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...

Read full blog post

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...

Read full blog post

Library Notes

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...

Read full blog post

To stay in or go out?

by Amanda Molumby

It’s that time of year when going out often means bracing for a cold, stinging wind in your face, fingers going numb, noses running, lips becoming chapped. Well, I hope to have something for both those people that enjoy frolicking in the snow outside, and those who like to stay c...

Read full blog post

Book Clubs for Teens, Families, and Parents

by Genya Coffey

The Youth Services Department at Ames Public Library is offering four engaging book clubs this winter which offer a space for teens, families, and parents to connect through reading. Each program is free and open to the public.

Teens have two options for monthly book club exp...

Read full blog post

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 BINGO Blast

2:00pm–3:00pm
Family
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Farwell T. Brown Auditorium
Age Group: Family
Program Type: Special Event
Program Details:

Get out of the cold and join in a family BINGO challenge! All materials will be provided along with small prizes each round. Enjoy traditional BINGO boards as well as creative design challenges.


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

Optimae Life Services at APL

2:00pm–4:00pm
Adults
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Lisa Fawcett Nilsson Study Room - 2nd Floor
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Social Services
Program Details:

Staff from Optimae Life Services will be available in the Library to connect visitors with resources for mental health, home health, and community integration services.


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 Silent Book Club

4:00pm–6:00pm
Teens
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Teen Space
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Book Discussion, Meetup
Program Details:

Hey teens, come to the Library's Teen Silent Book Club to unwind, read, and connect with others. We will enjoy good books and good—but quiet—company as we munch on some snacks. 


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: Japanese

2:00pm–3:00pm
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 Japanese. 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: 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

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.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Conversation Circles: English

12:30pm–1:30pm
Adults
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Farwell T. Brown Auditorium
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Language Learning, 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

Heartland of Story County at APL

10:00am–12:00pm
Adults
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Lisa Fawcett Nilsson Study Room - 2nd Floor
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Social Services
Program Details:

Staff from Heartland of Story County will be available in the Library to connect Story County residents who are 60+ and their caregivers with programs and services.


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.