Calling all nature lovers with a camera. It’s time to share what you see and, perhaps, to challenge yourselves to notice more. You’re invited to participate in “Picturing Winter,” the Ames Free Library’s winter photography contest! Photos must relate to the theme of ice and snow.
This Winter Break, put on your fuzzy socks, build a blanket fort, ask a grown-up to make you a cup of cocoa, and snuggle up with a seasonal read. All of these great books were featured during December's Chapter 1: Book Tasting program. If you missed the meeting, that's OK! Keep reading for some cozy book recommendations.
Snow fell last weekend – the first light storm of the season in Southeastern Massachusetts – and immediately thereafter, a small flock of dark-eyed juncos appeared in my backyard. I’m sure many of you are familiar with these gray and white “snow birds” who are winter visitors in our area.
Last week’s “What Is It!” game featured two structures that facilitate reproduction for their creators. The animals who produced these “egg cartons” were, however, vastly different.
A Baltimore oriole wove the sack-like nest in the first image.
The leaves have fallen; the views are great. Now’s the time when hidden treasures are revealed. Here are two specimens from the library’s property that were, until recently, concealed by all that foliage! I spotted them both on Monday. Your job is to identify them. Email your “What Is It!” responses to A Glimpse of Nature and check back next week for the answers.
One long-ago November, the library staff received a gift from two grateful patrons. This small, but sincere, token of appreciation grew in a four-inch pot. I put it on the windowsill for all to see and cared for it out of respect for the givers’ kindness. Soon it grew and grew, in size and beauty, until it became a holiday favorite of our patrons.
Celebrate your creativity & love of books! We invite patrons of all ages to make a literary ornament of a favorite book, holiday classic, or any other creative literary design. Use wood, paint, 3D printing, clay, paper, wood, fabric, beads, yarn, origami, or whatever your whimsy desires!
Come hang your ornament right on the tree at Queset House, or drop it off at the Main Library between December 1 and December 22.
Welcome to AFL Staff Stories! Every month we'll introduce you (or REintroduce you!) to a different member of the AFL Staff and tell you a little about their favorites.
This month, meet AFL's Administrative Assistant, Michelle Duprey. Click here for Michelle's stories.
Peak autumn color has passed, and leaves now carpet the ground. Why not take a closer look while they are still intact, before snow and microbes work their recycling magic? Now’s a great time to review leaf ID. Their colors may be subdued, but most species still retain their shape. Besides, dead leaves are abundant and right there at your feet!
Congratulations to Patricia and Debbie who correctly identified last week’s “What Is It!” as witch hazel (American or common witch hazel, depending on whom you ask).
