Ames Public Library Partners to Celebrate Juneteenth
by Sheila SchoferWe want every member of the community to feel like they are welcome at Ames Public Library. It seems so simple, but there is a lot that goes into a sense of belonging—understanding what it means to truly be seen, understood, welcomed and celebrated.
I, along with library staff, have been learning from some amazing speakers about creating an antiracist culture, equity in hiring and recruitment, strategies for inclusive programs and service, and even white supremacy characteristics that are often entrenched in workplace culture. This is an ongoing reflectiv... Read Full Blog
AMES PUBLIC LIBRARY GOES FINE FREE
Ames Public Library is joining hundreds of public libraries across the country that no longer charge overdue fines for items that are returned late. This is one step in the Library’s commitment to providing equitable access to Library materials and services.
Library Director Sheila Schofer explains “Equity and access are core values for libraries and play a big role in our new Strategic Plan. Overdue fines disproportionately penalize people with lower incomes and can even keep them from using the Library.”
Overdue charges have long been used by libraries with the hope th... Read Full Blog
Library Shifts to Curbside Service
In response to increased community spread of COVID-19, Ames Public Library will shift from “grab and go” lobby service to curbside service starting Sunday, November 22.
Curbside Holds Pickup will allow Library cardholders to request physical items like books and DVDs, then pick them up in front of the Library safely and easily. “We’ve got a new, flexible curbside system,” says Library Director Sheila Schofer. “Instead of making an appointment, you can come by when it’s convenient for you.”
After requesting items using the Library’s online catalog, customers need to ... Read Full Blog
Library Enters New Strategic Plan
Ames Public Library has entered into a new Strategic Plan.
The process of creating this plan began in the fall of 2019. Library staff gathered community input, analyzed data, reviewed library best practices, and looked at overall societal trends.
“Our goal was to have an open and inclusive process,” said Ames Public Library Director Sheila Schofer. Library staff read the results of 1,000 completed surveys, held staff and board input sessions, and hosted six community stakeholder meetings. The arrival of the pandemic cancelled another meeting, but Library staff reac... Read Full Blog
Message from the Director and Trustees on Racial Injustice
In response to the tragic killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, the Ames Public Library and the Board of Trustees reaffirms that we stand against racism and social injustice.
Ames Public Library’s mission is to connect our community—all of our community—to the world of ideas. We are committed to creating that connection through diverse resources, programs, and opportunities that foster learning, self-reflection, and community dialog—be it thought-provoking book recommendations, conversations through our View from the Margins book club, workshops that foster community discussion,... Read Full Blog
Sheila Schofer Named Ames Public Library Director
After a national recruitment, the Ames Public Library Board of Trustees has named Iowa native Sheila Schofer as the new director of the Ames Public Library. Schofer, who has worked for the Brooklyn, N.Y., library system for more than 20 years, will begin her tenure in Ames on May 31.
“We are delighted to welcome Sheila to this leadership role in Ames,” said Charles Glatz, Library Board President. “We are confident her previous experience and commitment to community-wide collaboration will continue to move our Library in the right direction. The many comments we received from the L... Read Full Blog
Library Director Candidates to Visit Ames
Ames Public Library's Director Search Committee has been hard at work reviewing candidates to replace retired Library Director Lynne Carey.
Following several video conference interviews, two finalists have been invited for interviews and public presentations in March.
Amy Phillips, current Division Manager of Adult and Technical Services at Loveland Public Library in Colorado, will give a public presentation Thursday, March 7 at 4pm in the Library's Auditorium.
Sheila Schofer, current Neighborhood Services Director at Brooklyn Public Library in N... Read Full Blog
Library Director Search Continues
After completing extensive on-site interviews with three finalists, the Ames Public Library Board of Trustees announced it will continue its search for the next Library Director. The Board had entered negotiations with a selected candidate, who withdrew for family considerations.
“Although it is unfortunate we were unable to name one of these finalists the next Ames Public Library Director, the Board of Trustees is looking forward to the next steps in the search process,” said Board of Trustees Chair Charles Glatz. “The Ames Public Library is a terrific asset to the community, and... Read Full Blog