Blog Entries

Tools for School

Get homework help with the Library's free online resources, check out a Wi-Fi hotspot for Internet access, and use our space for quiet study time! 

Your Library card gets you free access to premium online resource, like Brainfuse Homework Help, TumbleBookLibrary, Britannica Library, and many more to help students reach their educational goals. Best of all, they're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

You the library also lends many helpful resources, from books to Wi-Fi hotspots to STEM learning kits. All you need is a Library card.

How do yo... Read Full Blog

Solar-Powered Bench Offers Charging Stations

There's a new bench in front of Ames Public Library, and this one's powered by the sun!

Made by SELS - Smart Era Lighting Systems, the new new seating option offers wireless and USB charging stations for phones and electronic devices, including USB ports and wireless. It also has built-in lights for night time. The system is completely self-sufficient, storing power collected by solar panels in built-in batteries. As an added bonus, the Library's wi-fi can keep you connected to internet while you charge.

Stop by and charge up while you wait for the bus or enjoy the ... Read Full Blog

Summer Reading Challenge Begins June 1

Ames Public Library's 2022 summer reading challenge, "Read Beyond the Beaten Path," will begin for all ages on June 1. Participants will earn prizes just for keeping track of their reading! Head over to www.AmesPL.org/summer2022 to get signed up on the Reading Challenge website or to download the Beanstack app, so you'll be ready to go on June 1! You can also pick up a reading challenge gameboard from the Library or Bookmobile starting June 1 to track your reading on paper.

We also have a summer full of fun events planned for all ages to help you go beyond the beaten path! Kids an... Read Full Blog

Library Door Upgrade

The Library's front doors are being upgraded for better accessibility!

The doors at the Library's main entrance are being replaced by automatic motion-sensing doors. One set of doors will remain available for entry and exit during the construction. The Library will remain open regular hours.

... Read Full Blog

Share Your Story

We want to know...what does the Library mean to you? Here at Ames Public Library we know we provide something different for everyone. We want to know more about the patrons we serve everyday and how the Library plays a role in their lives. We want to see how you view the Library and to accomplish this we are asking you to submit story and a photo.

Submit your story online during the month of October for a chance to win a $25 gift card to a downtown Ames business! Winners will be randomly selected from all the entries. 

Be on the lookout for your submission... Read Full Blog

Summer Reading Begins!

Ames Public Library's annual Summer Reading Challenge is here!
 

Read for Prizes

Do you love free stuff? Are you between the ages of 0 and 120? Then join our Summer Reading Challenge starting Tuesday, June 1!

Three Ways to Play

Visit amespubliclibrary.beanstack.com Download the Beanstack Tracker app Or pick up a Summer Reading Challenge gameboard at the Library

Find out more at www.amespubliclibrary.org/summer2021.
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Events for Everyone

We have a summer full of fun and learning planned for all ages, incl... Read Full Blog

Free Walk-in COVID-19 Vaccinations

Ames Public Library will host free walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations:

Saturday, May 15, from 10am to 3pm Tuesday, May 18, from 10am to 3pm Saturday, May 22, from 10am to 3pm Thursday, June 3, from 3 to 7pm

Mary Greeley Medical Center staff will administer the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) single-dose vaccine for ages 18 and older.

CyRide will offer free rides to these vaccination events.

For more information visit www.amespubliclibrary.org/vaccine

... Read Full Blog

Ames Public Library Grieves

Ames Public Library is committed to the City of Ames values shared by Mayor Haila in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. (www.cityofames.org/Home/Components/News/News/6079/2106).

Ames Public Library staff and Trustees grieve for the recent acts of violence in our nation, and our hearts go out to the victims' families and communities. To our friends in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, please know that we stand with you. We pledge to continue our work toward greater equity and inclusion in the Library and in our community.

... Read Full Blog

Library to Reopen for Browsing March 15

Ames Public Library is moving into the next phase of reopening spaces to the public. Starting March 15, visitors will be able to browse collections on the first and second floors of the Library. Library staff will be available to answer basic reference and account questions. Computers will continue to be available for 30 minute sessions. Quick Picks, Grab and Go Bags, and @HOME Activity kits will remain conveniently located in the lobby. Play areas, study rooms, and meeting rooms will remain closed during this phase.

Visitors should limit their time in the building to 30 minutes s... Read Full Blog

Lobby Opens February 1

Starting February 1, Ames Public Library will switch from curbside service to holds pickup and “grab and go” services in the Library’s lobby.

While the lobby is open, visitors may check out their holds, Grab & Go bags, Quick Picks, and other items on display in the lobby. Visitors may also pick up @Home Activity Kits and tax forms (as they become available).

Computers will be available for use in the Library’s Auditorium during lobby hours. Due to the need for distancing, computer sessions will be limited.

The Library staff and Board of Trustees are dedicat... Read Full Blog

AMES PUBLIC LIBRARY GOES FINE FREE

Ames Public Library is joining hundreds of public libraries across the country that no longer charge overdue fines for items that are returned late. This is one step in the Library’s commitment to providing equitable access to Library materials and services.

Library Director Sheila Schofer explains “Equity and access are core values for libraries and play a big role in our new Strategic Plan. Overdue fines disproportionately penalize people with lower incomes and can even keep them from using the Library.”

Overdue charges have long been used by libraries with the hope th... Read Full Blog

Library Receives Grant for Wi-Fi Hotspots

The Ames Public Library Friends Foundation (APLFF) is pleased to announce it has received a $6,000 grant from the Story County Community Foundation. These funds will support Ames Public Library’s efforts to provide computer and internet access to the Ames community, especially with increased need during remote learning.

In the past, Ames Public Library has helped meet this need by offering free internet, Wi-Fi, and computer access inside the Library. More recently, the Library has expanded access to mobile hotspots which are checked out for free and offer unlimited data and connec... Read Full Blog

Library Shifts to Curbside Service

In response to increased community spread of COVID-19, Ames Public Library will shift from “grab and go” lobby service to curbside service starting Sunday, November 22.

Curbside Holds Pickup will allow Library cardholders to request physical items like books and DVDs, then pick them up in front of the Library safely and easily. “We’ve got a new, flexible curbside system,” says Library Director Sheila Schofer. “Instead of making an appointment, you can come by when it’s convenient for you.”

After requesting items using the Library’s online catalog, customers need to ... Read Full Blog

Library Enters New Strategic Plan

Ames Public Library has entered into a new Strategic Plan.

The process of creating this plan began in the fall of 2019. Library staff gathered community input, analyzed data, reviewed library best practices, and looked at overall societal trends. 

“Our goal was to have an open and inclusive process,” said Ames Public Library Director Sheila Schofer. Library staff read the results of 1,000 completed surveys, held staff and board input sessions, and hosted six community stakeholder meetings. The arrival of the pandemic cancelled another meeting, but Library staff reac... Read Full Blog

First National Bank, Ames Donates $10,000 for Wi-Fi Hotspots

An Internet connection is more essential than ever, and a recent donation to First National Bank, Ames is making it more accessible than ever!

 

For the past few years, Ames Public Library has offered Wi-Fi Hotspots for checkout, allowing families a week of free Internet connection. Demand has been high, to say the least. Now, First National Bank, Ames has donated $10,000 to the Ames Public Library Friends Foundation to increase the Library’s number of available Hotspots to 100! This generous gift will also allow the Library to extend the checkout time.

&n... Read Full Blog