with 4 – 6 samples of their original artwork and be prepared to show and discuss their art work with Jurors. Artists will have ample opportunity to show and discuss their art work with Jurors.

Sessions are:
• Sunday, April 27 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
• Wednesday, April 30 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
• Sunday, May 4 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

The Kids’ Art Fair is a unique opportunity for young artists to interact with the community and sell their original artwork at the Townie Street Party. In addition, this is a great chance for young artists to see the jury process at work and to interact with arts educators on a one-on-one basis. The young artists receive individual attention by the Jurors and the positive feedback is often very empowering.

Young artists invited to exhibit at the Kids’ Art Fair will be notified by email in mid-May. The selected artists will be able to sell their work under tents at the July 14th Townie Street Party, which takes place on E. Washington between Thayer and Fletcher and on Ingalls. Additional information may be found at attfair.org.

The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original, is calling young artists from Washtenaw County in 3rd – 8th grades to submit their artwork to be juried for the 2014 Kids’ Art Fair (to be held at the Townie Street Party on the evening of Monday, July 14.

Drop-In Jury Sessions will take place at the Pittsfield Branch - You need to attend only one of these three sessions. Interested young artists should arrive with 4 – 6 samples of their original artwork and be prepared to show and discuss their art work with Jurors. Artists will have ample opportunity to show and discuss their art work with Jurors.

Sessions are:
• Sunday, April 27 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
• Wednesday, April 30 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
• Sunday, May 4 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

The Kids’ Art Fair is a unique opportunity for young artists to interact with the community and sell their original artwork at the Townie Street Party. In addition, this is a great chance for young artists to see the jury process at work and to interact with arts educators on a one-on-one basis. The young artists receive individual attention by the Jurors and the positive feedback is often very empowering.

Young artists invited to exhibit at the Kids’ Art Fair will be notified by email in mid-May. The selected artists will be able to sell their work under tents at the July 14th Townie Street Party, which takes place on E. Washington between Thayer and Fletcher and on Ingalls. Additional information may be found at attfair.org.

The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original, is calling young artists from Washtenaw County in 3rd – 8th grades to submit their artwork to be juried for the 2014 Kids’ Art Fair (to be held at the Townie Street Party on the evening of Monday, July 14.

Drop-In Jury Sessions will take place at the Pittsfield Branch - You need to attend only one of these three sessions. Interested young artists should arrive with 4 – 6 samples of their original artwork and be prepared to show and discuss their art work with Jurors. Artists will have ample opportunity to show and discuss their art work with Jurors.

Sessions are:
• Sunday, April 27 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
• Wednesday, April 30 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
• Sunday, May 4 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

The Kids’ Art Fair is a unique opportunity for young artists to interact with the community and sell their original artwork at the Townie Street Party. In addition, this is a great chance for young artists to see the jury process at work and to interact with arts educators on a one-on-one basis. The young artists receive individual attention by the Jurors and the positive feedback is often very empowering.

Young artists invited to exhibit at the Kids’ Art Fair will be notified by email in mid-May. The selected artists will be able to sell their work under tents at the July 14th Townie Street Party, which takes place on E. Washington between Thayer and Fletcher and on Ingalls. Additional information may be found at attfair.org.

Crafter Beth Battey demonstrates the basics of Japanese paper folding, focusing on geometric shapes. There might be at least one spring animal to make, too!

Experienced paper folders are encouraged to come and share their skills.

Looking to get in on the return to handmade and DIY?

Local crafter Beth Battey will get you started in the wonderful world of crochet with a basic beginner’s project. Get ready to sink your hooks into this fun form of stitching! All supplies provided.