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

The Season of Giving

by Sheila Schofer

The busy holiday season is upon us and the Library has you covered!

Check out the Ames Public Library’s Friends Foundation’s Literary Grounds Bookstore for fabulous book bundles. We’ve pulled together the best selections in convenient bundles all tied up with bow! Find a fu...

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10 Years at the Ames Public Library

by Ben Schrag

Ten years ago, I began working at the Ames Public Library. What I didn’t know then was how much I would enjoy library work. Libraries strengthen our communities and I am proud to work in a public library.

The public library serves you at every phase of life. New child? Come to ...

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Behind the Scenes

 Seth Warburton

I work behind the scenes at the Ames Public Library, part of the pipeline that brings books to Ames readers.  The books themselves are generally much more interesting than the processes that get them here.  But last month, Baker & Taylor, the largest supplier of ...

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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

StoryWalk® in Downtown Ames

All Day 12/2–1/2
Family
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Family
Program Type: Special Event
Program Details:

Start at Ames Public Library and find the pages of Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Camper and illustrated by Kenard Pak in windows of downtown businesses.


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

Study Space

9:00am–8:45pm
Teens, Adults
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Danfoss Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Special Event
Program Details:

 

Need somewhere quiet to get ready for tests? We reserved space just for study time. Drop in any of the following times, or ask about our regular study rooms!

 


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: Chanukah Special

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

Join us for a special Family Storytime all about Chanukah on Tuesday, December 9!

We'll read the Chanukah Big Book, sing songs, play a dreidel game, and enjoy Chanukah doughnuts. There will be a craft activity, 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 "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 "Teens" group
This event is in the "Adults" group

Study Space

9:00am–8:45pm
Teens, Adults
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Danfoss Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Special Event
Program Details:

 

Need somewhere quiet to get ready for tests? We reserved space just for study time. Drop in any of the following times, or ask about our regular study rooms!

 


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 "Teens" group

Teen Advisory Group (TAG)

5:00pm–6:00pm
Teens
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: PEO Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Boards/Government, Meetup
Program Details:

 

Hey 6th-12th graders, help plan exciting Library events for teens, share what you’re reading, make new friends, and eat some food! 


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.