by Clelia Sweeney

Ames Public Library is proud to represent Iowa as our state’s official Center for the Book, part of a program from the Library of Congress. Each of the fifty states has an institution designated as their Center for the Book, as well as U.S. territories Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Northern Marianas, and the District of Columbia. These Centers promote and advocate for their area’s literary heritage through events and outreach. 

It has been an honor to represent Iowa in this program since 2024, and an exciting journey with lots of new opportunities. Delegates from the Library have tabled at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. annually, connecting with readers and organizations across the nation.

I am excited to say that tomorrow, on March 11^th, Iowa will be highlighted in the PBS Books series “American Stories: A Reading Road Trip,” produced in partnership with the Library of Congress. It will air at 7pm CST. These episodes take viewers across the country to highlight the unique quirks of each state’s literary history. Our library director Sheila Schofer was interviewed, along with prominent Iowa authors. The episode will highlight local bookstores, historically significant libraries, and other sites of literary heritage in the state. 

I have loved watching episodes from this series featuring other states, continually struck by how each one has contributed something unique and beautiful to the tapestry of American literature. I am a firm believer that every state is interesting, even the less glamorous ones that aren’t talked about much. These thoughtful episodes have given me a deepened appreciation for Ohio, Wyoming, Louisiana, and more places. 

You can watch the premiere of Iowa’s episode of A Reading Road Trip on the PBS Books website: https://www.pbsbooks.org/readingroadtrip. It will also be available on their Facebook page, YouTube channel, and the PBS app. If you would like more information about our library’s participation in the Center for the Book program, contact us anytime at iowacenterforthebook@amespubliclibrary.org.