Ann Arbor Downtown & Traverwood Library Guide 📚🌳

Following my last recommendation of U-M’s Asia Library with its great Chinese collection, today I’m sharing two branches of the Ann Arbor District Library (AADL) that I frequently visit: 1⃣ Downtown Library 🏛️ 📍 Address: 343 South Fifth Avenue, Ann Arbor (Main branch since 1957, expanded in 1974 and 1991) 🚌 Easy access: Located downtown, right across from the Blake Transit Center 📚 Huge collection: Books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, and more — you can even borrow musical instruments and board games! 💻 Free Wi-Fi, reference materials, public computers, and plenty of seating 2️⃣ Traverwood Branch 🌿 📍 Address: 3333 Traverwood Dr, Ann Arbor 🌲 Set within 4 acres of wooded area next to the Sapp Nature Reserve. The building “lightly touches the land” — eco-friendly and minimally invasive. 🪵 Built using wood from ash trees damaged by pests, repurposed into columns, floors, walls, and furniture. ☀️ Amazing natural light! Rain gardens + floor-to-ceiling windows make it a warm and inviting space. 📖 Perfect for studying: Quiet study areas, plenty of outlets, spacious desks, comfy couches, and calming views of the preserve. Smaller collection than Downtown, but much quieter — ideal for writing papers, studying, or remote work. 🔑 AADL Card Tips (No card needed to enter — only to borrow) ✅ Who can apply? Residents of Ann Arbor or parts of Washtenaw County (e.g., Ypsilanti Township) are eligible for a free AADL card. 📄 What to bring? A valid photo ID (passport, driver’s license, student ID) + proof of address (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.). 🏢 Where to apply? Visit the Downtown Library or any branch (like Traverwood or Malletts Creek). ⚡ Quick process: Get your card in minutes and start borrowing right away! #UMich #AnnArbor #LibraryGuide #StudySpots #AADL #MichiganLife