Blog Entries

Visit a Park, Visit the Library

by Anastasia Tuckness

Ames is a city of parks. The convergence of Ioway Creek and the South Skunk River in South Ames results in many square feet of floodplain, not always great for commercial development but excellent green space for parks! Ames boasts 38 parks covering over 1220 acres that have been developed over many years. Brookside Park celebrates its 100th anniversary next year! And new parks and green spaces spring up often—we recently discovered the new shared use path along Ioway Creek/South 5th Street from South Grand Avenue extending to half a mile east of South Duff Ave... Read Full Blog

Audiobook Revolution

by Megan Klein-Hewett

Have you started using downloadable or streaming books and audiobooks in the last five years? If so, you are not alone! Whether you love the ease of access that digital books provide, or you’re a road warrior who’s always on the hunt for their next audiobook, the library’s Libby and Hoopla apps are great options for free access to digital books and audiobooks.

There has been significant growth in use of digital books and audiobooks over the last five years, in part due to the critical access that these services provided during the pandemic. Suddenly, ... Read Full Blog

Pub Fic D.I.Y. Costumes for a Cause

By Sheila Schofer

When I read, I create pictures in my mind, visualizing in detail the book’s setting and characters. That’s why it’s fun to see books made into movies. We get to see the characters brought to life – even if they don’t always cast the actors we would have picked!

Lucky for you, the Ames Public Library Friends Foundation offers a fun event each summer where you can join fellow booklovers while supporting a good cause, your local public library!

Pub Fiction, dubbed the most literary pub crawl in Ames, invites you to dress up as your favorite literary cha... Read Full Blog

Digging into Digital

by Amanda Molumby

Now that summer is here, maybe you have a little more time to read some books or magazines, watch a movie, or browse online. Or perhaps you have even less time than usual and are looking for ways to wind down in the spare time you do have. While I highly recommend visiting the library—we have some pretty amazing programs happening during summer, and it’s a nice, cool spot to get out of the summer heat—if you find yourself unable to swing into the library itself, try looking for some excellent online resources on the Ames Public Library website!

You can us... Read Full Blog

Fantastic Filipino Inspired Fantasy Reads

by Ben Schrag

I grew up loving fantasy books. Fantasy represented an escape from the ordinary. It represented the feeling that no one was too small for a big adventure. But, over time, that initial spark grew dull. Genre tropes became tired and repetitive. I almost gave up on fantasy books altogether. But, thankfully, I work at a library with lots of books at my disposal!

Today I want to highlight a few that I’ve discovered that share a common thread. These fantasies are all by Filipino authors!

The first is a middle grade book, “Marikit and the Ocean of Stars” b... Read Full Blog

Get Grilling!

by Chelsie Gohlmann

Summer is the season of vibrant flavors, outdoor gatherings, and the irresistible allure of grilling. As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, it's the perfect time to explore new recipes and refine your culinary skills. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a kitchen novice, the right cookbook can transform your summer meals into unforgettable feasts. Here’s a look at some must-have cookbooks that will inspire you to make the most of the season's bounty.

“Rodney Scott's World of BBQ: Every Day Is a Good Day” by Rodney Scott
“Rod... Read Full Blog

The Books of Summer

by Seth Warburton

School is out and so is the sun; it’s summer!  It’s time to partake in the long-standing tradition of reading something frivolous.  There are books too gleefully violent for February, tomes too wantonly erotic for December, and titles so unserious that someone as discerning and successful as you just couldn’t possibly spare them the time to read.  But now that it’s socially acceptable to wear white trousers, everyone gets a free pass.  That’s not smut in your hand; in June, it’s a beach read. 

Summer is the time for slacking and r... Read Full Blog

“I Survived” Summer Reading at the Library

by Jill Philby

June is right around the corner, and Ames Public Library has exciting news!

First, save the date of June 24.  Why? Because Lauren Tarshis, author of the kid-favorite “I Survived” chapter book series, will be visiting Ames Public Library!

Each “I Survived” book tells the story of a young person who experiences, and lives through, an amazing event from history. The books tell the stories of everything from the San Francisco earthquake and the destruction of Pompei, to September 11 and the Battle of D-Day. Perfect for elementary school rea... Read Full Blog

The Importance of Library Programs

by Bri Martin

Libraries have long been cherished as houses of knowledge and learning, but their role extends far beyond the lending of books. Library programs play a crucial role in fostering community engagement, promoting literacy, and supporting lifelong learning.

One of the primary reasons library programs are important is their ability to bring communities together. In an increasingly digital world, libraries serve as physical spaces where people can gather for various activities, from book clubs and author readings to workshops and lectures. These programs facilitate... Read Full Blog

Tracy Loves Juvenile Nonfiction – Round 2: Biographies

by Tracy Briseño

I have always loved biographies. I love learning about people and the time they live in. I think it is a really interesting glimpse into other’s thoughts and decisions within the context of place and history.

Last year, my daughter became enamored with reading about women scientists. She read through everything her teacher had and was working her way through her school library, too. We visited the public library together to pick out books and ended up taking home over 50 biographies, extending well beyond her original focus of female scientists. We read so... Read Full Blog

Tracy Loves Juvenile Nonfiction – And You Should Too

by Tracy Briseño

Years ago, I worked in youth services at the library. I was always excited when a kid would come in and announce “I don’t like to read”. I knew that they were giving me a chance. I knew they hadn’t found the right book yet. Challenge accepted! 

I would often take these kids over to the juvenile nonfiction section and start pulling out titles. I’d ask them about what they liked to do, what they liked to watch, what they liked to do outside. I’d assure them that they didn’t have to like anything I picked out. But I’d sort through – do they like weapons ... Read Full Blog

Poetry: It’s for Adults Too (Even After April)

by Clelia Sweeney

You might remember this rhyme from childhood:

“Keep a poem in your pocket, and a picture in your head, and you’ll never feel lonely at night when you’re in bed.”

The catchy stanza comes from Beatrice Schenk de Regniers, a 1900s children’s book author. I remember hearing it in elementary school, when we were given printed poems to keep in our actual pockets throughout April. If you memorized and recited your poem to a librarian, you got a prize. I remember sing-songing my way through “The Turkey Shot Out of the Oven” by Jack Prelutsky over an... Read Full Blog

SEL at APL

by Brianne Anderson

My day is not complete at the Library without a caregiver hauling out a screaming toddler, tears streaming down their little face, kicking, screaming and wailing. Boy do I feel for those caregivers when trying to manage a screaming child, but I also kinda feel good inside. That child had so much fun at the library today that they don’t want to leave! That’s a win in my book. (Sorry, parents.)

Throwing a temper tantrum is completely developmentally appropriate for a two-year-old. A young child’s brain is just developed enough to understand they have inde... Read Full Blog

Black Arts Festival at the Ames Public Library

By Emma Bravard

Stocked on our shelves are stories from individuals and communities located all around the globe. They are stories that inspire greatness, encourage learning, bring new perspectives, amplify often unheard voices, and so much more between their pages. They gather here together in the Ames Public Library to show us the joy and connectedness that comes from us all sharing our lives, our skill, and our art with one another.

These stories do not just sit here in our collection holding their knowledge or keeping their glance into another’s world secret. Rather, they g... Read Full Blog

Humor Me: First Amendment Days 2024

By Anessa Olson

Parody, satire, and comedy have always been at the forefront of the First Amendment. This year, the 22nd annual First Amendment Days will explore the freedom to laugh.  Join Ames Public Library and Iowa State University for a series of events that celebrate comedy and the power of free expression. 

 

Pun-damental Rights – April 16, 7 p.m. Ames Public Library

Celebrate by participating in (or laughing at) a First Amendment themed pun battle.  It promises to be a lot of pun(s)!  Presented in partnership with Ames Public... Read Full Blog