The University Record, December 20, 1999 By Joanne Nesbit
News and Information Services
A combined family reading and science program will be launched in January by the Exhibit Museum of Natural History and the Ann Arbor District Library. “The Library Rocks!/The Exhibit Museum Rocks!” is part of a five-year collaboration that will feature a family reading program accompanied by free, fun and informative reading and science events at the Museum and the Library. The series will begin in January and continue through March. Registration begins Jan. 3 at the Exhibit Museum and all Ann Arbor District Library outlets.
Any combination of adult family members plus a child of any age constitutes a participating “family.” From January through March, families that sign up for the program set aside a special time each day to log their daily reading times. For every five hours logged, families may enter a monthly drawing for prizes. Any kind of book can be read, but the libraries will have a special display of books pertaining to geology.
Special Friday family night programs featuring local celebrities reading their favorite stories will include snacks and family crafts. The Friday night library programs run 7–8:30 p.m. at the West Branch Jan. 28, the Loving Branch Feb. 11, the Northeast Branch Feb. 25 and the Main Library March 10.
Moving Rocks (January), Mystery Rocks (February) and Eruptions (March) are the subjects of hands-on science workshops at Library and Museum locations. Registration is required in person or by phone and begins two weeks prior to each session. These workshops will be held at the West Branch 2–3 p.m. Jan. 8, Feb. 19 and March 11; at the Loving Branch 11 a.m.–noon Jan. 15, Feb. 5 and March 18; at the Northeast Branch 2–3 p.m. Jan. 22, Feb. 12 and March 25; and at the Exhibit Museum 1–2 p.m. Jan. 30, Feb. 27 and March 26.
Nationally known science author Seymour Simon will give a special presentation in the Main Library’s Multi-Purpose Room 7–8:30 p.m. Feb. 1. This is a free program suitable for ages 5 and up. Book sales and signing begin at 6 p.m. and will continue after the presentation.
A special family drop-in program “The Exhibit Museum Rocks! Discovery Day” with hands-on activity stations will be held noon–4 p.m. March 26 at the Exhibit Museum. No registration is required.
A Family Reading Grand Celebration for families who read together a minimum of 10 hours is set for 7–8:30 p.m. March 31 in the Main Library’s Multi-Purpose Room. Each family honored will receive a free book. Magician Jeff Wawrzazek will entertain.
This series of programs is made possible by a $43,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services with the purpose of developing a multi-year family reading and informal science learning collaboration. The collaboration was one of 11 nationwide to receive a 1999 Museum Leadership Initiative Award.
For more information or to register, contact the Exhibit Museum, 764-0478, or a library branch: West, 2503 Jackson Ave., 994-1674; Loving, 3042 Creek Dr., 994-2353; Northeast, 2713 Plymouth Road, 996-3180; or Main, 343 S. Fifth Ave., 327-8301.
