by Sheila Schofer

Recently libraries across the country celebrated National Friends of Libraries Week. The Ames Public Library gave a shout out of thanks to their sister organization, the Ames Public Library Friends Foundation (APLFF), to mark the occasion. The APLFF and the donations and support they receive from the generous Ames community are absolutely vital to the ongoing success of the library.

Funding from the APLFF allows the library to innovatively respond to community needs with everything from STEM Kits and author visits to Wi-Fi Hot Spots and impactful programs like Free Summer Meals for Children and Teens. This past year, the Friends Foundation helped to purchase new furniture for the Library’s Youth and Teen Spaces. Plans are also coming together for an exciting new technology space featuring design and editing software as well as a Memory Lab to convert videotapes and photos to digital formats.

The Library simply wouldn’t be able to offer the above-and-beyond services it does without the support of the Friends Foundation and the generous community behind them.

This is why it’s exciting to share that Ames Public Library Friends Foundation has hired a new Development Director, Alyssa Rodriguez. Alyssa resides in Ames and is a student at Iowa State University. Her education in Human Development and Family Studies, Political Science and Public Relations align perfectly with the position, and her fundraising and event management experience and work on innovation and leadership projects make her a great new member. She’ll be settling in over the next few weeks but is excited to get out and meet folks at library and community events and to connect with library supporters old and new.

Support for the APLFF comes from annual and planned giving campaigns, sustaining monthly donations, special events like Pub Fiction, and of course the beloved Book Sales.  Mark your calendar for the next sale coming up November 17-20^th.  APLFF Donors $20 and up get free early entry on the first day! Until then, shop the premium finds every day in the Literary Grounds Bookstore.  If you have ideas for Friends Foundation events or want to learn how you can offer support, contact Alyssa and the APLFF board through their website at www.APLFF.org  and check out the Ames Public Library website at www.amespubliclibrary.org for upcoming events and more!