The Ames Public Library Friends Foundation (APLFF) is pleased to announce it has received a $6,000 grant from the Story County Community Foundation. These funds will support Ames Public Library’s efforts to provide computer and internet access to the Ames community, especially with increased need during remote learning.

In the past, Ames Public Library has helped meet this need by offering free internet, Wi-Fi, and computer access inside the Library. More recently, the Library has expanded access to mobile hotspots which are checked out for free and offer unlimited data and connectivity for up to 10 devices. The generous grant from Story County Community Foundation will help the Library purchase more hotspots, which usually have waiting lists due to high demand.

“This grant helps the Library meet a critical need for families with no internet access or unreliable access,” said APLFF Development Officer Sophie Johnson. “The Library provides so many online learning resources, like Brainfuse’s live homework help, but students need internet access to make use of them. We’re so grateful the Story County Community Foundation chose to support this project.”

Wi-Fi Hotspots can be requested for checkout here.

About the Ames Public Library Friends Foundation

The Ames Public Library Friends Foundation (APLFF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that supports Ames Public Library through volunteering, fundraising, community engagement, and advocacy. APLFF funds are used for Library capital improvements, events, special projects, budget contingencies, and an endowment fund. For more information, visit www.aplff.org or give us a call (515) 239-5632.

About Story County Community Foundation

The Story County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, has been created by and for the people of Story County. The Community Foundation’s main goals are to support charitable projects and programs in Story County and to attract additional funds to assist donors in creating lasting legacies through a variety of giving options within Story County. For more information, contact the Story County Community Foundation at 515.232.9200 or visit www.storycountyfoundation.org. The organization is now accepting online donations.

The nonprofit organization has invested more than $ 1.4 million in competitive grants over its 15-year history.