Nonprofit youth writing and tutoring center 826michigan is hosting two special events in January in partnership with Rocks and Robots, an Ann Arbor based company that offers technology and adventure challenge programs. On Friday, January 9 from 5 to 7pm Sumo Battle Bots will introduce students to the basics of robot programming and will end with an ultimate Sumo Championship where everyone gets several chances to test and improve their robots. On Saturday, January 10 from 1 to 3pm at the Robot Builder’s Extravaganza participants will choose from dozens of “smart” LEGO robotic contraptions to create a special robot- the possibilities are endless! These events are appropriate for families with kids ages 7 and older. Both events are free and open to the public.

Drop in to play chess this Sunday at the Traverwood branch. Players of all ages are welcome to try their luck on the chess battlefield. Chess sets are provided but you are welcome to bring your own set.

Chesstastic | Sunday, January 11 | 1:00-4:00 PM | Traverwood Branch | All Ages

What’s better at the end of your first week back to school than a chance to relax and enjoy sharing poetry, monologues, or music? Nothing when you can also sip on some cocoa, coffee, or tea. Come to speak into the mike or come to listen.

AXIS Coffeehouse | Friday, January 9 | 6:00-8:30 PM | Malletts Creek

On January 16 come to the Downtown Library at 7 pm to hear prize-winning author and historian Timothy B. Tyson talk about Blood Done Sign My Name: A True Story, a carefully researched memoir of a 1970 racial murder in Oxford, N.C. The book is being made into a movie. I'm eager to hear the author speak. I'm also wanting to respectfully ask his opinion of The New Republic article about the unfortunate book Angel at the Fence: the true story of a love that survived.

Getting ready to take the SAT or ACT? Two January sessions led by Kaplan instructors will help you prep.

Test Taking with Kaplan Experts
Wednesday, January 7 | 7-8 pm | Pittsfield Branch
Learn how to approach ACT or SAT test day with confidence. Kaplan instructors will lay out strategies and suggestions for preparing. They will also step you through some questions showing you how you can best arrive at the correct answer.

ACT Plus Writing Test Tips with Kaplan Experts
Tuesday, January 13 | 7-8 pm | Traverwood Branch
Faced with a question and just 30 minutes to think, organize, and write a short essay, it’s no wonder that the ACT Plus Writing test is one of the most feared. But fear not! Kaplan instructors will provide you a road map for getting ready to write the dynamic response in a short amount of time. This session will set you on course to a successful test experience in March.

Listening to joyous live music at AADL free of charge is one of the best ways to start the new year. The Armenian Music of Grikor Mirzaian Suni (1876-1939) will be performed by his great granddaughters (violins and oud) and their mother (piano), with two singers at the Downtown Library on Friday, Jan. 2 at 7-8:30 pm. Armena Marderosian devotes much time and energy preserving and recording her father-in-law’s music, and this is a rare local performance. There’s a rich history and folk culture linked to the Music of Armenia and Grikor Suni traveled widely collecting samples of the folk idiom to inspire his melodies. Join us for this unique cultural experience.

PlayGroup Sessions end, BUT let those Babies DANCE at TRAVERWOOD on December 28, 4:00 - 4:30 pm. Push back the coffee table; clear out the lamps; and have a dance in the Living Room to practice with:
Heel, Toe, Away We Go
Stomp, Glide, Wobble
Motown Dances
Shakin' A Tailfeather