Ames Free Library

"Where the Community Connects"

Youth Services

Program Updates: Collecting Beads for your Summer Reading Necklace

We are moving right along with our summer reading program, and a lot of you have been busy, busy readers! However, not many people have collected any beads yet, so we wanted to share a brief instruction on using the Prize Store.

 Under your child’s account in ReadSquared, go to the Prize Store tab (in the app, the icon looks like a shopping cart). You’ll see the number of points you have available to you, and can choose any beads you have enough points for. Repeat this for each child.

Tip: choose higher value beads first!

Family Fun: HORSE

Some public athletic facilities are open for limited play – how about mixing up your routine a little with some basketball? It’s OK if you think you’re the worst b-ball players ever (sorry, but my household actually wins that title!) – you’ll get some sunshine, a little physical activity, and most likely, some giggles. Our favorite game is HORSE.

Early Literacy Activities: PLAY

When it comes to encouraging literacy skills, outdoor play is just as important for babies and little ones as indoor book- and toy-based play. When we think “early literacy,” we think of books, and storytime, and of sitting to either read or listen. We think of looking at pictures and telling stories with objects representative of the story’s objects (for example, a red ball as Snow White’s apple). What we don’t often think about are large (gross) motor skills and their part in literacy development. 

Program Updates: Rosalita’s “Sea Story” Puppet Show TONIGHT!

Watch Rosalita’s Puppets presentation of a Sea Story on Zoom tonight, Monday, August 3, at 6:00 PM!

In this puppet show, Miranda the mermaid saves a pirate! Rosalita’s Puppet show features beautiful marionettes in an original story that is appropriate for all ages. This story is sure to be full of daring, bravery, kindness, and adventure!

TEENS: Teen Video Challenge

The Teen Video Challenge, sponsored by the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP), is an annual national video contest open to all teens. The challenge is for teens to create a public service announcement-type video that shows their unique interpretation of the 2020 CSLP slogan “Imagine Your Story.” Videos are to be no longer than 60 seconds and should promote libraries and reading.

What do you IMAGINE? Videos are only accepted through August 7, 2020, so submit yours today! 

Early Literacy Activities: WRITE

Regardless of whether today’s kids will learn to print, write cursive, or type on a keyboard or screen – they’ll need to have strong fine motor skills. There are so many fun ways to build your child’s hand strength and coordination! At the library, we use Busy Boxes after storytimes with preschool-aged children; you can recreate these activities at home. Some of our boxes include:

Lacing Cards

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