a2VV: Ann Arbor District Library 10/14/25

It's more than just books at aadl.org!

The Ann Arbor District Library Introduces Its New Mascot: Akako G. Shins

The Ann Arbor District Library has introduced its very own mascot, Akako G. Shins! The creation of artist Jason Driscoll (Kill Taupe), AADL staff, and Loonie Times Custom Mascots, Akako is a groundhog (woodchuck, marmot, Marmota monax) who works at the Library, loves coming to AADL events, and is always excited to meet new people.

The mascot’s name comes from a word in Ojibwe: akakojiishiins, which means “little groundhog.” They debuted at AADL’s Game Over Gala in August and made appearances at this past weekend’s A2CAF: Small + Indie Press and Dead Media Day. Akako plans to make future appearances at AADL events, festivals, and expos, including the AADL Halloween Costume Contest (October 26), AADL’s Halloween Show (October 31), A2 Community Bookfest (November 9), WAPUR (December 6), and Tiny Expo (December 13).

A full list of appearance dates and times, along with more information about Akako G. Shins, is available at aadl.org/akakogshins

Edmund Fitzgerald

Fifty years ago one of the worst storms in Great Lakes history caused the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. The tale was popularized by the Gordon Lightfoot song and lives on today. Come to the Downtown Library on Thursday, October 16 from 6-7:30pm to hear the stories of the crew, their families, and the tale of the doomed ship and hear the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald performed live by Mike Fornes.

SPAM

In our latest installment of the Culinary Historians of Ann Arbor, Dr. Kelly Spring, a food researcher and lecturer, will be at the Downtown Library on Sunday, October 19 from 4-5:30pm to do a little PR for a food item we've all heard of but I'm sure not everyone has tried—SPAM! Why does it have such negativity surrounding it? Dr. Spring takes on the five primary myths about SPAM, then talks about its creation, production, history, and consumption. SPAM! THE WONDER FOOD! TASTE YOU CAN HEAR! COLD OR HOT, SPAM HITS THE SPOT!

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