As you may remember, the University of Michigan has joined Google in its quest to scan the world’s every book. A daunting task, for sure. But this Salon article (via the AP) details the “dimly lit back room on the second level of the University of Michigan library’s book-shelving department” where the most fragile of books are being processed.
600 pages are scanned manually, then added to Google’s Book Search portal. The site will eventually house, the company hopes, each of the estimated 50 to 100 million books in the world. [ Read more ]
The Detroit-Windsor Journal Project “seeks to create positive change through cultural understanding.” In the diverse communities of both Detroit and Windsor, the “Journal provides a window into the perspectives of people of many different social and economic classes.”
Volunteers are asked to keep personal journals, handwritten or typed, with no restrictions on length or content. [ Read more ]
Open to staff, trustees and mere enthusiasts, the Michigan Library Consortium is embracing Web 2.0 with its Michigan Libraries Wiki. There’s a great section on social networking and even examples of local marketing campaigns. Visit the site to see if there are any areas where you can lend your expertise.
Continuing the theme, Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki is “a one-stop shop for great ideas and information for all types of librarians.” And the Superpatron blog is a superb resource for all types of library-goers. Find book covers as inspiration, location via text message and the adventures of Super Librarian. And don’t miss the section on Library 2.0.
Released this weekend is the cinematic adaptation of Laura Kasischke’s “The Life Before Her Eyes.” In the story, “a senseless act of violence erupts at school,” changing the lives of two best friends.
The Michigan author penned the original novel following inspiration in a creative writing class at East Grand Rapids High School. Now a Chelsea resident, Kasischke is a teacher herself at the University of Michigan.
MLive has additional details on the author and her successes. Find out more about the film (with stars Uma Thurman and Evan Rachel Wood) at its official website or IMDB. And read through a discussion of the original novel at BuzzSugar.
From Dwell: “In the four years since Apartment Therapy went online, house tours have become something of a mini-franchise. Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan started the site to address real solutions for real homes, so it made perfect sense that readers would offer up the triumphs and failings of their own rooms.”
Although the site focuses largely on the coasts, there’s been more than one mention of the modern in Michigan.
A new book presents 40 of the homes in 264 pages of color. Each profile includes floor plans, a resource list and a “how I did it” explanation. Self-described as “the ultimate home decor book for the DIY-savvy,” pick up the hardcover online at Amazon or find it at your local bookstore.
You don’t need to search for a reason to stay awake this weekend: Michigan State’s 48-Hour Arts Marathon Weekend has got you covered.
Featuring two full days of non-stop arts programming, the weekend will showcase the best of the MSU arts scene and offers a unique opportunity for anyone that’s interested to see uninterrupted performances, exhibitions, films and readings. [ Read more ]
The third annual Made In Michigan Writers Series is taking place Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at The Magic Stick in Detroit. This year three new books of creative non-fiction will be recognized along with gems from years past. This series is dedicated to recognizing the literary talent in the state while amplifying culture and arts in the region.
Wayne State University Press, located in Midtown Detroit, publishes this distinct series. The author event is free; however, this year you can stay for a concert featuring one of the authors, M.L. Liebler, with the High Strung as well as Shotgun Wedding. Reading these books are treat enough; but, hearing words read by the artists themselves is quite a show.
I caught a story on Hugg about ReadyMade creating an all-digital version of its sustainable design magazine. ReadyMade provides great project ideas with some independent music sprinkled in. Make a lamp out of a CD spindle, then build a mock space station with instructions from The Flaming Lips.
Beginning with this month’s issue, you’ll find all the DIY culture from the comfort of your browser. Inside, an Olivet woman explains how to clean hard-to-scrub vases (crushed eggshells and white vinegar) and a Kills album is produced in Benton Harbor for the “goofy, gothic spirit of classic schoolyard sing-alongs.”
With about two weeks remaining (and only two days until the first day of Spring!), we’re right in the middle of Michigan Reading Month.
Celebrating the importance of literacy and promoting a commitment to literature, local events are “springing” up in Kalkaska, Wyoming and throughout the state. The Office of the Governor holds the official Michigan Reading Month doctrine. And MichiganMoms lists activities for both kids and those young at heart.
If you’re looking for a good book, try The Modern Library’s 100 Best or New York magazine’s Best Novels You’ve Never Read. Head to your area library, check out something new and pick up an Adventure Pass for free admission to an area museum.
The Everything Detroit online store is filled with — you guessed it — everything that is Detroit. Sure, there’s the obligatory t-shirts and mugs. But what truly gives Everything Detroit its name is the availability of products like Vernors, Faygo, Sanders and Better Made.
There’s also a collection of Detroit books, Detroit documentaries and a poster that will assure you’re from the area. If you remember Boblo Island, the Chin Tiki or Ollie Fretter’s, share your nostalgia at Everything Detroit. While the site will direct you to some third-parties for a final purchase, the convenience is a welcomed idea.
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