Albion District Library News

Foreclosure Prevention is Topic of Town Hall Discussion

2008-04-03T07:54:00.001-04:00

Senator Mark Schauer will host a Town Hall discussion on Foreclosure Prevention at the Albion District Library on Monday, April 21, at 6:00 pm.

The meeting will feature representatives from various agencies including Darling Garcia, Staff Attorney, Battle Creek Office of Legal Services; Yvonne Cooper, Financial Education Coordinator, Neighborhoods, Inc.; Nancy Baker, Business Development Specialist, MHSDA; and Carrie Guzzman, Financial Justice Director, ACORN.

This free event is co-sponsored by Albion District Library and the Albion Branch of the NAACP.

Albion District Library is at 501 S. Superior St. in downtown Albion. Call 517-629-3993 for information or visit www.albionlibrary.org

Brown Bag Movies at Albion District Library

2008-04-03T07:53:00.002-04:00

Wednesday, 12:15 pm

April 2—Passageways

A pilot for many years, James Turrell is today a great American Land Art artist, and he considers the sky his studio. Regarding his spectacular images of Arizona’s canyons, Turrell recalls his formal research on natural light and his friendship with the Hopi Indians. This film gives Turrell the opportunity to present his masterpiece, Roden Crater, a true celestial light “observatory.” C.A. Productions/Centre Pompidou (26 min)

Bring your lunch; the Library provides coffee and cookies. Albion District Library is at 501 S. Superior St. in downtown Albion. Call 517-629-3993 for more information or visit www.albionlibrary.org

April 9—NO BROWN BAG MOVIE DURING PIZZA WEEK, but everyone is invited to attend movies shown by the Children’s Room. Call Library for schedule.

Blenko, Libbey and Heisey, Oh My!

2008-04-03T07:53:00.001-04:00

An anonymous friend of the Albion District Library has placed a portion of her beautiful collection of glassware on display in the Adult Room of the Library.

Area residents are invited to stop by to view examples of Beaumont, American Whitehall, Indiana, Heisey, Anchor Hocking, Fostoria, Duncan & Miller, Jeannette, Imperial, Pilgrim, Blenko, Libbey, and more.

Among the pieces on display are examples of Depression Glass that were inherited from the owner’s grandparents. Depression Glass was first made during the Great Depression. Since the 1960s, some pieces have been reissued; the color of the new pieces is often more intense than the originals.

From the Atomic Age, an avocado candle holder by Anchor Hocking was partially molded and partially hand-shaped, so the top does not have seams.

Items representing the Ice Age contrast stylistically with the Colonial American and traditional designs represented by various pieces.

The Albion District Library is at 501 S. Superior St. in downtown Albion. Call 517-629-3993 for more information or go to www.albionlibrary.org

“Ducky” Quilt on Display at Albion District Library

2008-04-03T07:52:00.001-04:00

Mary Deardurff is the talented creator of the latest quilt to be displayed at the Albion District Library. “Ducky” is a 42 x 50 inch baby quilt in the “Rosebud” pattern. It is pieced in bright purple and yellow with a narrow border surrounded by a purple border and finished with a yellow binding. Quilted in purple thread, it features the outline of a toy duck in each yellow section. Deardurff made a pair of these quilts when she needed one for a baby shower; this one is in “Grandma’s Box” awaiting the arrival of the next great-grandchild.

The quilt is the perfect addition to exhibits at the Library. “Quack Open a Good Book” is the theme of this year’s upcoming Friends of the Albion District Library Non-ball in April.

The locked showcase measures approximately 67” x 55” and has a hanging rod. If your project is larger, perhaps it could be folded. If you are interested in displaying a quilt or fabric art, please contact the Library.

The Library also has display cases available in the Library foyer and elsewhere in the Library for exhibits. Please call 517-629-3993 for more information or visit the Albion District Library at 501 S. Superior St. to view current displays.

Brown Bag Movie - March 26—Tail Fins & Drive-Ins

2008-03-18T10:24:00.001-04:00

The early ‘50s sent a wave of optimism across America. With it came a bold new spirit that found its way into automotive design that resulted in uninhibited styles and concepts. As the jet age dawned, America’s automobiles expressed our high hopes and soaring spirits. Cars began sporting massive dorsal fins, chrome bullets, and space-age dashboards. The automobile became part of our culture and set both style and taste. As the car culture made “cruising” a national pastime, America responded. Gas stations, drive-ins, diners, motels, rest stops, and tourist attractions sprang up across the nation. Global Television Network. (57 minutes)

Movies begin at 12:15 on Wednesdays in the Naomi Lane Room. Bring your lunch; the Library provides coffee and cookies. Albion District Library is at 501 S. Superior St. on the corner of Ash and Superior in downtown Albion. Please call 517-629-3993 for more information or visit our website at www.albionlibrary.org.

Albion District Library Hosts Annual Poetry Open Mic and Slam

2008-03-18T07:57:00.000-04:00

Area poets are invited to bring their original poetry to the Albion District Library to join in a poetry reading and open mic. The event will be coordinated by dynamic poet James Dixon, whom attendees will remember from last spring’s poetry open mic and slam. Non-poets are also invited to attend and enjoy the performances.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three poets in the Slam, and refreshments will be served.

Event begins at 7:00 p.m, Thursday, April 17, in the Naomi Lane Room. The Albion District Library is at 501 S. Superior St. in downtown Albion. Call 517-629-3993 for more information. Visit the Library on the web at www.albionlibrary.org.

Albion District Library closed on Easter Sunday

2008-03-17T11:25:00.000-04:00

The Albion District Library will be closed Sunday, March 23, for Easter Sunday. The Library will reopen at 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 24. The Albion District Library is at 501 S. Superior St. in downtown Albion. Call 517-629-3993 for information or go to www.albionlibrary.org.

What’s happening at Albion District Library

2008-03-04T09:02:00.001-05:00

March 5—Brown Bag Program: Costa Rican Adventure 12:15 pm

Take a Costa Rican adventure at the Albion District Library. Joey Verge will show his photos and talk about his year in Costa Rica studying the capuchin monkeys. See and hear about the exciting tropical forests and animals of Costa Rica.

March 6—Movie: Pursuit of Happyness 6:00 pm

March 11—Spring Computer classes begin. Ask for schedule.

March 12—Brown Bag Movie to be announced 12:15 pm

March 15—Easter crafts in the Childrens’ Room 1:00 pm

March 19—Brown Bag Program: Gail Reed talks about Air Traffic Controllers 12:15 pm

March 20—Book Discussion: The Pursuit of Happyness 6:00 pm

Ugly Box work nights every Wednesday
Do you have an "Ugly Box" of old photographs that you've been avoiding? Bring it to the Local History Room on Wednesday evenings beginning January 9, 2008 and get it organized! Sorting, identifying and preserving your family photos are the first steps in creating a lasting legacy of family history for future generations.Preservation materials for purchase and assistance from Local Historian Mary Houghton will be available. Join your family and friends for a fun evening of strolling down Memory Lane while you get a long overdue project completed.No reservations are necessary. Work Night hours are 4 to 7:30 p.m. Stay for an hour or all evening, the choice is yours. For more information contact Mary Houghton, Local Historian, at history@albionlibrary.org or by calling 630-3368.

Children’s Storytimes Every Wednesday 10:00 and 2:00
This program is appropriate for children ages 3 and over. Free and open to everyone.

Books and Babies Every Tuesday at 10:00
This short lapsit program features short stories, finger plays and songs. This program is free and appropriate for babies age 0 to 24 months.

Library Board Meeting

2008-03-03T11:16:00.000-05:00

The Albion District Library Board of Trustees will meet Monday, March 10, at 4:30 p.m. This meeting is open to the public. The Albion District Library is at 501 S. Superior St. Call 517-629-3993 for information.

Brown Bag Program at Albion District Library

2008-02-27T08:18:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, March 5

Costa Rican Adventure

Take a Costa Rican adventure at the Albion District Library. Joey Verge will show his photos and talk about his year in Costa Rica studying the capuchin monkeys. See and hear about the exciting tropical forests and animals of Costa Rica.

Program begins at 12:15 on Wednesdays in the Naomi Lane Room. Bring your lunch; the Library provides coffee and cookies. Albion District Library is at 501 S. Superior St. on the corner of Ash and Superior in downtown Albion. Please call 517-629-3993 for more information or visit our website at www.albionlibrary.org

Albion District Library Shows Mysterious Tools From the Past

2008-02-27T08:17:00.001-05:00

An anonymous friend of the Albion District Library has placed a portion of her collection of antique tools on display in the Adult Room of the Library.

Area residents are invited to stop by to view items that were used by previous generations of hard-working Americans. Hand-carved wooden implements include a sugar scoop, meat tenderizer, ladle, and butter spades. Some of the metal tools on display are hand-forged spikes and a ladle, a pencil sharpener, a rotary crimping iron for pleating collars and cuffs, a soap saver, and a butter curler.

There is a very unusual two-headed (or is it three-headed?) hammer and some mystery items that we need help identifying. Come in and see if you know how the unlabeled items were used and take a trip down memory lane as you enjoy seeing the workmanship in tools that used to make life "easy."

The Albion District Library is at 501 S. Superior St. in downtown Albion. Call 517-629-3993 for more information or go to www.albionlibrary.org.

New Quilt on Display at Albion District Library

2008-02-27T08:14:00.000-05:00

"Hearts and Flowers" is the pattern of the fabric art currently on display at the Albion District Library. This beautiful red, white, and pink heart-themed quilt was created by Albion resident Doretta Wilson.

Wilson took the class for this pattern by Nancy J. Martin (in "Beyond the Blocks") at the Marshall House Quilt Shop. It was her first pieced quilt and is machine quilted.

The quilt was displayed at the Calhoun County Fair in 2005, where it took a blue ribbon. It was shown again at the Harvest Festival Quilt Show in 2007.

The Library is looking for other fabric artists who would like to show their work. The locked showcase measures approximately 67" x 55" and has a hanging rod. If your project is larger, perhaps it could be folded. If you are interested in displaying a quilt or fabric art, please contact the Library.

The Library has additional showcases in the lobby and Adult Room for the display of collections. Please call 517-629-3993 for more information or visit the Library at 501 S. Superior St. to view current displays.

Albion Tuskegee Airmen Showing at the Albion District Library

2008-02-26T10:04:00.003-05:00

Prior to the Tuskegee Airmen, there were no black U. S. military pilots.. However, a series of legislative moves by the United States Congress in 1941 forced the Army Air Corps to form an all-black combat unit, much to the War Department's chagrin. In an effort to eliminate the unit before it could begin, the War Department set up a system to accept only those with a level of flight experience or higher education that they expected would be hard to fill. This policy backfired when the Air Corps received numerous applications from men who qualified even under these restrictions.

Albion was home to three men who served at Tuskegee:

Grover Crumbsby-pilot;
Richard Weatherford-pilot;
and Finis Holt-radio man

These three men are the first to be inducted into the Albion Hall of Fame to be located in the upstairs hallway of the Albion District Library. Local artist Jerome Washington has captured the three Tuskegee Airmen in charcoal. Mr. Washington will host an art show in the Naomi Lane Room of the Albion District Library on Saturday, March 1, from 3:30 to 5 pm. Light refreshments will be served.

The Library also has a Tuskegee-related display in the lobby during the month of February.

Other Tuskegee related events:

Saturday, February 23, 2 to 3:30 pm in the Naomi Lane Room of the Albion District Library.

The Tuskegee Airmen (1995) PG-13

Featuring an all-star cast headed by Laurence Fishburne, fireballs of high speed air action explode off the screen in this exciting story of the "Fighting 99th," the first squadron of black American pilots to be allowed to fight for their country. Based on the true story.

Saturday, March 8, 2 to 3 pm in the Naomi Lane Room of the Albion District Library.

Showing of Local Veteran Oral History Project participant Tuskegee Airman Richard Weatherford. Mr. Weatherford recounts his life and participation as a pilot in World War II.

African American Display at Albion District Library

2008-02-26T09:11:00.001-05:00

Frederick Douglass said, "Once you learn to read, you will be forever free." A poster expressing this concept is on display with photographs of many well-known African Americans in the Teen area of the Albion District Library.

Stop by the Library to see photographs of Coretta Scott King and Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Harriet Tubman, Marian Anderson, Queen Latifah, Michael Jordan, Nelson and Winnie Mandela, Malcolm X, Sojourner Truth, Billie Holiday, Serena and Venus Williams, Ray Charles, and Hank Aaron.

A book table near the Adult Room circulation desk offers African American books for quick and easy browsing and free bookmarks. Also available are free information packets on African American inventors.

The Albion District Library is at 501 S. Superior St. in downtown Albion. Call 517-629-3993 for more information. Visit http://www.albionlibrary.org/.

Albion District Library Receives Generous Gifts for Dolly Parton Imagination Book Project

2008-02-26T09:10:00.001-05:00

The Albion District Library recently received generous donations from the Annemary Meeter Trust, P.A.C.E., the Rotary Club of Albion, and the Friends of the Albion District Library to support the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Additional donations have been received from individuals in the community.

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a program where each month, from the day a child is born until his/her fifth birthday, a carefully selected, hardcover book arrives in the mail. This is not a charity or a social service. It is a free gift to all preschoolers in the Library service area (City of Albion, Albion Township, and Albion School District).

For information on how you may give to the Library or enroll a child in the Imagination project, please call (517) 629-3993.

The Albion District Library is at 501 S. Superior St. in downtown Albion . Visit www.albionlibrary.org.

Albion District Library Goes to the Abaco Islands

2008-02-26T09:08:00.001-05:00

Sheryl Wilkinson, Albion area traveler and scrapbook artist, will share her stories and photos from a recent trip to the Abaco Islands at the Brown Bag Program Wednesday, February 27, at 12:15 p.m.

What do British Loyalists, starfish, isolationistic sculpture, hurricanes, fear of social disintegration and scrapbooking all have in common? The Abaco Islands!

Wilkinson and family were just taking an innocent family vacation in a tropical place and didn’t expect to end up in an area with so much history and so many stories — and great photo opportunities.

Bring your lunch; the Library provides coffee and cookies.

The Albion District Library is at 501 S. Superior St. in downtown Albion. Call 517-629-3993 for more information or go to www.albionlibrary.org.