A Glimpse of Nature -- Where in the World?
Where do pine cones grow this large? Identify the species and its location by sending an email to lrubinacci@amesfreelibrary.org. Hint: It’s not Easton!
Blogs
A Glimpse of Nature - A Visitor
The library welcomes everyone; well, almost everyone. Last week, I escorted a young visitor to the door . . . and a little beyond. This individual was certainly charming and, for all I know, well-mannered, but the relationship just wasn’t “a good fit.” I hope it will settle down in the nearby brush and woods.
A Glimpse of Nature - Spicebush Swallowtail
Congratulations to Joyce F. for correctly identifying last week’s “What Is It!” on the Ames Free Library’s Facebook page. This surrealistic creature is, indeed, a spicebush swallowtail caterpillar.
A Glimpse of Nature -- What Is It? #14
This week’s mystery creature seems to ask, “Who are you looking at?” If you think you know, email your identification to lrubinacci@amesfreelibrary.org. Next Friday, we’ll reveal its name and behavior.
A Glimpse of Nature -- Many Monocots
So, who saw a monocot this week? I guarantee you all did, whether or not you were paying attention or taking my assignment seriously. I chose the orange daylily, Hemerocallis fulva, to introduce the subject because it has large flowers, is familiar to most readers, and is conspicuous at the Ames Free Library’s entrance.
Babytime is Moving Inside!
Babytime is moving inside for the rest of the summer!
Between the UV rays, heat, humidity, and air quality, storytime attendees and Miss Hannah have decided to make the switch and hold Babytime in the Children’s Room. We’ll still meet on Wednesdays at 10:30am for songs, rhymes, scarves, and stories with Koko Koala.
While Babytime is intended for infants and pre-walkers, bigger kids are welcome as well, and they’re invited to bring a doll or stuffie along to use as their own baby!
Announcing the Big Library Read - A Very Typical Family
Have you wanted to join a book club but can’t find the time to make it to a meeting? Check out the Big Library Read hosted by OverDrive!
A Glimpse of Nature -- A Monocot
The Missouri Botanical Garden describes the daylily as “A tough plant that is tolerant of poor soil, summer heat and humidity.” Our recent high temperatures and frequent showers may be challenging to humans, but the daylilies at the Ames Free Library have bloomed with exuberance. Each July, they greet visitors entering the property.
A Glimpse of Nature – This Week at the AFL: Daylilies
Daylilies are splashy, easy-to-recognize flowers. We might take them for granted simply because they are so familiar. This week, I encourage you to look closely at the entire plant and find a different species with similar features. Here are a few characteristics to notice:
–leaves with parallel veins
–long, narrow leaves
–flower parts in threes (or multiples of three)
A Glimpse of Nature - Rust
Last week’s “What Is It!” apparently stumped A Glimpse of Nature’s readers. Such peculiar objects – bright-orange, gelatinous balls hanging from a conifer! Those in the photo were about 2 inches in diameter.
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