Library News

New "12 to Try" Challenge Begins
Summer has come and gone, and that means it's time for a new challenge!
Adults are invited to join this year's "12 to Try" Reading Challenge beginning September 1. Read your way through 12 books that fit the 12 challenge categories by August 31, 2026 to earn prizes.
Here's how it work...
Page One Newsletter
Find out what's happening at the Library, read our Page One newsletter, or sign up for out monthly e-mail newsletter.
Recorded Events
Check our YouTube channel for recordings of some of our past events!
Program Proposals
Want to work with the Library on an event? Share your idea here.
Exhibit Proposals
Have an idea for an exhibit featuring art or educational materials? Share your idea here.
Library Notes

Squirrels!
There’s changing leaves, crisp apples, and tomorrow is the first day of October! Along with being a lovely month, October is also National Squirrel Month. At first when I heard of that, I laughed, but then I started thinking a bit more. There are a lot of wonderful c...

Women’s Basketball: Shattering the Glass
On a whim this morning at HyVee I bought a box of Caitlin’s Crunch Time cereal. As I munched on the frosted flakes, I got thinking about all the athletes who are breaking barriers for girls to dream about becoming sports superstars.
Caitlin Clark’s rise to basketball fame ...
Upcoming Events
Stop by the Library's vestibule to read about H.O.S.T., Ames' Homeless Outreach & Support Team.
This display highlights various aspects of H.O.S.T.'s approach through the story of one family's journey.
Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.
Families with toddlers are invited for a storytime filled with music, stories, and fun! Mondays and Wednesdays are the same presentation.
Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.
Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.
Mystery readers, come talk about books by a selected author or on a theme:
2025
Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.
Come to a free hands-on musical tour of Mexico. Learn the names of the different rhythms from each region of the country from R. J. Hernandez of the musical ensemble Las Guitarras de Mexico.
Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.
Join us for a monthly book discussion just for families that are homeschooling!
Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.
Children of all ages and their grown-ups are invited to this storytime to build listening, language, and literacy skills through music, movement, song and action rhymes. Each week will feature a new theme.
Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.
Need a brain break? Teens are invited to hang out and play videogames in the Teen Space!
We have a variety of games on Switch, Switch 2, and VR.
Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.
Gather (in person or online) for casual conversations in Chinese. Chat in your native language or get comfortable speaking in another language.
Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.