by Chelsie Gohlmann

The Ames Public Library will host the ACCESSing Resources Fair on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., offering residents a convenient way to connect with local support services.

The free event brings together a variety of community organizations to share resources for individuals and families, including assistance with housing, health, finances, and family support. Attendees can speak directly with service providers, ask questions, and learn how to access available programs. The fair is presented in partnership with ACCESS, with support from the Ames Public Library Friends Foundation. Our aim is to make accessing services easier by offering multiple resources in one familiar and welcoming location.

The following organizations will be present: ACCESS, Ames Community School District, APL, Center for Creative Justice, Central Iowa RSVP, Child Care Resource and Referral, ChildServe, Clothing That Works, Community & Family Resources, Food at First, Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance, Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI), Martha's House of Hope, Optimae LifeServices, Planned Parenthood Northcentral States, Primary Health Care, SAFE Center of Iowa, Story County - Board of Supervisors, Story County Extension and Outreach, Students Helping Our Peers (SHOP) Food Pantry at Iowa State University, The Well Resource Center, and YSS.

In addition to special events like this, the library hosts regular social services office hours throughout the month, reinforcing its role as a hub for community support. MGMC/ARCH provides advocacy and resources for individuals experiencing homelessness and other community members needing extra assistance. Community and Family Resources offers mental health and substance use services, while Heartland of Story County supports older adults with nutrition programs and caregiver resources. The Iowa Aging & Disability Resource Center also holds regular office hours at the library where they help older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers navigate services like healthcare, housing, and transportation. Our social services partners continue to expand, so for a full schedule of office hours, please visit our website at www.amespubliclibrary.org/events.

Together, these efforts highlight the Ames Public Library’s growing role as more than a place for books. It serves as a central, accessible space where residents can connect with essential resources.