Blog Entries

Digging into Digital

by Amanda Molumby

Now that summer is here, maybe you have a little more time to read some books or magazines, watch a movie, or browse online. Or perhaps you have even less time than usual and are looking for ways to wind down in the spare time you do have. While I highly recommend visiting the library—we have some pretty amazing programs happening during summer, and it’s a nice, cool spot to get out of the summer heat—if you find yourself unable to swing into the library itself, try looking for some excellent online resources on the Ames Public Library website!

You can us... Read Full Blog

Library of Congress National Book Festival Announces Full Author Lineup for 2024

Library of Congress National Book Festival Announces Full Author Lineup
Main Stage to Feature Sandra Cisneros, James S.A. Corey, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Max Greenfield, Tamron Hall, Abby Jimenez, Casey McQuiston, James McBride, James Patterson, Lish Steiling and Rebecca Yarros

The festival’s theme this year, “Books Build Us Up,” explores how reading can help connect us and inform our lives. It’s through books that readers can develop strong bonds with writers and their ideas — relationships that open the entire world, real or imagined, to us all.

Throughout ... Read Full Blog

Fantastic Filipino Inspired Fantasy Reads

by Ben Schrag

I grew up loving fantasy books. Fantasy represented an escape from the ordinary. It represented the feeling that no one was too small for a big adventure. But, over time, that initial spark grew dull. Genre tropes became tired and repetitive. I almost gave up on fantasy books altogether. But, thankfully, I work at a library with lots of books at my disposal!

Today I want to highlight a few that I’ve discovered that share a common thread. These fantasies are all by Filipino authors!

The first is a middle grade book, “Marikit and the Ocean of Stars” b... Read Full Blog

New Play Space!

Come see the new play space on Ames Public Library's first floor!

Young children can practice their motor skills, while older children can exercise their imaginations with a play kitchen and more.

Thank you to the Ames Public Library Friends Foundation who helped support the Library’s new play structure!

... Read Full Blog

Get Grilling!

by Chelsie Gohlmann

Summer is the season of vibrant flavors, outdoor gatherings, and the irresistible allure of grilling. As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, it's the perfect time to explore new recipes and refine your culinary skills. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a kitchen novice, the right cookbook can transform your summer meals into unforgettable feasts. Here’s a look at some must-have cookbooks that will inspire you to make the most of the season's bounty.

“Rodney Scott's World of BBQ: Every Day Is a Good Day” by Rodney Scott
“Rod... Read Full Blog

The Books of Summer

by Seth Warburton

School is out and so is the sun; it’s summer!  It’s time to partake in the long-standing tradition of reading something frivolous.  There are books too gleefully violent for February, tomes too wantonly erotic for December, and titles so unserious that someone as discerning and successful as you just couldn’t possibly spare them the time to read.  But now that it’s socially acceptable to wear white trousers, everyone gets a free pass.  That’s not smut in your hand; in June, it’s a beach read. 

Summer is the time for slacking and r... Read Full Blog

“I Survived” Summer Reading at the Library

by Jill Philby

June is right around the corner, and Ames Public Library has exciting news!

First, save the date of June 24.  Why? Because Lauren Tarshis, author of the kid-favorite “I Survived” chapter book series, will be visiting Ames Public Library!

Each “I Survived” book tells the story of a young person who experiences, and lives through, an amazing event from history. The books tell the stories of everything from the San Francisco earthquake and the destruction of Pompei, to September 11 and the Battle of D-Day. Perfect for elementary school rea... Read Full Blog

Library of Congress Centers for the Book choose 2024 “Great Reads”

The 56 affiliated Centers for the Book of the Library of Congress have chosen books, called Great Reads, that will be recognized at the 2024 Library of Congress National Book Festival.

The Library of Congress Center for the Book (https://www.loc.gov/programs/center-for-the-book/about-this-program/) has affiliates in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam and Northern Marianas. These affiliates carry out the center’s mission of promoting books, reading, libraries and literacy, as well as their local literary herit... Read Full Blog

The Importance of Library Programs

by Bri Martin

Libraries have long been cherished as houses of knowledge and learning, but their role extends far beyond the lending of books. Library programs play a crucial role in fostering community engagement, promoting literacy, and supporting lifelong learning.

One of the primary reasons library programs are important is their ability to bring communities together. In an increasingly digital world, libraries serve as physical spaces where people can gather for various activities, from book clubs and author readings to workshops and lectures. These programs facilitate... Read Full Blog

Ames Public Library Becomes the Iowa Affiliate for Library of Congress Center for the Book

Ames Public Library is honored to announce its new designation as the Library of Congress Center for the Book Iowa Affiliate.

The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress is a community of 56 Affiliated Centers, promoting reading, libraries and literacy through the Library of Congress and its Affiliated Centers across the country. These Centers also elevate and advocate for their state’s unique literary heritage. There is an Affiliate Center for the Book in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and Norther... Read Full Blog

Tracy Loves Juvenile Nonfiction – Round 2: Biographies

by Tracy Briseño

I have always loved biographies. I love learning about people and the time they live in. I think it is a really interesting glimpse into other’s thoughts and decisions within the context of place and history.

Last year, my daughter became enamored with reading about women scientists. She read through everything her teacher had and was working her way through her school library, too. We visited the public library together to pick out books and ended up taking home over 50 biographies, extending well beyond her original focus of female scientists. We read so... Read Full Blog

Tracy Loves Juvenile Nonfiction – And You Should Too

by Tracy Briseño

Years ago, I worked in youth services at the library. I was always excited when a kid would come in and announce “I don’t like to read”. I knew that they were giving me a chance. I knew they hadn’t found the right book yet. Challenge accepted! 

I would often take these kids over to the juvenile nonfiction section and start pulling out titles. I’d ask them about what they liked to do, what they liked to watch, what they liked to do outside. I’d assure them that they didn’t have to like anything I picked out. But I’d sort through – do they like weapons ... Read Full Blog

Poetry: It’s for Adults Too (Even After April)

by Clelia Sweeney

You might remember this rhyme from childhood:

“Keep a poem in your pocket, and a picture in your head, and you’ll never feel lonely at night when you’re in bed.”

The catchy stanza comes from Beatrice Schenk de Regniers, a 1900s children’s book author. I remember hearing it in elementary school, when we were given printed poems to keep in our actual pockets throughout April. If you memorized and recited your poem to a librarian, you got a prize. I remember sing-songing my way through “The Turkey Shot Out of the Oven” by Jack Prelutsky over an... Read Full Blog

SEL at APL

by Brianne Anderson

My day is not complete at the Library without a caregiver hauling out a screaming toddler, tears streaming down their little face, kicking, screaming and wailing. Boy do I feel for those caregivers when trying to manage a screaming child, but I also kinda feel good inside. That child had so much fun at the library today that they don’t want to leave! That’s a win in my book. (Sorry, parents.)

Throwing a temper tantrum is completely developmentally appropriate for a two-year-old. A young child’s brain is just developed enough to understand they have inde... Read Full Blog

Black Arts Festival at the Ames Public Library

By Emma Bravard

Stocked on our shelves are stories from individuals and communities located all around the globe. They are stories that inspire greatness, encourage learning, bring new perspectives, amplify often unheard voices, and so much more between their pages. They gather here together in the Ames Public Library to show us the joy and connectedness that comes from us all sharing our lives, our skill, and our art with one another.

These stories do not just sit here in our collection holding their knowledge or keeping their glance into another’s world secret. Rather, they g... Read Full Blog