Library News

News

2026 All Iowa Reads Selections Announced

State Library of Iowa

The 2026 All Iowa Reads selections were announced Oct. 9 on Iowa Public Radio’s Talk of Iowa program with host Charity Nebbe. Nebbe was joined by All Iowa Reads committee member Mike Jorgensen of the Coralville Public Library to announce the title for adults; and Janeé Jackso...

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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...

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Library Notes

Rooted in Success: Celebrating National Seed Swap Day

by Alissa Dornink

Most people think of libraries as quiet places filled with books, but we are proving they are also places where community roots (literally) take hold. Every year, on the last Saturday in January, gardeners across the country celebrate National Seed Swap Day. This year, Ames Publi...

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‘That’s Fun’ Makes Adult Play a Priority

by Robyn Rohde

I have long joked that if something wasn’t in my phone calendar then it didn’t exist. Unfortunately, that means spontaneity, specifically around fun, is often lost to the unending responsibilities of adulthood. 

Starting in 2026, Ames Public Library is helping by carving ...

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The Winter of Our Econtent

By Max Gulden

After a cold and blustery start to winter, the New Year is upon us with so many opportunities ahead! It’s a time for resolutions a-plenty! One great resolution to consider, of course, is to read more books!

With the winter we’ve had so far, you might think this could be a trick...

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Upcoming Events

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

Winter Reading Challenge

All Day 12/1–1/31
Family, Teens, Adults
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Ames Public Library
Age Group: Family, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Special Event
Program Details:

All ages are invited to earn a prize for reading 30 days this winter!

3 Ways to Play:


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
This event is in the "Adults" group

Memory Project Exhibit

All Day 1/2–2/1
Family, Teens, Adults
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Vestibule
Age Group: Family, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts/Crafts
Program Details:

 

Come see portraits created by Ames High School students for this year's Memory Project.


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 "Family" group

Baby Time

1:30pm–2:00pm
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

LEGO® Builders

4:00pm–5:00pm
Family
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Family
Program Type: Meetup
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 "Adults" group

Conversation Circles: Spanish

7:00pm–8:30pm
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 Spanish. 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

Deep Roots Book Group

7:00pm–8:30pm
Adults
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: PEO Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Discussion, Nature/Sustainability
Program Details:

Join gardeners and nature enthusiasts for deep discussion of books in connection with the Ames Seed Library. 


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

Toddler Storytime

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

 

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.

This event is in the "Family" group

Baby Time

11:00am–11:30am
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 "Adults" group

Conversation Circles: German

7:00pm–8:00pm
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 German. 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

View from the Margins Book Group

7:00pm–8:00pm
Adults
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Danfoss Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Discussion, Meetup
Program Details:

 

Check out this book group for fresh insights and lively discussion about topics relating to society, identity, and culture.


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.