Family

Upcoming Events for Families

This event is in the "Family" group.

Family Storytime

10:30am - 11:00am
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.

Kids Create

11:00am - 12:00pm
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Youth Makerspace
Age Group: Family
Program Type: Arts/Crafts
Program Details:
  Drop in and enjoy this process-focused craft or activity meant for children and their grown-ups.   ...


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
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Family
Program Type: Meetup, Storytime
Program Details:
  Bring your pre-walker to the Library for stories, songs, and baby sign language. Join with other caregivers and older siblings for 20 minutes of fun and learning. Feel free to bring a stuffed animal or doll for the older sibling to learn ...


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.

Checkmate Chess Club

4:00pm - 5:00pm
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 after school on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Drop in and learn how to play or come and face off against a ne...


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 "Adults" group.
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Farwell T. Brown Auditorium
Age Group: Family, Adults
Program Type: Meetup
Program Details:
  Join fellow international residents on the third Tuesday of each month for fun activities and culture-sharing. Presented in partnership with Ames Public Library and YWCA Ames-ISU.   ...


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.

Small Talk

10:00am - 11:00am
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Dale H. Ross Board Room
Age Group: Family
Program Type: Class/Workshop
Program Details:
  Make a difference in your baby's life through talk and interaction! If your baby is between 2 and 30 months, sign up for Small Talk and learn how to make your baby's brain stronger and get them ready for school success. Small Talk is a...


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
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
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Family
Program Type: Meetup, Storytime
Program Details:
  Bring your pre-walker to the Library for stories, songs, and baby sign language. Join with other caregivers and older siblings for 20 minutes of fun and learning. Feel free to bring a stuffed animal or doll for the older sibling to learn ...


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
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.

Free Tools for School: online tutoring, research, read-alongs, & more

 
Get homework help with the Library's free online resources (see K-12 Databases below), check out a Wi-Fi hotspot for Internet access, and use our space for quiet study time! 

Calling all Ames students!
All K-12 Ames Community School District students now get an electronic Student Library Card when they enroll in school (unless parents opt out). Learn more, visit us online at:
www.amespubliclibrary.org/StudentLibraryCard

Need internet? Check out a Wi-Fi Hotspot!

 

Check out a wi-fi hotspot from the Library and get online for free!

Request a hotspot >> 

 

Personalized Picks

Need some book recommendations?

Fill out our Personalized Picks online form to tell us about what you want to read. Our experts will put together a custom book list based on your responses and e-mail it to you!

Try it out >>

Stream and Download

Kids enjoying a tablet with shapes and animals in the background

HOOPLA
e-books, movies, TV, music, and more with Kids Mode

Text Kanopy Kids on an orange background surrounded by graphics of Babar the elephant, Franklin the Turtle and others

KANOPY KIDS
animated books, movies, TV, and educational videos

text

BRIDGES/LIBBY
e-books, audiobooks, and graphic novels for all ages

More Fun Stuff

Print out some coloring pages based on Ames Public Library's old Bookmobile. One even has hidden pictures!

Reading Up  |  Hidden Pictures with Smyles  |  Kicking It  |  Ames Friends

Coloring Page 1 Thumbnail - Boy Reading with Squirrel
Coloring Page 2 Thumbnail - Girl Reading to Smyles the Dog
Coloring Page 3 Thumbnail - Man and Girl by Ames Public Library Sign
Coloring Page 4 Thumbnail - Woman with Animals and Campanile

 

Smyles the dog circle graphic

Look for Ames Public Library's mascot, Smyles, at the Library and at special events around town! Smyles is also a big part of Project Smyles, the Library's outreach program to children in daycare and preschool.

More >>

Child tablet

Your Library card lets you check out tickets to participating museums and attractions, tablets loaded with educational apps, kits to explore STEM concepts, and more!

More >>

You have the power to jumpstart your baby's development. Learn how to create an enriching language environment to help your baby's brain grow.

More >>

Ames Public Library has its own annual book trivia contest for teams of 5th and 6th graders!

More >>

K-12 Databases

ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy logo

ABC Mouse

Check out ABC Mouse for award-winning educational games, puzzles, books and other fun interactive learning activities for kids age 2 to 6. It’s free to use in the Ames Public Library! In Library Use Only

Visit resource website
America's News from Newsbank banner logo

America's News/Ames Tribune from NewsBank

Search local job fairs, companies in the news, state and national business, economic and employment trends. Find diverse perspectives on topics related to job searching, consumer spending and the housing market. Updated daily. 

Visit internal library resource Visit external library resource
Brainfuse logo

Brainfuse Help Now

Stuck on a tough homework assignment? Looking for test prep resources? Brainfuse offers virtual live tutoring, a 24-hour writing assignment review, study groups, flashcards, and can even help create a study plan. Find test prep for college entrance exams and ASVAB. Adult learners will find tutoring and study guides just for adults, as well as computer training courses, and study guides for the U.S. Citizenship Test, TABE, TOEFL, GED, and more. 

Visit internal library resource Visit external library resource
GCF Learn Free.org logo

GCF LearnFree

If you need a quick brush up on your Microsoft Office or other technology skills GCF LearnFree is the place to start. Check out their more than 125 self-paced tutorials for math, career, reading, every day life skills, and more. 

Visit internal library resource Visit external library resource
Khan Academy logo

Khan Academy

Khan Academy's mission is to provide free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere, and they’ve partnered with institutions like NASA and the Museum of Modern Art to do so. Create an account and you'll have access to videos, exercises, and your own learning dashboard as you study at your own pace. 

Visit internal library resource Visit external library resource
Mango Languages

Mango Languages

Powered by intelligent technology and an adaptive algorithm, Mango empowers you to communicate with confidence, preparing you for uncharted experiences with language and culture. Challenge yourself to discover something new. Start the conversation.

Visit internal library resource Visit external library resource
NoveList Logo

Novelist Plus

NoveList is a fiction database that provides subject heading access, reviews, annotations, and much more for over 120,000 fiction titles. It also includes other content of interest to fiction readers, such as Author Read-alikes, Book Discussion Guides, BookTalks, and Feature Articles. 

Visit internal library resource Visit external library resource
Tumble Book Library logo

TumbleBookLibrary

Want a fun, 21st century alternative to print picture books? TumbleBookLibrary has a great interactive collection of stories with sound, music, animation, and narration. Have your favorite book read as you follow along and enjoy the story. Be sure to check out their book of the day!

Visit internal library resource Visit external library resource