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

Time to Get Growing!

by Megan Klein-Hewett

It’s 9 degrees out with a Winter Weather Advisory just behind us as I write this, but I’m already thinking about spring. As an avid gardener I begin dreaming about my garden early. Every January I inevitably I find myself daydreaming about what I want to grow. What seeds do I...

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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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Upcoming Events

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
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 American Sign Language. 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

George Washington Carver Exhibit

All Day 2/3–2/15
Teens, Adults
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Vestibule
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Exhibit, History/Genealogy
Program Details:

Come to the Library to see the "Iowa Roots, Global Impact: The Life and Legacy of George Washington Carver" exhibit.


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.

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

Kids Chess Club

4:00pm–5:00pm
Family
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Family
Program Type: Class/Workshop, Meetup
Program Details:

 

Come play chess! Whether you are just a beginner or already an expert, all kids in grades 1-5 are welcome to come have fun. Drop in and learn how to play or make new friends with other chess lovers.

 


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 "Family" group

Homeschool Book Club - Date Changed

10:00am–11:00am
Family
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Teen Space
Age Group: Family
Program Type: Book Discussion
Program Details:

Join us for a monthly book discussion just for families that are homeschooling!


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

Community & Family Resources 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 Community and Family Resources will be available in the Library to provide information about addiction, substance abuse treatment, problem gambling treatment, and mental health therapy. 


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.