An expansion doubling the size of the 1957 Downtown building was completed in 1974. A third addition was completed in 1991, again doubling the size of the library, in order to meet community need.
The Ann Arbor District Library (AADL) locations are welcoming places for people of all ages.
AADL is one of only two libraries (out of 800 libraries rated) in the nation to earn the Library Journal’s Star rating every year for the last 15 years. They own their five-star rating to the many projects and services offered to the community including the Library’s Secret Lab, tools collection, community audio resource Fifth Avenue Studios, publishing and print with Fifth Avenue Press, and most popular of all, the annual Summer Game.
Read on to discover what the AADL has to offer residents of Ann Arbor and the surrounding area.
Locations
With five public library locations to serve residents of the greater Ann Arbor area, the AADL is an incredible resource.
Downtown Library
The new Downtown Library was built to meet the ever changing needs of the patrons and the new technologies being introduced to libraries at the time.
At the corner of Fifth and William at 343 South Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104.
Public Transit is located across Fifth Avenue from the Blake Transit Center on AAATA
Bus Routes 3, 4, 5, 6, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 & 33.
For the most recent route and schedule information, please visit TheRide website.
Pittsfield Branch
Pittsfield Branch was designed to accommodate a growing neighborhood while also protecting wetlands where the library was built. Photo by Chuck Rogers.
Located near the corner of Oak Valley and Scio Church at 2359 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Public Transit: AAATA Bus Route 27.
For the most recent route and schedule information, please visit TheRide website.
Malletts Creek Branch
The Malletts Creek Branch was awarded the 2005 American Institute of Architects Michigan (AIA Michigan) Award for Sustainable Design.
Located at the corner of Eisenhower and Stone School at 3090 East Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Public Transit: AAATA Bus Routes 5 & 24.
For the most recent route and schedule information, please visit TheRide website.
Westgate Branch
The Westgate Branch is in the well located and easily accessible Westgate Shopping Center off of Jackson Avenue.
Located at the Westgate Mall at Jackson & Maple at 2503 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Public Transit: AAATA Bus Routes 28, 30 & 32A.
For the most recent route and schedule information, please visit TheRide website.
Traverwood Branch
The Traverwood Branch serves as a community-based learning center that delivers superior customer service, primarily to the residents of the northeast quadrant of Ann Arbor.
Located at the corner of Traverwood and Huron Parkway at 3333 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Public Transit: AAATA Bus Route 22.
For the most recent route and schedule information, please visit TheRide website.
Available Resources
With more than just books, the AADL offers a tremendous array of borrowing options for many resources that you might not have expected, such as:
Book Club To Go Kits
An excellent way to start (or continue) a book club without the cost of each person purchasing the book is by borrowing the Book Club to Go kit from the library. A large collection of titles to choose from, and when your club completes the book, simply return the kit and avoid having to store another book on your own shelf.
Story Club To Go Kits
There are also Story to Go kits available to choose from; just return the kit once you are done with your storytelling.
DVDs
From major motion pictures to television series to documentaries, you can find an extensive collection on a Saturday movie night (don’t forget the popcorn!).
CDs
Don’t want the clutter but want to mix up your tunes? Borrow CDs from the library from your favorite bands, new music that piques your interest, language learning, and more.
Audiobooks
Listen to a book being read to you! Yes, it’s that easy. Some are books on CD, and others are electronic versions. Discover which works best for you and begin learning.
Magazines
An extensive collection and no subscription required! Whether you want to see what the magazine is like before you commit or read this month’s (or a past) issue of one in particular, the library offers a vast collection of magazines for every interest.
Art Prints
An exceptional opportunity to borrow art prints for eight weeks at a time!
Digital Downloads
Music, podcasts, books and other downloadable materials are also available.
Annual Summer Game
Since the 1930s, AADL has had a summer reading program to help encourage kids to read. The modern Summer Game began in 2011 and now includes kid, teens, and adults! A puzzle-filled adventure, the Summer Game has badges, scavenger hunts, a Prize Shop and many more surprises for happy readers of all ages.
To get more information on dates and how to get started, visit AADL Play page.
Special Events for Adults & Teens
The AAADL offers special events for adults, teens, and children.
Known as a haven for people of all ages and all interests, AADL strives to offer special events and activities for every age group. Some recent events for adults and teens have included:
Sci-Tech
Hands-on events in the Electronics Lab.
Storytelling
A special visit from Schoolfolk and the Ann Arbor Storytellers’ Guild.
Cooks and Cooking
Discovering the secrets of chocolate and how to make the perfect pie dough.
Arts and Crafts
Experimenting with sewing, origami and more.
Danish Hygge
Hygge means cozy in Danish, and the library is hosting an evening of hygge to help you reconnect with all things cozy in the dead of winter, which includes relaxing music, sweet treats, fireplaces, homespun crafts and all things fuzzy and comfy.
Language
English as a Second Language conversation groups are regularly available.
Be sure to check the AADL’s events blog for new events and mark your calendar!
Ann Arbor Library’s Special Events for Kids
AADL has many special events for children, including storytelling, music, and LEGO Connection.
The kids, of course, have special spaces devoted just to them at each of the five branches of the library that are fun, creative, and comfortable. They can also enjoy special library events created just for them, like:
LEGO Connection
Come and build whatever you want!
Groups
Baby Playgroup, Preschool Storytime, Circle K Homework Help
Crafts
Make clay figures, fun crafts, and more!
Science Fun
Make a constellation, or try your hand at paleontology.
Special Contests!
From LEGO building, writing short stories, and everything in between!
Music
Musical guests regularly visit the library for scheduled events featuring various genres, allowing kids to learn and explore the joy of music.
To discover all of the many and varied opportunities for kids at Ann Arbor District Library branches, check out their website!
Tools & Games
It’s true: tools and games can be borrowed from the library! What kind of tools? Some very unexpected items and many electronic devices.
- Sewing machine
- Art Tablets
- Indoor Air Quality Meter
- Die Cutters
- Portable Desktop Screen and M4 Portable LED Projector
- UV Light Meter
- Sound Meter
- Temperature and Pressure Meters
- A Human Skeleton
- Games, including Giant Checkers, Chess, and Disc Golf Baskets
See the full catalog of tools and games available on the AADL Tools page.
Other Services
The AADL also offers field trips (registration required) and other services. Access to the Washtenaw Library for the Blind & Physically Disabled by is available by calling (734)327-4224). Inter-library and state-wide MeLCat sharing is offered to help you get what you need, wherever it is in Michigan.
How to Get a Library Card in Ann Arbor
AADL provides services free of charge to anyone who owns or rents a property in the City of Ann Arbor, as well as some who are just outside the city limits but within the library service area boundary. Here are maps of the AADL service area, and visit this page to learn how to get a free library card and take advantage of this incredible Ann Arbor resource. Although services are free for residents, there is a fee for non-residents who want a card. And, yes, overdue fines still exist, but with email notifications to remind patrons of upcoming due dates, it’s better than you have to keep track.
According to the library’s website, almost 9 million items have circulated throughout the system in recent years, which speaks to the importance of the library in the Ann Arbor, Michigan community. It’s yet another gem that helps to make living here even more pleasurable by helping us be better educated and informed community members. Visit their About page to learn more about the Ann Arbor District Library.
Do you have questions about the AADL or other services in Ann Arbor? If so, fill out the form below or give us a call at (734)845-9700. We’d be happy to share some of our experience and knowledge about the Ann Arbor area.
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