Library News

News

Tools for School

Get homework help with the Library's free online resources, check out a Wi-Fi hotspot for Internet access, and use our space for quiet study time! 

Your Library card gets you free access to premium online resource, like Brainfuse Homework Help, Britannica Library, and many mo...

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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. ...

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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! 

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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...

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Library Notes

Growth Mindset

by Tracy Briseño

All my life I have had the opposite of a green thumb. I was notorious in my family for killing plants, no matter how much I strived to keep them alive. It was frustrating and disappointing and a bit embarrassing, too. I could keep my pets and my kids alive, but not plants?  Read full blog post

Illuminating the Past

by Cathy Cooney

Imagine you live in the 1800s. Your family read in the newspaper about a new form of entertainment and traveled in a wagon to the next town over. You hustle inside and gather closely with dozens of other excited participants, waiting for the show to begin. The lights go out. Sudden...

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Free Seeds at Your Library!

by Alissa Dornink

I’ve been checking out our new gardening books in preparation for the growing season ahead, but the best thing I have been taking home are the seeds from the Seed Library. The Ames Seed Library is a collaborative effort between the Ames Public Library, Iowa State University Exten...

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Upcoming Events

Bookmobile Closed

All Day 5/26 - 5/30
Closing
Branches:
Off Site
Description:

Ames Public Library Bookmobile will be closed May 26-30.

The Bookmobile's summer schedule will begin June 2.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Magic Lantern Exhibit

All Day 5/27 - 5/31
Adults
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Vestibule
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Exhibit
Program Details:

Since the 1600s, magic lanterns have been captivating audiences. Come to a special exhibit at Ames Public Library to learn about this early type of image projector and see fascinating photographs of magic lanterns and slides.


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: Lisa Fawcett Nilsson Study Room - 2nd 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 "Adults" group.
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Farwell T. Brown Auditorium
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts/Crafts, History/Genealogy, Presentation, Special Event
Program Details:

Experience the precursor to cinema and moving pictures! Historian Mike Zahs and librarian Elizabeth Riordan will present a free, live Magic Lantern show at the 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 "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

The Bridge Home

11:00am - 2:00pm
Teens, Adults
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Lisa Fawcett Nilsson Study Room - 2nd 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.
This event is in the "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Bike Fair

10:00am - 1:00pm
Family, Teens, Adults
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: In Front of Library
Age Group: Family, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Health/Fitness, Special Event
Program Details:

Learn more about biking in our community by meeting local organizations focused on the hobby! You can also learn how to load a bike onto a Cyride bus bike rack.


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.

Bike Rodeo

10:30am - 12:00pm
Family, Teens, Adults
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: In Front of Library
Age Group: Family, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Health/Fitness, Special Event
Program Details:

Join Safe Routes to School Iowa for a bike rodeo, where kids can learn the basics of important cycling skills—like safety and road rules—in a safe and supervised environment. 


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.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Summer Reading Challenge 2025

All Day 6/1 - 8/24
Family, Teens, Adults
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Ames Public Library
Age Group: Family, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Summer at the Library
Program Details:

 

LEVEL UP your summer fun with Ames Public Library!

Do you love free stuff? Are you between the ages of 0 and 120?


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

Mary Greeley Medical Center at APL

11:00am - 1:00pm
Teens, Adults
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Lisa Fawcett Nilsson Study Room - 2nd Floor
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Social Services
Program Details:


Staff from Mary Greeley Medical Center will be available in the Library to talk about inpatient and outpatient mental health services in the Ames community.

  • Mondays, 11am-1pm on the second floor

 


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.