This is a video of the Feminist panel discussion that took place at the "Bring It Back, Take It Forward" three-day conference held on Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 14 in Ann Arbor. This conference was sponsored by the School of Social Work in recognition of 50 years of activism in Southeastern Michigan. Featuring Jan BenDor, Kathy Fojtik Stroud, Catherine McClary and Rachel Harley.

This is a video of the Black Action Movement (BAM), Anti-racism and Pro-diversity Activism panel discussion that took place at the "Bring It Back, Take It Forward" three-day conference held on Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 14 in Ann Arbor. This conference was sponsored by the School of Social Work in recognition of 50 years of activism in Southeastern Michigan. Panelists include: Joann Watson, Hank Bryant and Ronald Woods. Facilitator is Dave DeVarti.

What are the most pressing issues of the County Jail? Overcrowding? Transition to the outside world? Come hear from individuals involved with the jail and then offer your own comments at this community forum. The panel of speakers includes Sheriff Jerry Clayton, Prosecutor Brian Mackie, County Commissioner Barbara Bergman, and Christine Negendank, psychiatrist for the Washtenaw County jail diversion program.This community discussion is presented in conjunction with the Ann Arbor League of Women Voters.

Five years ago, Michigan's corrections crisis became a major public policy issue. The prison population was growing rapidly, as were the costs to taxpayers. Thousands of prisoners were returning to their communities on parole after completing their sentences - with unacceptable and sometimes dangerous results: nearly half were back in prison within two years. Today, the Michigan Prisoner ReEntry Initiative is transforming corrections practices and policies. Join us to learn more about this important topic for community discussion and involvement.

Julia Miller has been a book conservator for 30 years. She will discuss historical book binding in conjunction with the Downtown AADL exhibit, "Design Bindings Presented by the Kerrytown BookFest." The exhibit is on display through August. This event is cosponsored by the Kerrytown BookFest, a community event occurring on Sat., September 7, 2008.Miller has recently shifted her work from bench treatment to independent scholarship, studying and recording the historical style and structure of bindings in the rare collections at the University of Michigan.

Knitters unite: You know her from her knitty.com online magazine, and now Amy Singer will make a special AADL appearance! Amy will share knitting tips and tales from her infamous blogs and online musings. The event will include a booksigning (Amy's popular titles include "No Sheep For You" and "Knit Wit"), with books for sale, courtesy of Nicola's Books. Grab your yarn and arrive early for this one! Cosponsored by Busy Hands.In the fall of 2005, Knitty welcomed its ten-millionth visitor.

Three fiber experts, Mary Underwood, Linda Koeppel and Neil Kentner, will share their expertise about producing yarn from the pasture to the finished product. These local spinners and farmers will present a fascinating overview of how fiber animals are raised, what makes a good fleece, and how and why to select various animal fibers for yarns. Learn how our textile-rich community can help you take advantage of locally produced fibers.

National Library Week is April 12-20. Each year, AADL Director Josie Parker chooses a current topic of interest for the NLW Director's Program. This year the program is a panel discussion held in conjunction with the upcoming Earth Day/Sustainability lecture at Crisler Arena by the Dalai Lama. The distinguished panel will include Dr. Rolf Bouma, Pastor, Center for Faith and Scholarship/Campus Chapel (Christian Reformed), Ann Arbor; Sr. Paula Cathcart, Immaculate Heart of Mary/IHM, former member of the IHM Leadership Council, Monroe; Rabbi Robert D.

AADL kicks off National Libraray Week with the Yarn Harlot! Stephanie Pearl-McPhee made two spectacular visits to AADL last year, where over 300 knitters at each event heard her comments about knitting and life. She is the best-selling author of At Knit's End, Knitting Rules and other tongue-in-cheek meditations on this obsession with knitting. Stephanie returns to AADL to talk, knit, laugh, and discuss her new book. A book signing will follow, with books for sale courtesy of Borders. Not just for knitters, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee is a humorist for all world-weary parents, friends of knitters, adult children who haven't yet begun therapy to complain about their upbringing, and those who just like to look at lovely scarves in fuzzy wool. Her award-winning blog, Yarn Harlot (yarnharlot.ca/blog/), chronicles the daily travails of life as she parents, partners, knits... and writes.

The renowned, award-winning clothing designer from Ireland showcases her knitted clothing line, Maggiknits, and discusses her book, "Maggie's Ireland." She brings a fashion designer's approach to hand knits combining traditional fabrics like Irish linen with denim, mohair and tweed yarns. Enhanced with strips of fabric, even fur, her innovative techniques offer an amazing variety. A booksigning will follow with books available for purchase, courtesy of Nicola's Books.In 1977, Maggie Jackson was the first fashion designer to set up a design studio in Northern Ireland.