Ames Free Library

"Where the Community Connects"

jblock's blog

MCBA Book Club

Have you been seeing signs for the MCBA book club? Maybe you’ve found our book display in Youth Services, or noticed those stickers on some book spines. Maybe you even saw our video about the book club! Wondering what it’s all about? Here are 5 things to know about MCBA!


1. What is MCBA?

MCBA stands for the Massachusetts Children’s Book Award. Each year, a committee nominates 20 books for kids to vote as the best book this year.

Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week (September 26 - October 2, 2021) is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. It spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. It brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.

Experience an Imagination Run with Miss Alyisha

Experience a story in a different way, with no books or pictures! Close your eyes, listen carefully, and prepare for an adventure. What would it be like to have a highly-sensitive snout, leathery wings, feathery whiskers, or a glittering, rainbow tail? Let your imagination (& your body!) run wild as you follow along with Miss Alyisha’s video. You’ll hunt, fly, swim, and prowl as you learn. 

When you're done with the run, check out the Miss Alyisha Recommends clip for thematic book recommendations to go along with each video.

Disconnect & Reconnect: Screen-Free Week 2021

You may have read that AFL is observing Screen-Free Week, but what does that mean for you? 

Screen-Free Week is an annual event during the first week of May that encourages families to find activities to do - preferably together! - that don't involve screens. This year, it's May 3 through May 9.  You probably have some favorite activities, but if you're looking to mix it up, let's revisit a few Family Fun suggestions from our blog this past year. 

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