Library News

News

Level Up Your Summer

Have an EPIC summer at the Library with free special activities and a reading challenge for all ages!

Everyone from babies to adults can earn prizes just for tracking their reading in Ames Public Library's Summer Reading Challenge. Pick up a game board, sign up at amespubliclibrary.beanstac...

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Library Notes

Television

by Seth Warburton

Our disheartening subject today is that well-known instrument of repression, that symbol of deluded decadence, that cathode-rayed betrayer of sensible taste and thief of precious reading time: the television.  

At least in the days of my youth (now, alas, l...

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Books To Take on Your Next Adventure!

by Chelsie Gohlmann

Whether you're packing for a beach vacation, a mountain retreat, or just a long weekend getaway, no suitcase is complete without a good book. Travel offers the perfect chance to escape both physically and mentally—and the right story can transport you even further. Here is a se...

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Echoes of Resilience

by Megan Klein-Hewett

Ames Public Library, in partnership with the NAACP Ames Branch, Friendship Baptist Church, and Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames, invite you to join us for a series of films centering the experiences of African Americans in the United States. From Harriet Tubman to Ni...

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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

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 "Adults" group

Conversation Circles: Russian

3:00pm–4:00pm
Adults
Cancelled
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
Cancelled
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

Pokémon Club

2:00pm–4:00pm
Family, Teens
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Farwell T. Brown Auditorium
Age Group: Family, Teens
Program Type: Class/Workshop, Meetup, Summer at the Library
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

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

Free Summer Meals for Kids and Teens

11:30am–12:30pm
Family, Teens
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Farwell T. Brown Auditorium
Age Group: Family, Teens
Program Type: Health/Fitness, Special Event
Program Details:

 

Having a full stomach of good food is important! Eat a free lunch weekdays this summer from 11:30am-12:30pm in the Library's Auditorium.


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: Danfoss Room
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: Lisa Fawcett Nilsson Study Room - 2nd Floor
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Social Services
Program Details:

 

Staff from UnityPoint Health - Eyerly Ball will be available in the Library to connect you with mental health services.

  • Mondays, 1:30-3:30pm 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 "Family" group
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Farwell T. Brown Auditorium
Age Group: Family
Program Type: Presentation, Special Event, Summer at the Library
Program Details:

 

Terrific Tuesdays features performers from all over the Midwest in a variety of acts. Families of all ages are encouraged to come participate and watch these amazingly talented artists and performers.


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
Cancelled
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Jonie & John Fitzsimmons Study Room - 1st 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

Free Summer Meals for Kids and Teens

11:30am–12:30pm
Family, Teens
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Farwell T. Brown Auditorium
Age Group: Family, Teens
Program Type: Health/Fitness, Special Event
Program Details:

 

Having a full stomach of good food is important! Eat a free lunch weekdays this summer from 11:30am-12:30pm in the Library's Auditorium.


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.