Staff Picks

A Glimpse of Nature -- This Week in SE Mass

Our first week of spring brought mild temperatures, bird and frog songs, and some early blossoms. At this time of year, watch for tree and shrub flowers like those of the pussy willow. This might require adjusting your perspective because some of these flowers are quite small or located on upper branches. They may not resemble our mental image of “flowers.” But, you can be sure that nectaring insects are paying attention! To learn more about this phenomenon, catch “Ea

Saying Goodbye to the OverDrive App

If you’ve used the OverDrive app in the last few years, chances are you’ve been encouraged to make the switch to its sister app, Libby. Whether this encouragement came from a friend, family member, librarian, or a notification within the app itself, chances are you’ve heard about access to the OverDrive app ending at some point.

Well - time has come! The OverDrive app will officially be discontinued on May 1, 2023. But don’t worry! You can still access the same eBooks, audiobooks, and more on the Libby app.

A Glimpse of Nature - Clues

Last Sunday, like most Sundays, I went for a walk, though I really didn’t feel up to it. Tired, sniffly, and grumpy, I couldn’t face another damp, gray day. Nevertheless, I donned my gear and set out to find river otter scat. Yes, that’s how I spend my weekends!

Library Legislative Day 2023

Most days, you’ll find me sitting behind the Reference Desk here at AFL. I’m always happy to be there to help you tackle technology troubles, find just the right book for research or entertainment, or to share some details about the history of our building. But earlier this week, I temporarily abandoned my post to take a field trip!

A Glimpse of Nature --They're Back!

When the library reopened after the Covid shutdown, a small table was added to an alcove adjoining the staff lunchroom, presumably to encourage social distancing. The six-foot separations ended some time ago, but the miniature table remains . . .

A Glimpse of Nature -- What's Left Behind

Snow is forecast for tonight. As with other recent storms, temperatures will be mild and the flakes will mix with rain. If we get lucky, by Sunday morning some of the snow will survive long enough to preserve animal tracks from the previous night. Not too dry, not too warm, not too deep . . . if things are just right, the neighborhood will reveal activities that are normally invisible to us diurnal humans.

Staff Stories - Christie Bramante

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 one of AFL's Circulation Technicians, Christie Bramante. Click here for Christie's stories.

A Glimpse of Nature -- Have You Heard?

It began with the tufted titmouse. As I crossed the library’s parking lot, the bird’s voice caught my attention, which seemed odd knowing that titmice live year-round in Massachusetts. I probably hear them every day, but this was February 2, the day when winter-weary humans pin their hopes on groundhogs. With no rodents in sight, I was listening to a “spring” song: “Here, here!” The bird wasn’t forecasting the weather.

A Glimpse of Nature - After Dinner

Several readers identified “What Is It! #8” as an owl pellet. I expected this, but the discovery of a pellet gives me an excuse to delve into a fascinating topic.

Last April I found this particular pellet under a large pine between Queset House and the garden. It was 1 ¾ inches long by ⅞ inches wide, compact and lightweight, with a surface layer of gray fur. Before we look inside, let’s review what pellets are and why birds produce them.

A Glimpse of Nature -- What Is It! #8

A dust bunny? My cat’s hairball? What is this object?

Ames Free Library

"Where the Community Connects"