Ames Public Library Grieves
Ames Public Library is committed to the City of Ames values shared by Mayor Haila in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. (www.cityofames.org/Home/Components/News/News/6079/2106).
Ames Public Library staff and Trustees grieve for the recent acts of violence in our nation, and our hearts go out to the victims' families and communities. To our friends in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, please know that we stand with you. We pledge to continue our work toward greater equity and inclusion in the Library and in our community.
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Library to Reopen for Browsing March 15
Ames Public Library is moving into the next phase of reopening spaces to the public. Starting March 15, visitors will be able to browse collections on the first and second floors of the Library. Library staff will be available to answer basic reference and account questions. Computers will continue to be available for 30 minute sessions. Quick Picks, Grab and Go Bags, and @HOME Activity kits will remain conveniently located in the lobby. Play areas, study rooms, and meeting rooms will remain closed during this phase.
Visitors should limit their time in the building to 30 minutes s... Read Full Blog
Lobby Opens February 1
Starting February 1, Ames Public Library will switch from curbside service to holds pickup and “grab and go” services in the Library’s lobby.
While the lobby is open, visitors may check out their holds, Grab & Go bags, Quick Picks, and other items on display in the lobby. Visitors may also pick up @Home Activity Kits and tax forms (as they become available).
Computers will be available for use in the Library’s Auditorium during lobby hours. Due to the need for distancing, computer sessions will be limited.
The Library staff and Board of Trustees are dedicat... Read Full Blog
Ames Public Library Goes “Fine Free”
by Tracy Briseño
All across the country, (and in Iowa,) libraries big and small are going “fine free,” and now Ames Public Library has joined them! But what does that mean? It means the Library no longer charges late fees on overdue materials, as long as they’re returned. (You’ll still need to pay for any lost or damaged items.)
Research shows that overdue fines are not as effective as once thought. In the past, the belief was that library fines encouraged people to return materials on time. What has been found is that materials are returned at much ... 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
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
COVID-19 Closure Update
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ames Public Library is closed for the safety of our visitors, staff, and community.
We are working with the City of Ames and health officials to plan for a gradual reintroduction of services.
Watch for updates as we approach mid-May.
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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