by Amanda Molumby

Summer is winding down, kids are back to school and fall is right around the corner. Here in Iowa, we have the great pleasure of experiencing the changing of the seasons. There’s nothing I enjoy more than a good hike around a wooded area, tucked away from civilization, or a crisp fall walk in a light jacket, admiring the leaves as they give one last hurrah in blazing colors before they fall to the earth to coat the sidewalks, giving a pleasant crunch to each footfall. 

Perhaps you can spend countless hours taking care of your garden, tending to the plants you’ve lovingly planted and pulling any pesky weeds. Maybe you have binoculars at the ready, to peer into your backyard to spot brilliantly-colored birds or a family of foxes or a new fawn on wobbly legs. Possibly tromping through fields and beautiful open spaces is more your vibe. 

As someone who loves all things nature and wildlife, I believe there is a magic in the heart of the woods, in the barefoot splashing in a creek, where animals outnumber people and life is teeming all around you, whether it be squirrels, deer, fish or birds. 

If you share a similar enchantment, or consider yourself a gardener or nature enthusiast, I invite you to join us at the Ames Public Library on the fourth Thursday of each month from 7-8:30pm for our new Deep Roots Book Group! We will have in-depth discussion of books in connection with the Ames Seed Library. During our time together, we’ll explore the relationship between humans, animals, and plants through a range of non-fiction and fiction alike. We will delve into memoirs, historical fiction, fantasy, and more. You can experience life through the eyes of others; through backyards full of wonder brought to life through hardworking hands, learning of the magic of life during the hours of the night, or experiencing the passing of history through the eyes of wildlife (in one book specifically, a wise old fig tree). 

If you’d like to meet others who share the same love of nature and dig deeper into discussion about these topics, please join us. You can find more information on our Event Calendar page on our website, amespubliclibrary.org. We’ll be meeting September 23 to discuss Night Magic by Leigh Ann Henion and October 28 to talk about All Over Creation by Ruth Ozeki.

Hope to see you there!