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Latest Library Notes

Try 12 To Try: APL’s Newest Reading Challenge!

By Cathy Cooney

I love browsing and scooping up a few new favorites in my go-to genres: romance, mystery, historical fiction, fantasy. I think everyone gravitates toward books we already know we’ll enjoy. But the library contains many different and amazing choices! This year, join the 12 To Tr...

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Book Club Collection

Ames Public Library has multiple copies of many books that are popular with book clubs, and they can be checked out for 6 weeks! See the Book Club Collection list in the online catalog or view the PDF.

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"12 to Try"
Reading Challenge

Get recommendations for each month's challenge category.

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2022 Kiwanis Books (Check with Youth Manager to find these books.)

Books for Children and Teens

Race in America

Looking to learn more about race in America?
Check out some of our staff recommendations:

Nonfiction Picks

Black Voices in Fiction

Use Your Voice

Conversation Starters: Reading With Your Children and Teens About Race

Fiction Picks from Megan and Cathy

Board Books through Juvenile Fiction

Juvenile Nonfiction

Young Adult Books

Books for Adults

Celebrate Pride with Hoopla

Rainbow Reads on Bridges

E-books and More

Mental Health Youth Nonfiction

Mental Health Adult Nonfiction

Mental Health Own Voices

Online Resources for Readers

BookFlix

This engaging resource for children in grades PreK–3 will help early readers develop and practice essential reading skills, and introduces them to a world of knowledge and exploration.

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Novelist Plus

NoveList is a fiction database that provides subject heading access, reviews, annotations, and much more for over 120,000 fiction titles. It also includes other content of interest to fiction readers, such as Author Read-alikes, Book Discussion Guides, BookTalks, and Feature Articles.