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
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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
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
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
First National Bank, Ames Donates $10,000 for Wi-Fi Hotspots
An Internet connection is more essential than ever, and a recent donation to First National Bank, Ames is making it more accessible than ever!
For the past few years, Ames Public Library has offered Wi-Fi Hotspots for checkout, allowing families a week of free Internet connection. Demand has been high, to say the least. Now, First National Bank, Ames has donated $10,000 to the Ames Public Library Friends Foundation to increase the Library’s number of available Hotspots to 100! This generous gift will also allow the Library to extend the checkout time.
&n... 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!
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Returning Library Items
We're ready for you to start returning your Library items!
If you're ready to get the Library books out of your house, drop them off in the drive-up drop box in the alley behind the Library. (The drop box by the front door is also available.)
Please continue to hold onto oversize items, puppets, or anything else that shouldn't go in the drop box. We'll quarantine returned items before re-shelving them as a precaution.
Stay tuned for updates as we get ready to reintroduce some library services!
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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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What's Happening During the Closure?
New York Times Online
You asked for it! Ames Public Library now offers free access to The New York Times online! Connecting you with news and information sources is more important than ever.
Book Give-Way
Did someone say free books? Kids can pick up a free book along with their Grab & Go lunch from Ames schools thanks to the Ames Public Library Friends Foundation, United Way of Story County, and Ames Community School District!
Little Free Libraries
Working with Raising Readers in Story County, the Ames Public Library Friends F...
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Behind the Scenes
As always, Library staff are hard at work behind the scenes. We're still ordering books, movies, and music and getting them ready for you to check out when we reopen. We're shelving any returned items and packing the holds shelves as new books come in. (If you don't need an item you've put on hold, please be sure to cancel it online or by calling us.)
We're also answering questions by phone and e-mail and rearranging some collections to prepare for our reopening. We can't wait to see you again!