Name: Kids Chess Club
Start: 2026-01-20T16:00:00-06:00
End: 2026-01-20T17:00:00-06:00
Location: Ames Public Library

Kids Chess Club

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Storytime Room at Ames Public Library

Program Type:

Class/Workshop, Meetup

Age Group:

Family

Program Details:

Come play chess! Whether you are just a beginner or already an expert, all kids in grades 1-5 are welcome to come have fun. Drop in and learn how to play or make new friends ...

Library Branch: Ames Public Library

Room: Storytime Room

Age Group: Family

Program Type: Class/Workshop, Meetup

Program Details:

Come play chess! Whether you are just a beginner or already an expert, all kids in grades 1-5 are welcome to come have fun. Drop in and learn how to play or make new friends with other chess lovers.

^{Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.}

International Community Meetup

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Farwell T. Brown Auditorium at Ames Public Library

Program Type:

Meetup

Age Group:

Family, Adults

Program Details:

Join fellow international residents on the third Tuesday of each month for fun activities and culture-sharing. Presented in partnership with Ames Public Library and Iowa...

Library Branch: Ames Public Library

Room: Farwell T. Brown Auditorium

Age Group: Family, Adults

Program Type: Meetup

Program Details:

Join fellow international residents on the third Tuesday of each month for fun activities and culture-sharing.

^{Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.}

Genealogy Plus

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm

Farwell T. Brown Auditorium at Ames Public Library

Program Type:

History/Genealogy

Age Group:

Adults

Program Details:

Topic — Speaker — Description coming soon! PARTICIPATE IN PERSON OR ONLINE.A Zoom link will be posted on this page before the event. Presented i...

Library Branch: Ames Public Library

Room: Farwell T. Brown Auditorium

Age Group: Adults

Program Type: History/Genealogy

Program Details:

Topic —

Speaker —

Description coming soon!

^{Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.}

Conversation Circles: Chinese

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Dale H. Ross Board Room at Ames Public Library

Program Type:

Language Learning, Meetup

Age Group:

Adults

Program Details:

Gather (in person or online) for casual conversations in Chinese. Chat in your native language or get comfortable speaking in another language. To join via Zoom, click h...

Library Branch: Ames Public Library

Room: Dale H. Ross Board Room

Age Group: Adults

Program Type: Language Learning, Meetup

Program Details:

Gather (in person or online) for casual conversations in Chinese. Chat in your native language or get comfortable speaking in another language.

^{Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.}

Green Frog with headphones and video game controller on purple gradient background.

Teen Videogames

Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Teen Space at Ames Public Library

Program Type:

Meetup

Age Group:

Teens

Program Details:

Need a brain break? Teens are invited to hang out and play videogames in the Teen Space!A virtual reality system will be available to try out, too.

Library Branch: Ames Public Library

Room: Teen Space

Age Group: Teens

Program Type: Meetup

Program Details:

Need a brain break? Teens are invited to hang out and play videogames in the Teen Space!

A virtual reality system will be available to try out, too.

^{Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.}

Mothering Circle

Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 9:30am - 10:30am

Teen Space at Ames Public Library

Program Type:

Meetup

Age Group:

Family, Adults

Program Details:

Parenting babies and toddlers is full of challenges. Join this welcoming community of families as we support each other and grow together through the early years of pregnancy...

Library Branch: Ames Public Library

Room: Teen Space

Age Group: Family, Adults

Program Type: Meetup

Program Details:

Parenting babies and toddlers is full of challenges. Join this welcoming community of families as we support each other and grow together through the early years of pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood.

^{Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.}

Generative Writing Workshops

Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm

PEO Room at Ames Public Library

Program Type:

Iowa Center for the Book, Class/Workshop

Age Group:

Adults

Program Details:

Do you dream of writing “someday,” but don’t know where to start? Perhaps you already write, but you’re stuck. Generative writing is the best way to start writing or to pract...

Library Branch: Ames Public Library

Room: PEO Room

Age Group: Adults

Program Type: Iowa Center for the Book, Class/Workshop

Program Details:

^{Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.}

LEGO® Builders

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Storytime Room at Ames Public Library

Program Type:

Meetup

Age Group:

Family

Program Details:

Children in grades 1-5 are invited to get creative and build with lots of LEGO®! We'll provide the bricks while the kids provide the imagination. All LEGO® will remain at the Libra...

Library Branch: Ames Public Library

Room: Storytime Room

Age Group: Family

Program Type: Meetup

Program Details:

^{Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.}

View from the Margins Book Group

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Dale H. Ross Board Room at Ames Public Library

Program Type:

Book Discussion, Meetup

Age Group:

Adults

Program Details:

Check out this book group for fresh insights and lively discussion about topics relating to society, identity, and culture.Book selections include fiction and non-fiction fro...

Library Branch: Ames Public Library

Room: Dale H. Ross Board Room

Age Group: Adults

Program Type: Book Discussion, Meetup

Program Details:

Check out this book group for fresh insights and lively discussion about topics relating to society, identity, and culture.

^{Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.}

Teen Videogames

Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Teen Space at Ames Public Library

Program Type:

Meetup

Age Group:

Teens

Program Details:

Need a brain break? Teens are invited to hang out and play videogames in the Teen Space!A virtual reality system will be available to try out, too.

Library Branch: Ames Public Library

Room: Teen Space

Age Group: Teens

Program Type: Meetup

Program Details:

Need a brain break? Teens are invited to hang out and play videogames in the Teen Space!

A virtual reality system will be available to try out, too.

^{Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.}

Kids Chess Club

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Storytime Room at Ames Public Library

Program Type:

Class/Workshop, Meetup

Age Group:

Family

Program Details:

Come play chess! Whether you are just a beginner or already an expert, all kids in grades 1-5 are welcome to come have fun. Drop in and learn how to play or make new friends ...

Library Branch: Ames Public Library

Room: Storytime Room

Age Group: Family

Program Type: Class/Workshop, Meetup

Program Details:

Come play chess! Whether you are just a beginner or already an expert, all kids in grades 1-5 are welcome to come have fun. Drop in and learn how to play or make new friends with other chess lovers.

^{Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.}

Mystery Lovers Book Group

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Rotary Room at Ames Public Library

Program Type:

Book Discussion, Meetup

Age Group:

Adults

Program Details:

Mystery readers, come talk about books by a selected author or on a theme: 2025September – AuthorOrThemeOctober – AuthorOrThemeNovember – AuthorOrThemeDecember ...

Library Branch: Ames Public Library

Room: Rotary Room

Age Group: Adults

Program Type: Book Discussion, Meetup

Program Details:

Mystery readers, come talk about books by a selected author or on a theme:

2025

^{Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.}

Conversation Circles: Chinese

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Dale H. Ross Board Room at Ames Public Library

Program Type:

Language Learning, Meetup

Age Group:

Adults

Program Details:

Gather (in person or online) for casual conversations in Chinese. Chat in your native language or get comfortable speaking in another language. To join via Zoom, click h...

Library Branch: Ames Public Library

Room: Dale H. Ross Board Room

Age Group: Adults

Program Type: Language Learning, Meetup

Program Details:

Gather (in person or online) for casual conversations in Chinese. Chat in your native language or get comfortable speaking in another language.

^{Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.}

Homeschool Book Club

Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:00am

Teen Space at Ames Public Library

Program Type:

Book Discussion

Age Group:

Family

Program Details:

Join Library staff for a monthly book discussion just for families that are homeschooling or learning remotely!Families are invited to read the book of the month (together or...

Library Branch: Ames Public Library

Room: Teen Space

Age Group: Family

Program Type: Book Discussion

Program Details:

Join Library staff for a monthly book discussion just for families that are homeschooling or learning remotely!

^{Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.}

Teen Videogames

Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Teen Space at Ames Public Library

Program Type:

Meetup

Age Group:

Teens

Program Details:

Need a brain break? Teens are invited to hang out and play videogames in the Teen Space!A virtual reality system will be available to try out, too.

Library Branch: Ames Public Library

Room: Teen Space

Age Group: Teens

Program Type: Meetup

Program Details:

Need a brain break? Teens are invited to hang out and play videogames in the Teen Space!

A virtual reality system will be available to try out, too.

^{Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.}

Pokémon Club

Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Farwell T. Brown Auditorium at Ames Public Library

Program Type:

Class/Workshop, Meetup

Age Group:

Family, Teens

Program Details:

Calling all school-aged Poké-Kids! Come learn how to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game and use a Library-supplied deck to battle other players. You can bring your decks to t...

Library Branch: Ames Public Library

Room: Farwell T. Brown Auditorium

Age Group: Family, Teens

Program Type: Class/Workshop, Meetup

Program Details:

^{Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.}

Swift Youth Writers Group

Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm

PEO Room at Ames Public Library

Program Type:

Class/Workshop, Meetup

Age Group:

Teens

Program Details:

Teens in 6th - 12th grade are invited to escape into creative writing and connect with other teen writers. Each month attendees will be led through prompts and exercises to h...

Library Branch: Ames Public Library

Room: PEO Room

Age Group: Teens

Program Type: Class/Workshop, Meetup

Program Details:

^{Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.}

Aging Resources of Central Iowa

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 9:00am - 12:00pm

Lisa Fawcett Nilsson Study Room - 2nd Floor at Ames Public Library

Program Type:

Social Services

Age Group:

Adults

Program Details:

Staff from Aging Resources of Central Iowa will be available in the Library to provide information about maximizing the quality of life, independence, health, and safety of o...

Library Branch: Ames Public Library

Room: Lisa Fawcett Nilsson Study Room - 2nd Floor

Age Group: Adults

Program Type: Social Services

Program Details:

Staff from Aging Resources of Central Iowa will be available in the Library to provide information about maximizing the quality of life, independence, health, and safety of older adults.

^{Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.}

LEGO® Builders

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Storytime Room at Ames Public Library

Program Type:

Meetup

Age Group:

Family

Program Details:

Children in grades 1-5 are invited to get creative and build with lots of LEGO®! We'll provide the bricks while the kids provide the imagination. All LEGO® will remain at the Libra...

Library Branch: Ames Public Library

Room: Storytime Room

Age Group: Family

Program Type: Meetup

Program Details:

^{Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.}

TAG in a speech bubble on a red background with yellow and black stars

Teen Advisory Group (TAG)

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Dale H. Ross Board Room at Ames Public Library

Program Type:

Boards/Government, Meetup

Age Group:

Teens

Program Details:

Hey 6th-12th graders, help plan exciting Library events for teens, share what you’re reading, make new friends, and eat some food! To register e-mail Genya, our You...

Library Branch: Ames Public Library

Room: Dale H. Ross Board Room

Age Group: Teens

Program Type: Boards/Government, Meetup

Program Details:

Hey 6th-12th graders, help plan exciting Library events for teens, share what you’re reading, make new friends, and eat some food!

^{Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.}

Conversation Circles: German

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Dale H. Ross Board Room at Ames Public Library

Program Type:

Language Learning, Meetup

Age Group:

Adults

Program Details:

Gather (in person or online) for casual conversations in German. Chat in your native language or get comfortable speaking in another language. To join via Zoom, click he...

Library Branch: Ames Public Library

Room: Dale H. Ross Board Room

Age Group: Adults

Program Type: Language Learning, Meetup

Program Details:

Gather (in person or online) for casual conversations in German. Chat in your native language or get comfortable speaking in another language.

^{Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.}

Graphic of movie curtain above movie reel and ticket

Movies with Mainstream

Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 10:00am - 1:00pm

Farwell T. Brown Auditorium at Ames Public Library

Program Type:

Movie

Age Group:

Family, Teens, Adults

Program Details:

Join the Mainstream Living community for a monthly movie screening and related activity! Selected movies are appropriate for adults who are neurodivergent and/or have an inte...

Library Branch: Ames Public Library

Room: Farwell T. Brown Auditorium

Age Group: Family, Teens, Adults

Program Type: Movie

Program Details:

^{Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.}

Teen Videogames

Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Teen Space at Ames Public Library

Program Type:

Meetup

Age Group:

Teens

Program Details:

Need a brain break? Teens are invited to hang out and play videogames in the Teen Space!A virtual reality system will be available to try out, too.

Library Branch: Ames Public Library

Room: Teen Space

Age Group: Teens

Program Type: Meetup

Program Details:

Need a brain break? Teens are invited to hang out and play videogames in the Teen Space!

A virtual reality system will be available to try out, too.

^{Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.}

028: Real Reads Book Group

Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Dale H. Ross Board Room at Ames Public Library

Program Type:

Book Discussion, Meetup

Age Group:

Adults

Program Details:

028 focuses on recently published, popular nonfiction on a variety of topics. PARTICIPATE IN-PERSON OR ONLINE VIA ZOOMTo join the Zoom Meeting, use the following link:&n...

Library Branch: Ames Public Library

Room: Dale H. Ross Board Room

Age Group: Adults

Program Type: Book Discussion, Meetup

Program Details:

028 focuses on recently published, popular nonfiction on a variety of topics.

^{Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome proposals via our website for programs at www.amespubliclibrary.org/programproposal and exhibits at https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/exhibit-proposal.}

Event List

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