The Ames Free Library will be closed on Monday, May 29 in observance of Memorial Day.
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.
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.
This past week, we lost two Children's Book greats: Eric Carle (The Very Hungry Caterpillar) & Lois Ehlert (Chicka Chicka Boom Boom). Both were prolific authors & illustrators whose work will live on in the imaginations of children (& adults!) for generations to come.
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.
Listen to Miss Jess share Hanukkah and Christmas books during these holiday storytimes!
These prerecorded storytimes can be viewed at your convenience, December 1 - 31, 2020!
To see ALL of our storytimes, visit our Storytimes playlist on our YouTube page!
Welcome to Miss Jess Suggests!
In each episode of this series, Head of Youth Services Jessica Block recommends great books for you to try (plus some bonus titles!). Different episodes will focus on one interest level or age group, so if you don't hear about something "just right" for your reader, check back! We'll cover books for babies and toddlers straight through middle school. And of course, they are all available here in the Children's Room at the Ames Free Library.
Take your remote schooling to a whole new level! AFL has a new database to support your academics.
Brainfuse HelpNow offers on-demand, personalized tutoring for K-12 students and adult learners.
November is flying by, but there’s still fun to be had from Youth Services!
Zoom storytimes with Miss Jess continue weekly through November. No advance registration is required. All storytimes start at 10:30 AM. Learn more about each storytime.
This month’s featured author is homegrown! Local author Anna Staniszewski’s books span from tween novels to picture books, with a new chapter book series in between! Visit Ms. Staniszewski’s website to find out more about all of her books, get a sneak peek at her upcoming picture book, and to learn more about her.
