Home Voices at the Ames Public Library
by Ben SchragI work at a Public Library, but my background is in the creative arts; a little playwriting, a lot of songwriting. One of my regular duties is the Toddler Storytime, where these skills can come in very handy.
When I started doing Toddler storytime, for example, I had a small conundrum. Storytimes usually start with a little welcoming rhyme to help set the tone. But when I started planning and preparing for my Toddler storytimes, I couldn’t find a rhyme that said quite what I wanted to say. They were either not quite the right message or not quite the fe... Read Full Blog
Get on Boards (or Commissions)!
by Cathy CooneyConservation. Historic Preservation. Planning and Zoning. Analysis of Social Services Evaluation Team. Campus and Community. Library. Public Art. Human Relations. Veteran Affairs. These are just some examples of the boards and commissions who advise city and county government on issues, services, and programs. With over 30 boards and commissions between Ames and Story County, everyone can find a good fit for their interests. Serving in this way connects people more deeply to their communities, plays a valuable part in advising governing bodies and recommending policy... Read Full Blog
Calling local Iowa authors!
It’s almost time for Ames Public Library’s Author Fair! Join us for any portion of the program, or enjoy the entire time.
Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Ames Public LibraryPresentation
Make Sense of Writing
1-2pm, Rotary Room
Presented by Michaeljulius Idani, University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts and Science Postgraduate Visiting Writer in Fiction and Visiting Assistant Professor
Book Sales and Signing
2:15-4:15pm, Library Auditorium
Readers are welcome to drop in, chat with authors, purchase books,... Read Full Blog
Winter Reading Challenge
This year's winter reading challenge is already in full swing. If you haven't signed up yet, no is the time! All ages can join the Winter Reading Challenge, from adults to babies.
To participate, just read 30 days before the end of January. It doesn't matter what you read or how long you read—just read! Track your days online at amespubliclibrary.beanstack.org or pick up a paper reading challenge at the Library or Bookmobile.
Once you're done, you can pick up your free prize (courtesy of Ames Public Library Friends Foundation) at the Library or Bookmobile!
... Read Full Blog
Projects and Papers and Tests, Oh My!
Ames Public Library is here to help students finish out the semester with success!
Your Library card gets you free access to online tutoring, test prep, and writing lab with Brainfuse HelpNow. Get started at www.amespubliclibrary.org/databases.
The Library has also reserved space just for quiet study time. Drop in any of the following times, or ask about our regular study rooms!
Monday-Tuesday, December 5-6: 1-8:45pm, Rotary Room Wednesday, December 7: 1-8:45pm, Danfoss Room Friday-Saturday, December 9-10: 9am-5:45pm, Rotary RoomSunday, De... Read Full Blog
Junk Mail Migration
by Megan Klein-HewettJunk mail and bird migration, what’s the connection? For local artist Kristin M Roach, the connection was obvious - deforestation. Her new installation, Junk Mail Migration, focuses on the shifting patterns of bird migration that have been impacted by global deforestation. These changes are interpreted through an interdisciplinary exhibition featuring paintings, weaving, and technology, which is on display at Ames Public Library through November 29.
Upon entering the Library’s vestibule you will see paintings of 19 songbirds, all of which are impacted... Read Full Blog
Come to the Library for Storytimes and More!
by Ben Schrag
From Christian Robinson’s “You Matter”:
“The small stuff too small to see. Those who swim with the tide and those who don’t. The first to go and the last. You matter.”
While the phrase “back to normal” may not feel entirely correct, this fall the Youth Services department returns to a full schedule of in-person offerings for our youth and families. And we are excited to share them with you!
Baby Time takes place Tuesdays at 1:30pm, Wednesdays at 11:00am, and Thursday evenings at 6:30pm.
Baby ...
Read Full Blog
Summer Fun for Teens!
by Ethan AtwellWe are now over a month into summer vacation and maybe you’ve run out of things to do with your teen. Not to worry; Ames Public Library is here for you and your teen!
The summer months are actually the busiest time of year for the Library. We offer Terrific Tuesday performers, storytime in the parks, library camp, free meals for 0-18 year olds, and much more. The above mentioned programs are mostly geared towards our younger patrons. But what does the Library have to offer for teens this summer?
There are loads of things for teens to do! This summ... Read Full Blog
Juneteenth at the Ames Public Library and Bandshell Park
by Ben Schrag“What’s going on?”
“It’s a surprise,” replied her mother.
Cassandra thought for a moment. It wasn’t anyone’s birthday.
“What kind of surprise?” she asked.
“A Texas tradition,” said her father, as he bent down to kiss the top of her head. “You’ll see.”
So begins Carole Boston Weatherford’s picture book “Juneteenth Jamboree”. On the cover of the book we see a Black family releasing colorful balloons on a perfect summer day. They appear excited, but also at ease. The whole image feels peaceful and yet also full of energy.
...
Read Full Blog
Summer Reading Challenge Begins June 1
Ames Public Library's 2022 summer reading challenge, "Read Beyond the Beaten Path," will begin for all ages on June 1. Participants will earn prizes just for keeping track of their reading! Head over to www.AmesPL.org/summer2022 to get signed up on the Reading Challenge website or to download the Beanstack app, so you'll be ready to go on June 1! You can also pick up a reading challenge gameboard from the Library or Bookmobile starting June 1 to track your reading on paper.
We also have a summer full of fun events planned for all ages to help you go beyond the beaten path! Kids an... Read Full Blog
All the World’s a Stage at the Ames Public Library
by Danielle ZieglerDo you know kids and teens aged 7 to 14 years old who are interested in theater? Is your family’s summer filling up already, with no time for months of rehearsals and shows? Or maybe your child has never been in a show before and you’re not sure if they’d love it or not. Why not try Prairie Fire Theater’s “Peter Pan” at your Ames Public Library this summer?
Prairie Fire Theater is a professional theater company out of Barrett, MN. How it works is that they send two professional actors/directors to a community where, in just one week, they will put on a... Read Full Blog
Earth Week at Your Library
by Megan Klein-HewettAs the City of Ames makes progress in the Climate Action Plan (CAP) process, Earth Day provides an opportunity for each of us to learn about and engage in actions that will lead to greater environmental sustainability in our community. Whether you wish to learn in person, change your habits locally, or read up on climate change, the Library has something to connect you to climate action in our community.
Ames Public Library is again working with the City of Ames to present EcoChats, a series of presentations featuring local experts on topics focused o... Read Full Blog
20th Annual First Amendment Days Celebration
by Anessa Olson“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” This is the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. These five freedoms are an essential part of American law and culture, and are woven into the fabric of our lives in ways both large and small. From big nation-wide protest movements to the clothes our children wear to school, the Firs... Read Full Blog
Library Teen Space Reopening!
by Ethan Atwell
If you have a teen and are trying to find something for them to do during these cold days, then look no further than Ames Public Library. The Library officially opened The Teen Space with limited hours in January after more than a year and a half being closed! The current hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30-6pm and Saturdays 1-6pm. As the teen librarian, I am excited to be offering such an amazing resource for our teens and the opportunity to interact with them. And the rest of the Library is equally excited!
The Teen Space is open to all 6th-12th grade... Read Full Blog
Tough Topics: Death and Dying
Anessa OlsonLet’s talk about death. It’s not a very comfortable subject; no one really likes to think about themselves or a family member passing away. But whether or not we like to think about it, the reality is that death is inevitable for us all. Another reality is that death and dying are complicated. There are a lot of legal and financial issues that arise when someone is dead or dying, and these issues are often the responsibility of their family. There are steps that you can take to make things easier for your family, and ensure that your wishes are ... Read Full Blog