Upcoming Events for Families
See the winning entries to the Ten Beautiful Things photo contest, inspired by the book by Molly Beth Griffin. Entries came from all over Iowa, celebrating the beauty of our state.
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.
Children of all ages and their grown-ups are invited to this storytime to build listening, language, and literacy skills through music, movement, song and action rhymes. Each week will feature a new theme.
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.
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.
Join us for a cozy version of our weekly Family Storytime. PJs optional!
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.
Families are invited to enjoy a short storytime and get hands-on with a fun related STEM activity for all ages!
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.
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.
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.
Families with toddlers are invited for a storytime filled with music, stories, and fun! Mondays and Wednesdays are the same presentation.
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.
Children of all ages and their grown-ups are invited to this storytime to build listening, language, and literacy skills through music, movement, song and action rhymes. Each week will feature a new theme.
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.
Get homework help with the Library's free online resources (see K-12 Databases below), check out a Wi-Fi hotspot for Internet access, and use our space for quiet study time!
Calling all Ames students!
All K-12 Ames Community School District students now get an electronic Student Library Card when they enroll in school (unless parents opt out). Learn more, visit us online at:
www.amespubliclibrary.org/StudentLibraryCard
Need some book recommendations?
Fill out our Personalized Picks online form to tell us about what you want to read. Our experts will put together a custom book list based on your responses and e-mail it to you!
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Stream and Download
e-books, movies, TV, music, and more with Kids Mode
animated books, movies, TV, and educational videos
e-books, audiobooks, and graphic novels for all ages
More Fun Stuff
Print out some coloring pages based on Ames Public Library's old Bookmobile. One even has hidden pictures!
Reading Up | Hidden Pictures with Smyles | Kicking It | Ames Friends
Look for Ames Public Library's mascot, Smyles, at the Library and at special events around town! Smyles is also a big part of Project Smyles, the Library's outreach program to children in daycare and preschool.
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Your Library card lets you check out tickets to participating museums and attractions, tablets loaded with educational apps, kits to explore STEM concepts, and more!
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You have the power to jumpstart your baby's development. Learn how to create an enriching language environment to help your baby's brain grow.
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Ames Public Library has its own annual book trivia contest for teams of 5th and 6th graders!
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K-12 Databases
ABC Mouse
Check out ABC Mouse for award-winning educational games, puzzles, books and other fun interactive learning activities for kids age 2 to 6. It’s free to use in the Ames Public Library! In Library Use Only
America's News/Ames Tribune from NewsBank
Search local job fairs, companies in the news, state and national business, economic and employment trends. Find diverse perspectives on topics related to job searching, consumer spending and the housing market. Updated daily.
BookFlix
This engaging resource for children in grades PreK–3 will help early readers develop and practice essential reading skills, and introduces them to a world of knowledge and exploration.
Brainfuse Help Now
Stuck on a tough homework assignment? Looking for test prep resources? Brainfuse offers virtual live tutoring, a 24-hour writing assignment review, study groups, flashcards, and can even help create a study plan. Find test prep for college entrance exams and ASVAB. Adult learners will find tutoring and study guides just for adults, as well as computer training courses, and study guides for the U.S. Citizenship Test, TABE, TOEFL, GED, and more.
Britannica Library
Conduct research, complete school assignments, work on special projects, or explore your interests. Britannica Library includes special sections for children, young adults, and adults.
ComicsPlus
ComicsPlus offers unlimited, simultaneous access to thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and manga from 100+ publishers without wait lists or monthly limits.
Gale General OneFile
Access general interest magazines and key serials in a single resource. Best for general research.
GCF LearnFree
If you need a quick brush up on your Microsoft Office or other technology skills GCF LearnFree is the place to start. Check out their more than 125 self-paced tutorials for math, career, reading, every day life skills, and more.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy's mission is to provide free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere, and they’ve partnered with institutions like NASA and the Museum of Modern Art to do so. Create an account and you'll have access to videos, exercises, and your own learning dashboard as you study at your own pace.
Little Pim
Little Pim is the fun, easy way for kids ages 0-6 to learn a new language. Come explore with Little Pim, the adorable cartoon panda, as you discover a new language!
Mango Languages
Powered by intelligent technology and an adaptive algorithm, Mango empowers you to communicate with confidence, preparing you for uncharted experiences with language and culture. Challenge yourself to discover something new. Start the conversation.
Novelist Plus
NoveList is a fiction database that provides subject heading access, reviews, annotations, and much more for over 120,000 fiction titles. It also includes other content of interest to fiction readers, such as Author Read-alikes, Book Discussion Guides, BookTalks, and Feature Articles.
TumbleBookLibrary
Want a fun, 21st century alternative to print picture books? TumbleBookLibrary has a great interactive collection of stories with sound, music, animation, and narration. Have your favorite book read as you follow along and enjoy the story. Be sure to check out their book of the day!
WorldCat Discovery
WorldCat connects you to the collections and services of more than 10,000 libraries worldwide.