Library News

News

New Carpet Coming

by Sheila Schofer

As a homeowner of an older house here in Ames, I have appreciation for the ongoing upkeep it takes to keep a space in good repair. You put time and care into maintaining the places that hold meaning and importance to you.

The same is true on a broader community level. ...

Read full blog post

Great Reads Authors coming to Ames and Zoom

The authors of Iowa's 2024 selections for Great Reads from Great Places are coming to Iowa! 

-----

Join Swine Republic author, Chris Jones, for an author talk and book signing Wednesday, October 30, at 7pm. The event at Ames Public Library will be livestreamed o...

Read full blog post

Library Notes

Behind the Scenes in a Library Under Construction

by Clelia Sweeney

If you have visited the library in the past few weeks, you know the changes we have been going through. Over half of our building has been inaccessible as we tear up the decade-old carpet and replace it. You may have heard banging construction sounds or smelled carpet glue while ...

Read full blog post

National Plan for Vacation Day

by Ellen Wanamaker

If you earn vacation days at your job, think back to how many vacation days you took in 2024. Any chance you left some of those unused? If so, let 2025 be the year that you use every single bit of your earned vacation.

Americans leave about 600 million collective vacation ...

Read full blog post

The Wonder of Wonderbooks

by Emma Bravard

If you are looking to stay inside, cozy up with a good book, and want to get the whole family involved, check out our Wonderbooks and VOX Books!  Wonderbooks and Vox Books provide a great opportunity for everyone of any age to be able to engage with reading. 

If you...

Read full blog post

Upcoming Events

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Photo Exhibit: Ames History Pillars

All Day 2/1 - 2/16
Adults
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Vestibule
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Exhibit, History/Genealogy
Program Details:

Between 1998-2000, the City of Ames underwent a new downtown comprehensive plan which included terracotta sculptures displayed on pillars along 5th Street. Artist David B.


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.

This event is in the "Teens" group.

Teen Videogames

4:00pm - 6:00pm
Teens
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Teen Space
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Meetup
Program Details:

 

Need a brain break? Teens are invited to hang out and play videogames in the Teen Space!

A virtual reality system will be available to try out, too.

 


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.

This event is in the "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

The Bridge Home

4:00pm - 7:00pm
Teens, Adults
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Jonie & John Fitzsimmons Study Room - 1st Floor
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Social Services
Program Details:

 


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.

This event is in the "Family" group.

Baby Time

6:30pm - 7:00pm
Family
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Family
Program Type: Meetup, Storytime
Program Details:

 


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.

This event is in the "Family" group.

Storybook S.T.E.M.

10:30am - 11:00am
Family
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Farwell T. Brown Auditorium
Age Group: Family
Program Type: Meetup, Storytime
Program Details:

 

Families are invited to enjoy a short storytime and get hands-on with a fun related STEM activity for all ages!

 


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.

This event is in the "Family" group.
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Family
Program Type: Storytime
Program Details:

 

Join Library staff at the ice arena on the first Friday of each month for a free storytime!

After the storytime, the ice arena will offer skating and children's activities on the ice for a small fee.


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.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Fiber Arts Meetup

10:00am - 12:00pm
Adults
Cancelled
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Rotary Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts/Crafts
Program Details:

 

Crafters of all ages are invited to join fellow fiber arts enthusiasts and work on their projects. Knit, crochet, embroidery, or any other fiber craft is welcome! 

Please bring your own materials.

 


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.

This event is in the "Family" group.

Family Storytime

10:30am - 11:00am
Family
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Family
Program Type: Storytime
Program Details:

 

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.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Speed Friending

2:00pm - 4:00pm
Adults
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Farwell T. Brown Auditorium
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Meetup
Program Details:


It is hard to make friends as an adult! Join us for a round of speed friend-matching and casual socializing. 


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.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Conversation Circles: Russian

3:00pm - 4:00pm
Adults
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Dale H. Ross Board Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Language Learning, Meetup
Program Details:

 

Gather (in person or online) for casual conversations in Russian. 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.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Conversation Circles: French

4:00pm - 5:30pm
Adults
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Dale H. Ross Board Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Language Learning, Meetup
Program Details:

 

Gather (in person or online) for casual conversations in French. 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.

This event is in the "Family" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Math Minds Unite

1:30pm - 4:30pm
Family, Teens
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Family, Teens
Program Type: Class/Workshop
Program Details:


Math Minds Unite is a tutoring program for any child in grades 3-8 who may need a little extra help developing math skills.


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.