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Feburary 2023

Special Events

Join Youth Services for break week programs for kids of all ages!

From February 1 - March 15, the Ames Free Library will once again be collecting new sets of pajamas for toddlers, kids, and teens!

Join us for an exciting book talk followed by a book signing with local author Jenny Howe. No registration required.

Learn how to play D&D, make new friends, and have fun with Dungeon Master Clarence.
BINGO IS BACK! Sign up on READSquared today! Bingo runs through March 20th.

Featured Events

Take Your Child to the Library Day

Take Your Child to the Library Day is an annual event for families to explore the library, get to know our collections and our librarians, and participate in fun, free events.

This year, we're hosting a flash storytime every hour on the hour on Saturday, February 4th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. While you're here, you're invited to compete in our "Fill in the Drawing" coloring contest, play with blocks and puzzles, and enjoy all that our gorgeous space has to offer!

Let's go

PAL-entine's Day


Who says February is only about romantic love?

Join Cali and Hannah on Thursday, February 9th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the 1st Floor Presentation Commons at Queset House for a celebration of PAL-entine's. Enjoy snacks and watch our favorite 90s teen rom-com, 10 Things I Hate About You, while we craft. This program is for teens (12-18) and does not require registration. We hope to see you there!

Happy PAL-entine's

BEARfoot Bingo

You and your teddy are invited to a Bingo Party! Will you (or your stuffed animal) be the first to get bingo? This program will take place on Tuesday, February 21st from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Conference Room at Queset House. Space is limited and registration is required. Registration will open on Tuesday, February 7th at 9:00 a.m. BEARfoot Bingo is best for children age 4+ and their grown-ups.

Bingo!

(Ship)Wreck the Tech

Join us for a pirate-y spin on the classic take-apart table! Captain Hannah invites you dig for treasure in ye olde electronics on Wednesday, February 22nd from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Conference Room at Queset House. Work with your shipmates to take apart some tech and see what you can find! This program is for ages 8-12 and requires the ability to work safely and cooperatively with tools. No registration is required, so drop on by Queset House and (ship)wreck some tech!

Join Captain Hannah

Moana: Interactive Movie

Come watch Disney's Moana as you've never seen it before! Sing, dance, growl, do the wave, throw coconuts, and dodge lava balls! Each child will receive a kit with all of the materials needed to fully participate in this interactive viewing experience. Space is limited and registration is required. This program will take place on Thursday, February 23rd from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00p.m. Registration will open on Thursday, February 9th at 9:00 a.m.

Where you are

Summer Lovin' Storytime


Grab your beach blanket and catch a wave headed straight for the library! Leave the cold chill of winter behind and join Miss Alyisha for stories, songs, and fun in the (faux) sun. Tropical colors, flower print, and sunglasses are encouraged. This program will take place on Friday, February 24th from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Children's Room at the Main Library. All families are welcome (including older, school-aged siblings). No registration (or sunblock) required.

Catch a wave

Pom-Pom Ice Cream Cone Garland

While it may not exactly be ice cream social weather outside, we can use our imaginations and have a social sans actual ice cream! Join us on Friday, February 24th from 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Conference Room at Queset House. Recreate this classic summer treat with yarn pom-poms and paper cones, then hang them up inside while we dream of warmer weather. Kids ages 8-12 are invited to register starting on Friday, February 10th at 9:00 a.m. 

Pom-Pom

Ongoing Events

Storytime Sessions


This winter, storytime will be meeting inside the library in the Children's Room! Our Wiggleworms, Babytime, and Family Storytime programs will continue to run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. There will be no regular Storytimes for week of Monday, February 20th. No registration is required and we look forward to seeing you and your children. For more information, visit our blog or email kids@amesfreelibrary.org.
 
Wiggle and giggle

Community Qigong Online


Each Monday and Wednesday, join us for Community Qigong class, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Qigong exercise may have a healing effect and can strengthen your body. It can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age or ability. Improve your physical health and overall well being with Qigong. Due to the Presidents' Day Holiday, Qigong will be cancelled on Monday, February 20th.

Enhance your health

Board Out Of My Mind


Board games aren't boring but how bored would we be without them? Be Board Out Of Your Mind and play games with the Queset House Board Games Club on Thursday, February 2nd at 5:30 p.m. We welcome all players, regardless of experience. Enjoy a wonderful evening at the Queset House.

Come together

Family Trees, Genealogy,
& DNA Online


Would you like to get help understanding the basics of DNA and genealogy? Every Friday at 11 a.m., learn basic information and get help and support from others who enjoy genealogy. On Friday, February 24th, we will be meeting in person in the 1st Floor Presentation Commons at the Queset House from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Share helpful hints; find new resources; share successes and brick walls!
Get historical insights

Friends of the Library Meeting


The Friends of the Ames Free Library is a nonprofit organization integral to promoting and supporting the library. New members and volunteers are welcome to attend our monthly meetings, held on Monday, February 6th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Conference Room at the Queset House. For more information about the Friends, please visit our page on the Library's website.
Meet with the Friends

Math Tutoring with Puqi Luo


Puqi Luo is a student at Oliver Ames High School. He is offering tutoring services in math through Algebra II for students in grades 5-9.
 
Math tutoring sessions take place on Tuesdays in the Library Room at Queset House, and registration is required. Book a half-hour session to start at 3:00 p.m. or 3:30 p.m.
Book with Puqi

Ames Free Library Book Club - Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez


The Ames Free Library Book Club meets on Wednesday, February 8th at 1:30 p.m., in the 1st Floor Presentation Commons at the Queset House and on Monday, February 13th at 6:30 p.m., online. This month, we will be discussing Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez. We welcome all new members! Subscribe to the "AFL Book Club" e-newsletter to receive book club reminders and updates.
Break free

One-On-One Power Point Classes


Interested in learning how to use Powerpoint? Are you familiar with the basics and want to expand your skill set? Join California Muratore for a one-on-one session. On the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., schedule for a one hour session online. Bringing your own computer is highly encouraged.

Impress others

Frothingham Hall Book Club - Olga Dies Dreaming by Xoxhitl Gonzalez


On Thursday, February 9th from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., join the Frothingham Hall Book Club at the Frothingham Hall, located on 15 Barrows Street in North Easton, MA. We will meet every month on the 2nd Thursday. 

This month, we will be discussing Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez. To sign up, please call the Council on Aging at 508-230-0690 or email jpage@easton.ma.us.

Be brave

Ames Free Library's Non-Fiction Book Club - Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand


If you are an avid reader of true stories about crime, family drama, tragedy, underdogs, and more, join the non-fiction book club. We meet on Thursday, February 9th at 6:00 p.m. in the 1st Floor Information Café inside the Queset House and always welcome new members. This month's book is Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. We hope to see you there!
00000

Correspondence Club


Experience the joy of snail mail with our monthly Correspondence Club! Write letters with fancy pens and pencils, and decorate them with fun stamps and stickers! This program is designed for children 8+, who can read and write independently. This month's meeting takes place on Thursday, February 9th from 4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. in the Children's Room at the Main Library. No registration required.

Post-It

Take and Make Craft


Make your own art project with this month's take & make craft! Craft kits will be available to pick up in the Children's Room starting on Monday, February 13th, for as long as supplies last. Specialty supplies and directions to complete the craft are included. You may need to provide crayons, markers, scissors, glue, or tape. One kit per child, please. Available while supplies last.
Let's craft

One-on-One with a Librarian

Ames Free Library's dedicated librarians are here to help you with your basic technology questions and our library resources. Meet with Megan Tully, Head of Reference and Adult Services on Monday, February 13th afternoon in the Fireplace Room at the Main Library, and registration is required. For more date options with other providers, schedule your One-on-One session here.
Meet with a Librarian

Ames Free Library Zoom Writing Group


Do you love to write and want to find your people? The Ames Free Library Zoom Writing Group, moderated by Beverley Post, may be a great match. This group meets via Zoom on the 2nd and 4th Monday this month from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is free and open to everyone over the age of 18.
Shape your story

Manga Tea Party


Is there an amazing manga series you can't stop talking about? Have you run out of comic books and you don't know what to read next? You're cordially invited to a MangaTea Party on the second Tuesday of every month. We meet on Tuesday, February 14th at 4:00 p.m. in the Teen Den. MangaTea is for teens ages 12-18 and no registration is required.
Find community

Block Party & Block Party Jr.


Drop by the Queset House on Wednesday, February 15th from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to free-play, topple, and construct with a variety of building materials. Blocks for older children will be in the 1st Floor Presentation Commons. Blocks for younger children will be in the 2nd Floor Conference Room. No registration is required for this self-led program.

Play with blocks

AFL Teen Advisory Board


Teens - do you want to help choose library materials like books, movies or games? We are looking for new members between the ages of 12 to 18 to join The Teen Advisory Board (TAB). Every meeting is an opportunity to hang out and discover how we can help out the Library. This month's TAB session will take place on Tuesday, February 21st at 3:30 p.m. inside the Queset House in the 1st Floor Presentation Commons.
Be a leader

Young at Heart Book Club: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo


Recapture the comfort, hope, and joy of your happiest childhood days spent reading. Join our brand-new book club for adults! The Young at Heart Book Club will meet on Wednesday, February 22nd at 6:30 p.m. in the 1st Floor Presentation Commons at the Queset House. This month, we are reading The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo. We welcome all new members over the age of 18.

Journey with Edward

Mystery Book Club - A Map of the Dark by Karen Ellis


The Mystery Book Club will meet on Thursday, February 23rd at 3:00 p.m. in the 1st Floor Presentation Commons at the Queset House. This month, we are reading A Map of the Dark by Karen Ellis. We welcome all new members! Subscribe to the "Mystery Book Club" e-newsletter to receive book club reminders, updates, and meeting invitations.

Be blown away

Paws to Read


This Winter, we've got the ulti-mutt program for animal lovers: Paws to Read! On Thursday, February 23rd from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Regan and her therapy dogs, Cali and Laddie, will be visiting the Library. Register in advance for a 15-minute session with a furry friend and practice your reading skills. This program is for independent readers.

Let's read together

Library Beaders Meeting


If you love beading or if you're interested in a meditative act of creation, head on over to the Library Beaders group! Due to the President’s Day holiday, February’s meeting will take place on Monday, February 27th at 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the 1st Floor Information Café at Queset House. Meetings are free and open to all. Questions? Email Geri at friars1981@yahoo.com.

Let's bead

Pajama Storytime

 

Before drifting off to dreamland, make a cozy little detour at the Library! At 6:30 p.m., on Monday, February 27th, join Miss Alyisha for Pajama Storytime. We'll share books, rhymes, and lullabies to help wind down your evening. Pajama Storytime will last about 30 minutes, ending with a seasonal mindfulness exercise. No registration required. Pajamas encouraged. All families are welcome.

Grab a bedtime buddy

Wham! Bam! Book Club


Are you a kid in grades 3-6 who loves comics, manga, and/or graphic novels? Drop by Queset House at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 28th and join our Wham! Bam! Book Club. For February's meeting, please read Monster Friends by Kaeti Vandorn in advance. Copies are available at the Circulation Desk. No registration required.

Pop!

Friends Book Sale Donation Hours


The Friends of the Ames Free Library is a nonprofit organization integral to promoting and supporting Library activities and programs, and purchases items not included in the Library's budget. The Friends' Book Sale Room at Queset House gladly accepts donations of good quality books every Saturday, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please see this page for complete information about the criteria for donations.
Donate

Announcements

CLOSED - Presidents' Day

In observance of Presidents' Day, the Ames Free Library will be closed on Monday, February 20th. We will reopen on Tuesday, February 21st, for our regular hours, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

New at the Library

Resource of the Month

Kill A Watt EZ
This winter, would you like to cut your energy costs and find out how efficient your appliances are? The Kill A Watt EZ is an electricity usage monitor, which  will show you how much energy a single appliance is using with it's large LCD display and will calculate the approximate cost by week, month and year. The knowledge you gain from the Kill A Watt EZ may help you save money on your electric bill. Learn how to reduce and save. 🌎 

Find Help at the Easton Food Pantry

Hopefully you never experience what is now commonly called “food insecurity.”  But there are many unforeseen reasons why it can happen, and – with no judgement – your neighbors at the Easton Food Pantry are there to help.

There are absolutely no financial requirements to obtain food from the Pantry.  You simply must be an Easton resident and show proof with a recent bill (utility, etc.) that has both your full name and address.  Call in advance to register at 781-333-6284.

More information, including how to volunteer or donate, can be found here on the Ames Free Library's website.
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