My Epic Journey of Becoming a Library Cardholder
by Keirra McFaddenI feel like today nothing is actually free and easy to obtain, especially when it comes to becoming a part of a membership program. Services with memberships draw you in with lines like “first month free!” but to get that free month you have to put in all of your information, payment method, and agree to a million terms and conditions. It is stressful, confusing, and intimidating. After going through that process time and time again it makes you weary. That was why when it came time to get an Ames Public Library card, I was prepared to bear the entire process... Read Full Blog
The Library as Gathering Space
by Sheila SchoferOver the last decade, the library’s role as community gathering space has becoming increasingly clearer. As e-books and downloadable content took off and libraries’ digital collections grew, some wondered whether the library would continue to exist. I always reassure people that libraries will always be relevant. While collection formats change and evolve, the physical book won’t go away completely and more importantly the library is so much more than its physical collection.
Libraries are also about space. Free space, accessible space, ... Read Full Blog
What Will You Read Next?
by Cathy CooneyWith so many fantastic books in the world, and in the library, how do you narrow down your options? Some readers choose what to read based on their mood. Others go through phases where they only pick one type of book. (I once read nothing but cozy mysteries for 2 years.) Some move alphabetically through a list, grab a book with an eye-catching cover, binge series by series, or follow an order only they understand. What do all of these readers have in common? No matter what method you use, at some point you’ll finish your current book and need to decide on your next l... Read Full Blog
Armchair Adventures
by Ashley WilsonThere are a million good reasons to go on an armchair adventure. You probably already travel in your armchair a few or more times a week without even thinking about it! Maybe it’s armchair dining with your favorite food channel, space exploration with the latest issue of “National Geographic,” or revisiting your favorite trip with a photo album. All of these are great ways to explore from—and with—the comforts of home. However, if you're like me and have found yourself wanting to explore something new, be sure to stop by the Ames Public Library as there is plenty more to... Read Full Blog
Free Walk-in COVID-19 Vaccinations
Ames Public Library will host free walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations:
Saturday, May 15, from 10am to 3pm Tuesday, May 18, from 10am to 3pm Saturday, May 22, from 10am to 3pm Thursday, June 3, from 3 to 7pmMary Greeley Medical Center staff will administer the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) single-dose vaccine for ages 18 and older.
CyRide will offer free rides to these vaccination events.
For more information visit www.amespubliclibrary.org/vaccine
... Read Full Blog
A Year of Pandemic at the Library
by Jillian Ocken
As Ames Public Library prepares to reopen “the stacks” to the public, I can’t help but think about how much a visit to Ames Public Library has changed over the past year.
I was home with my children over spring break when the news of COVID-19 in the U.S. hit. While they enjoyed their time away from school, I was swept up in a flurry of emails and changes at the Library. There were new cleaning protocols, toys were stored away, and events were being cancelled. And then, on March 16, everyone rushed into the Library to stock up on books and movie... Read Full Blog
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
Reading with a Vengeance
by Seth Warburton
I thought I knew myself as a reader. Then 2020 happened. Books I’d looked forward to reading fell flat. I brought home new books from authors I loved and never even cracked the covers. The shelves here at the Ames Public Library are full of good books, but I was having trouble finding one that fit my mood. Books had been my gateway to adventure, my method of experiencing all the exciting lives I would never live, in interesting places and times I could never visit. But when merely listening to the news could set ... 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
Library Receives Grant for Wi-Fi Hotspots
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 connec... 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
Reopening the Library: Phase 1
***UPDATE: Face coverings are now required in City buildings including the Library.
Starting July 1, Ames Public Library’s lobby will be open for limited “grab and go” services.
We’re excited to welcome the community back into the building!
However, this first phase is a limited reopening of only the lobby for quick holds pickup and checkouts. The focus is on short visits and reduced interaction with staff for the health and safety of visitor and staff.
Please do not come into the Library if you or a member of your household are sick ... Read Full Blog
Curbside Holds Pickup May 2020
May 2020Ames Public Library has introduced a new, contact-free Curbside Holds Pickup service. Curbside Holds Pickup will allow Library cardholders to request physical items like books and DVDs, then schedule an appointment to pick them up in front of the Library.
Director Sheila Schofer says staff is excited to get materials moving out the door again. “We’ve been working hard to safely provide as many of our services as possible to as many people as possible. We were able to ramp up our online offerings quickly when this started, but we wanted to be very thoughtful in planning... Read Full Blog
How many holds can the holds shelf hold?
How many holds can the holds shelf hold? A holds shelf can only hold as many holds as the holds shelf currently holds!
We're sending out information to people with holds on these shelves to sign up for curbside pickup starting May 19. Once we've got a little breathing room, we'll open it up so anyone can place new holds and schedule curbside pickup!
... 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.
... Read Full Blog