An August of Opportunities
by Max Gulden
The heat of summer is truly upon us! Things are heating up at the library too. August marks the home stretch for two of our popular reading challenges.
For the annual Summer Reading Challenge, there is still plenty of time left to complete the challenge. Even if you haven’t started yet, you can complete the challenge and earn your full slate of reading prizes with under an hour of reading per day! (Remember that audiobooks count as reading, too.)
For those who have already completed the Summer Reading Challenge or who are now nearing the finish line, every additional 500 minutes of reading earns you a bonus ticket for the grand prize drawings at the end of the challenge (up to 51 total tickets)!
Importantly, all prizes other than the grand prize drawings must be retrieved by 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 24th, so don’t miss out on what you’ve earned!
August is also the final month for the current 12 To Try Reading Challenge, which involves reading books based on specific criteria. This reading challenge runs through the end of August, so you have a little more time to finish up! That said, you must retrieve all prizes by 4:30 p.m. on August 31, 2025.
Make note, reading that meets the criteria for the 12 To Try Reading Challenge can also count for the Summer Reading Challenge. If you are daunted about finishing up the current 12 to Try in the time remaining, have no fear, as the next challenge begins in September!
Another hot item on the August calendar is the Friends Foundation’s annual Pub Fiction pub crawl fundraiser. Tickets are $20 per participant and proceeds go to support a variety of library programs and collections through the Friends Foundation. You are encouraged (but not required) to dress up as your favorite character from a book and can visit a number of participating downtown Ames businesses, each with specific themes and exclusive drink specials! Pub Fiction kicks off on Thursday, August 14th, with check in from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Ames Public Library. Be aware, this event is exclusive to library patrons 21 and over.
With so many exciting ways to engage with your library, you’re sure to find something that’s just right for you!