A Glimpse of Nature - Here They Come!
Yesterday, as I was writing, I looked up to see this view:
Yesterday, as I was writing, I looked up to see this view:
Are you a bibliophile or perhaps even a bibliomaniac? If you are reading this, then chances are good that you love a good book. My name is Kim and I absolutely love the fact that on most days, working at the circulation desk, I am surrounded by books.
Do you love playing word games? What’s your favorite? Mine is Scrabble.
To celebrate National Poetry Month this April, the Ames Free Library is cordially inviting you to participate in #PoemsBeforePhones!
#PoemsBeforePhones is a daily practice that encourages you to begin your day with a poem rather than doom-scrolling through social media. If you’re interested in reading more poetry, or in starting your mornings with increased gentleness and intention, consider this blog post your tap from the Universe.
Hello – and Happy Spring!
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 AFL's Director, Uma Hiremath. Click here for Uma's stories.
It’s almost spring! Although I’m not usually one to wish the days away, I’m ready for weather that’s warm enough to sit outside and enjoy some time reading in the sunshine and fresh air. Until then I’ll employ a little technological wizardry to imagine myself reading by the sea or with the songbirds (see the Stress-Free Fridays post from July 31, 2020 for details!)
What I’m Listening To
In late 2021, Vladimir Putin began deploying masses of Russian troops around Ukraine. However, as of Thursday, February 24, 2022, Russia attacked Ukraine along multiple points after various diplomatic entities tried to avert such a crisis. This was the formal ignition of the Russian invasion on Ukraine. Following the initial assault, areas near the Ukraine capital Kyiv, the eastern area of Donbas, and the land area of Crimea on the Black Sea have all been homesteads for the Russian advance and assault.
This week started out cold, with single digit mornings in my neighborhood. These low temperatures, in conjunction with some other favorable conditions, created one of my favorite winter phenomena. My first view of the world on Tuesday morning was this:
Window Frost on February 15, 2022
I began my last post talking about the snowstorm that was heading our way. That storm turned out to be just an appetizer for the one that dumped over two feet of snow on the area just before we turned the calendars to February. If you don’t mind venturing out in the snow and ice (and it’s safe for you to travel!), stop by the library this month to leave a love letter to the library or pick up a blind date with a book.
Winter is a great time to learn how to recognize trees, now that all those leaves are out of the way! Bark, buds, and the tree's shape offer helpful clues. Why not try your hand at tree identification by playing our "Trees in Winter" game? This illustrated multiple choice quiz is centered on trees growing on and around the Ames Free Library. It is fun and informative, and it’ll be good preparation for your winter walks. There is an optional outdoor component, and small prizes will be awarded to the two players with the best scores.