An Evening with Author Annie Spence

Just in time for Valentine season, the Troy Public Library invites you to join Annie Spence, author of “Dear Fahrenheit 451: Love and Heartbreak in the Stacks: A Librarian’s Love Letters and Break up Notes to the Books in Her Life,” for her funny, poignant takes on both classic and contemporary books.

If you love to read, you know that some books forever change the way you think about the world. And some books, on the other hand, disappoint you so much you want to throw them against the wall. Either way, it’s clear that a book can be your new soul mate or the bad relationship you need to end.

In Dear Fahrenheit 451, librarian Annie Spence has crafted love letters and breakup notes to the iconic and eclectic books she has encountered over the years. From breaking up with “The Giving Tree,” to her love letter to “The Time Traveler’s Wife,” Spence will make you think of old favorites in a new way. Filled with suggested reading lists, Spence’s take on classic and contemporary books is very much like the best of literature—sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, sometimes surprisingly poignant, and filled with universal truths.

The event will take place in rooms 304 and 305 of the Troy Community Center on Monday, February 11, from 7 to 9 pm. The event is free, but registration is requested. Register at troypl.org/calendar or by calling 248.524.3534.

MI Smart Factory


Automation Alley
is a nonprofit manufacturing and technology business association and Michigan’s Industry 4.0 knowledge center. They connect industry, academia and government to fuel Michigan’s economy and accelerate innovation.

Their MI Smart Factory Tour program is designed to expose the future workforce to some of the most technologically advanced smart factories in the nation, allowing students to explore Industry 4.0 technologies and in-demand manufacturing jobs right here in Michigan. MI Smart Factory Tours get university students right on the factory floor to see Industry 4.0 technologies in action, including:

  • IIoT
  • Robotics
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Big Data
  • Cybersecurity
  • Cloud computing
  • Additive manufacturing and advanced materials
  • Modeling, simulation, visualization and immersion

Schools interested in taking the tour and Michigan manufacturing companies interested in participating as host sites should contact Automation Alley at info@automationalley.com or 800.427.5100.

The Great Backyard Bird Count

Are you or your child a budding ornithologist? Come out to the Stage Nature Center on Saturday, February 16, from 10 am to noon to help a naturalist identify and count the birds visiting the SNC feeders. And learn how you can do the same in your own backyard. Binoculars and field guides will be provided or bring your own. The program is for ages 12 and up. Children should be accompanied by a registered adult. Fee: $6, TNS Member: $4. Visit stagenaturecenter.org  to register or for more information or call 248.688.9703.

Just in Time for Tax Season

Warm up for tax season at The Troy Historic Village with their Constitution Café on Sunday, February 10 at 2 pm. The program will be a discussion about funding government, taxation and the 16th amendment, which allows Congress to levy an income tax without apportioning it among the states on the basis of population. Engage in a civil discussion to “create” a new Constitution. The Constitution Café is sponsored by the Oakland County Bar Foundation. No registration is required. Visit troyhistoricvillage.org  for more information or call 248.524.3570.

 

Beth Robinson

Beth Robinson

City News Editor

To share your news, announcements, and events, please email citynewseditor@localbiznews.net