“The Great Seed Experiment” is off to a vigorous start! Hundreds of patrons have picked up seeds for their home gardens, as well as helpful factsheets and seed journals to record their observations. This week, the library received its first photos and “Sprouting Reports” from gardeners. Spring peas are already germinating.
From the aesthetically pleasing, to the historical, to the mundane, to the downright ridiculous, many of us are obsessed with picture taking. Why do I have 10,000 photos of the same sunrise? Do I really need to share what I had for breakfast with the whole world?
And is anyone’s life enriched by seeing a picture of me making a face like a duck?
Yesterday, as I did a quick inspection of the library’s grounds, the movements of a gray squirrel drew my attention. The animal was at a distance, in a tree on the opposite bank of our neighbor’s pond.
Are you interested in learning more about sustainable living or climate change? The Ames Free Library has resources for all ages! Take few minutes to browse this virtual room created by staff member California Muratore to learn more.
We’ve all heard the proverb, “April showers bring May flowers.” Well, it’s mid April, and the “mayflowers” have already begun to bloom. I am referring to a particular flower, the species Epigaea repens, commonly known as trailing arbutus or mayflower. This early-blooming species is a lovely, but humble, shrub that grows only a few inches tall as it creeps along the forest floor.
Ever been curious what your neighbors are reading or watching? Here are just some of their suggestions! As we receive more recommendations, we'll post them here on the AFL Blog.
If you would like to suggest something you've loved to your neighbors, fill out our Your Neighbors Recommend form!
This week, the Ames Free Library is launching a home gardening project for all its patrons. We are giving away vegetable and flower seeds obtained through the University of Rhode Island and encouraging patrons to share their results with the library.
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 we celebrate our new AFL Director, Ian Dunbar. Click here for Ian's stories.
Happy April! As I write this I’m wrapping up a busy shift at the Reference Desk where I’ve seen a mix of new and familiar faces come by throughout the day. Anyone who thinks libraries aren’t lively places clearly hasn’t been to AFL recently!
Yesterday, as I was writing, I looked up to see this view:
