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Visiting AADL - Playing Chess Downtown

Visit the Ann Arbor District Library – Wednesday Activity Review

Visiting the Library is today’s Wednesday Activity Review

Each Wednesday this summer, Ann Arbor with Kids is covering an activity typically aimed at children in Elementary School. Especially with the heat, a trip to the library is always a great choice. In addition to all of the great books, each of the Ann Arbor District libraries offers other fun activities. AADL also hosts great events for all ages at their branches.

Ann Arbor District Library Branches

There are currently 5 Ann ArborΒ District Library BranchesΒ to visit – the main Downtown Branch, Westgate Branch, Malletts Creek Branch, Pittsfield Branch, and Traverwood Branch.

  • Downtown Branch – 343 South Fifth Ave
  • Malletts Creek Branch – 3090 East Eisenhower Parkway
  • Pittsfield Branch – 2359 Oak Valley Dr
  • Traverwood Branch – 3333 Traverwood Dr
  • Westgate Branch – 2503 Jackson Ave

Library hours are:

  • Daily 10a-8p

Summer Reading, Books, & More

If your child is not working on the Ann Arbor District Library Summer Reading Game, I definitely recommend signing them up for at least the reading portion of the game. After 10 books, they will be able to select a book from the library cart. My daughter is still working her way through her 10 books. As she’s gotten older, her books take longer to read so it isn’t as easy as when she was a preschooler and we could read 10 picture books in a week.

The Ann Arbor District Library offers a great variety of books, books on CD, movies, and music and any of the branch libraries. The downtown library also offers “Unusual Items” for lending such as home tools, art tools, music tools, and games.

Fun Activities at the Libraries

Each branch offers different activities for kids. All of the branches offer computers with games for kids. 

My daughter has loved the ball popper at the Pittsfield Branch since the library opened when she was a baby. Pittsfield Branch also offers several puzzles and small toys to play with. At the Malletts Creek Branch, my daughter enjoyed playing with their toys when she was younger.


Events from our Sponsors


Last week, my daughter loved the games at the Downtown Branch – we played chess in the youth area and Connect Four in the lobby. While you’re at the Downtown Branch, don’t forget to check out the Fairy House in the books. 

Visiting AADL - Playing Chess Downtown

Of course in the years since we initially wrote this article, the Westgate branch has opened. It is my now teen’s favorite branch with the Sweetwaters Cafe. The library definitely features other great kid activities like the reading hive and the colored light wall.

Summer Game Codes

In addition to reading books for the Summer Reading Game, you can play the Summer Reading Game by collecting codes found throughout each library and for attending events. So far this summer, we have been to the Downtown Branch and the Malletts Creek Branch. I love how the codes at each of these branches follow a theme (movies at Downtown and countries at Malletts Creek).

AADL Events

All year the Ann Arbor District Library runs amazing events, but over the summer they increase their event offerings particularly for school aged children. My daughter loves their event. This summer we have attended the Comic Arts Festival and built a Penny Battery. Last year my daughter loved Marshmallow and Roller Coaster Engineering as well as making clay Minions.

<March 2022 Update> The library is still operating on a reduced event schedule due to COVID. Occasional story times are returning this month. Hopefully by summer they will be able to provide more events.

Upcoming AADL Events for Elementary & Middle School Students:

Date/TimeEvent
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 14, 2025
3:00pm-4:00pm
Summer Painting
at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 14, 2025
5:30pm-7:30pm
Board Game Night
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 15, 2025
1:00pm-2:00pm
Make a Tiny World
at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 15, 2025
1:00pm-2:00pm
Parent & Child Drawing Workshop
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 16, 2025
12:00pm-1:00pm
Pom Pompalooza
at Traverwood Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 16, 2025
3:00pm-4:30pm
HEXBUG Adventures
at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 17, 2025
2:00pm-3:30pm
Sun Print Fabric Squares
at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 18, 2025
11:00am-12:00pm
Ocean Sensory Bottles
at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 18, 2025
11:00am-12:00pm
Paracord Survival Wristbands
at Traverwood Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 19, 2025
10:15am-11:15am
AADL Welcomes | Drop-in for Early Writers with 826michigan
at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 19, 2025
1:00pm-4:00pm
Splatoon 3: Hyperlocal Splatfest
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 19, 2025
3:00pm-4:00pm
Mermaid Party
at Traverwood Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 19, 2025
4:00pm-5:00pm
How to Draw Manga & Anime: Character Design
at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 20, 2025
11:00am-12:00pm
Building Big with Paper Cups
at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 20, 2025
12:00pm-2:00pm
School Supply Swap
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 20, 2025
1:00pm-4:00pm
PokΓ©Battle Sunday
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 20, 2025
2:00pm-3:00pm
The Big Gay Read | Mini-Library with Mini Handmade Books
at Traverwood Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 21, 2025
10:30am-12:00pm
Animals of Ann Arbor
at Traverwood Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 21, 2025
3:00pm-4:30pm
Interactive Movie Experience: Lilo and Stitch (2002)
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 21, 2025
3:00pm-4:00pm
Superman Coloring
at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 21, 2025
6:00pm-7:30pm
Sewing Lab | Sleeve Insertion with Amber Adams-Fall
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 22, 2025
2:00pm-2:30pm
Puppet Show!
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 22, 2025
2:00pm-3:00pm
Slime Time
at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 22, 2025
5:30pm-7:00pm
Summer Game Mixer
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 23, 2025
12:00pm-2:00pm
Collage Making
at Traverwood Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 23, 2025
1:00pm-3:00pm
3D Printed Pins
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 23, 2025
1:30pm-2:30pm
Tiny Window Greenhouse
at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 23, 2025
5:30pm-7:30pm
Intro to Laser Engraving: Engraving Hand-Drawn Designs
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 24, 2025
11:00am-12:00pm
Paper Airplanes
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 24, 2025
5:00pm-6:00pm
Make Art with Julian Bast
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 25, 2025
11:00am-12:00pm
Γ€kΓ³jọpọ̀ Presents: Orin ỌmọdΓ©
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 25, 2025
2:00pm-3:00pm
Frog and Toad Celebration
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 25, 2025
6:30pm-7:30pm
Concert | Scott Mulvahill Presents DataBass
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 26, 2025
10:15am-11:15am
AADL Welcomes | Drop-in for Early Writers with 826michigan
at Traverwood Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 27, 2025
12:00pm-1:00pm
Paper Lantern Jellyfish
at Traverwood Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 27, 2025
12:00pm-1:00pm
Pony Bead Lizards
at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“πŸŽŸ
July 27, 2025
1:00pm-4:00pm
AADL Welcomes: Cooking Demo for Health and the Environment with VegMichigan
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 27, 2025
1:00pm-2:00pm
Concert with Out Loud Chorus
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 28, 2025
2:00pm-3:45pm
Movie Day at the Library: The Secret World of Arriety
at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 28, 2025
6:00pm-6:30pm
Family Storytime with Laura Raynor
at Malletts Creek Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 29, 2025
11:00am-12:00pm
Bluey Bash
at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 29, 2025
2:00pm-3:15pm
Art History in the Afternoon: Edgar Degas
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 30, 2025
11:00am-12:00pm
Paper Plate Flying Saucers
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 30, 2025
2:00pm-4:00pm
Friendship Bracelets
at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 30, 2025
5:00pm-7:00pm
Riso Lab
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
July 31, 2025
2:00pm-3:30pm
The Mad Hatter's Totally Pretend Tea Party
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 1, 2025
11:00am-11:45am
Concert | Two of a Kind
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 1, 2025
11:00am-12:00pm
Sock Caterpillars
at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 2, 2025
10:15am-11:15am
AADL Welcomes | Drop-in for Early Writers with 826michigan
at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸŽŸπŸ–₯
August 2, 2025
10:30am-11:30am
Book Party with Black Men Read
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan Virtual Event - Enjoy at Home
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 2, 2025
1:00pm-1:45pm
Marvelous Mammals
at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 2, 2025
2:00pm-3:00pm
The Other Blue Planet: Life in the World's Inland Waters
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 2, 2025
2:15pm-3:00pm
Marvelous Mammals
at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 3, 2025
12:00pm-1:30pm
Animal Ear & Floral Headbands
at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 4, 2025
2:00pm-2:45pm
The Joel Tacey Magical Comedy Show
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 4, 2025
6:00pm-7:30pm
Sewing Lab: Shirring with Elastic with Rae Hoekstra
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 5, 2025
3:00pm-4:00pm
Glitter Pictures
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 5, 2025
3:00pm-4:00pm
Make Your Own Sun Prints
at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 6, 2025
2:00pm-3:00pm
French Knitting on a Knitting Nancy
at Traverwood Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 7, 2025
3:00pm-4:30pm
HEXBUG Adventures
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 7, 2025
5:30pm-7:30pm
Heat Press Open Lab
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 8, 2025
1:00pm-2:00pm
Domino Days
at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 8, 2025
1:00pm-2:00pm
Handsewn Felt Envelopes
at Traverwood Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 9, 2025
11:00am-12:00pm
Marble Run Race
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 9, 2025
3:00pm-4:00pm
Drag Bingo with Jadein Black
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 9, 2025
3:00pm-5:00pm
Mahjong Open Play
at Traverwood Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 9, 2025
6:30pm-7:30pm
Live Concert | microplasConcert | Ben Zuckertique
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 10, 2025
2:00pm-3:00pm
Printmaking With Found Objects
at Traverwood Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 10, 2025
3:00pm-5:00pm
Board Game Afternoon
at Malletts Creek Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 11, 2025
11:00am-12:00pm
DIY Stamps
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 11, 2025
5:00pm-7:00pm
Gel Plate Printing
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 12, 2025
12:00pm-1:00pm
Anything Goes Crafts
at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 12, 2025
2:00pm-3:00pm
Strawberry DNA Extraction
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 12, 2025
7:00pm-7:30pm
Pajama Jam Storytime!
at Traverwood Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 13, 2025
1:00pm-2:00pm
Storytime with Sheila Hackbarth: Lion's Water
at Traverwood Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 13, 2025
2:00pm-3:00pm
Make a Whirligig Spinner
at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 13, 2025
5:30pm-7:00pm
Summer Game Mixer
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 14, 2025
3:00pm-4:00pm
Fantastic Four Coloring
at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 14, 2025
5:00pm-7:00pm
Riso Lab
at Downtown Branch of AADL, Ann Arbor Michigan
πŸ’™πŸ†“
August 15, 2025
2:00pm-3:00pm
Woven Paper Hearts
at Pittsfield Branch Library, Ann Arbor Michigan

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