Library News

News

A Reading Road Trip through Iowa

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 Virg...

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2026 All Iowa Reads Selections Announced

State Library of Iowa

The 2026 All Iowa Reads selections were announced Oct. 9 on Iowa Public Radio’s Talk of Iowa program with host Charity Nebbe. Nebbe was joined by All Iowa Reads committee member Mike Jorgensen of the Coralville Public Library to announce the title for adults; and Janeé Jackso...

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Library Notes

Surprise! It’s National Poetry Month

by Heidi Chopskie

Spring cleaning always brings surprises. While sorting through a stack of boxes left behind as my kids launch out of the house, I uncovered a familiar stack of children’s poetry collections by Jack Prelutsky. The fun covers and whimsical titles instantly brought back memorie...

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Reliable Sources

by Max Gulden

Working at the Ames Public Library, there are some resources we use occasionally and some we might use only once in a blue moon! Then there are resources we use almost every day! Let’s look at a couple online Library resources that you can use daily too!

To access online Librar...

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Pausing to Talk About Menopause

by Cathy Cooney

According to the Yale School of Medicine, 6,000 people begin menopause every day in the US; That works out to 1.3 million people each year. But while this is something that affects a large percentage of the population, it’s not something that we often talk about.

That’s why A...

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Upcoming Events

This event is in the "Adults" group

Revolutionary Iowans Exhibit

All Day 3/4–4/4
Adults
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: The Gallery
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Exhibit, History/Genealogy
Program Details:

Learn about Iowa's revolutionary history through an exhibit from Iowa PBS. Connect Iowa's local stories to the broader themes of American democracy and independence through the stories of Iowans. 
 


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 "Adults" group

Community & Family Resources at APL

10:00am–12:00pm
Adults
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Lisa Fawcett Nilsson Study Room - 2nd Floor
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Social Services
Program Details:

Staff from Community and Family Resources will be available in the Library to provide information about addiction, substance abuse treatment, problem gambling treatment, and mental health therapy. 


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
Family
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Family
Program Type: Meetup, Storytime
Program Details:

 


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 "Adults" group

Mystery Lovers Book Group

12:00pm–1:00pm
Adults
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Dale H. Ross Board Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Discussion, Meetup
Program Details:


Mystery readers, come talk about books by a selected author or on a theme:

 

2026


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

Homeschool Book Club

10:00am–11:00am
Family
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Teen Space
Age Group: Family
Program Type: Book Discussion
Program Details:

Join us for a monthly book discussion just for families that are homeschooling!


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
Family
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 "Adults" group

Conversation Circles: Chinese

6:00pm–7:00pm
Adults
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Dale H. Ross Board Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Language Learning, Meetup
Program Details:

 

Gather (in person or online) for casual conversations in Chinese. Chat in your native language or get comfortable speaking in another language.

 


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 "Adults" group

Tarot Meetup

6:00pm–7:30pm
Adults
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: PEO Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Meetup
Program Details:

 

Do you want to learn to read Tarot? Are you a Tarot reader looking to build community with others?


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

6:30pm–7:00pm
Family
Cancelled
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Family
Program Type: Meetup, Storytime
Program Details:

 


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 "Adults" group

Aging in Place - Adaptive solutions

10:00am–12:00pm
Adults
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Danfoss Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Presentation
Program Details:

 

Older adults and their caregivers are invited to learn about maintaining safety, independence, and confidence while aging in place through education on adaptive and assistive equipment, with no obligation to purchase anything.


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

Storybook S.T.E.M.

10:30am–11:00am
Family
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Farwell T. Brown Auditorium
Age Group: Family
Program Type: Meetup, Storytime
Program Details:

 

Families are invited to enjoy a short storytime and get hands-on with a fun related STEM activity for all ages!

 


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 "Teens" group

Teen Silent Book Club

4:00pm–6:00pm
Teens
Library Branch: Ames Public Library
Room: Teen Space
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Book Discussion, Meetup
Program Details:

Hey teens, come to the Library's Teen Silent Book Club to unwind, read, and connect with others. We will enjoy good books and good—but quiet—company as we munch on some snacks. 


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.