***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 or have been exposed to someone with Covid-19 in the last 2 weeks. 

Phase 1 Details

Special Hours:

Monday: 9am-6pm*
Tuesday: 9am-9pm
Wednesday: 9am-6pm*
Thursday: 9am-9pm
Friday: 9am-6pm
Saturday: 9am-6pm
Sunday: 1-5pm

*Note changes in hours.

Available Services:

• Holds pickup
• Quick Picks
• New Grab & Go bags (pre-selected bag of books or movies featuring topics, genres, or reading levels)
• Copying and Remote Printing
• Printed tax forms

Curbside Pickup and the Media Box are not available.

Items can be returned to the drive-up book drop in the alley (preferred) or the walk-up book drop near the entrance. Oversize items, puppets, etc. can be returned in the book drop on the left side of the Welcome Desk in the lobby.

What to Expect:

• Only the lobby area is open. Other areas of the Library are not available for browsing, seating, etc.
• Staff/visitor interactions are reserved only for specific library account questions. If you have other questions, please check our website or call (515) 239-5646.
• Staff are not able to retrieve items from the shelves for visitors. Please request items online and wait until they are available for pickup before coming to the Library.
• Staff members wear masks for your protection. Visitors are also expected to wear masks.***
• Hand sanitizer is available.
• Bathrooms are available.

Visitor Expectations:

• Please do not come into the Library if you or a member of your household are sick or have been exposed to someone with Covid-19 in the last 2 weeks. 
• Keep your visit short.
• Wear a mask covering your nose and mouth.*** (A limited supply of disposable masks is available for visitors that need one.)
• Maintain 6 feet of distance from staff and other visitors.

***UPDATE: Face coverings are now required in City buildings including the Library.