by Ellen Wanamaker

Today marks a somewhat obscure holiday: NATIONAL RELAXATION DAY, celebrated each year on August 15^th. It’s an appropriate time to focus on relaxation, since next week launches the school year, a time of transition, busy schedules, and a frantic pace of life. To celebrate, here are suggestions for TEN WAYS you can relax here at Ames Public Library.

1. LISTEN to some relaxing music by checking out our extensive CD collection, or downloading music via the free Hoopla app. Our CD genres include jazz, folk, blues, world, bluegrass, and more.
2. PLAY chess with a friend. You can borrow a set from the adult services desk upstairs in the Library and play anywhere in the building.
3. ESCAPE reality by sitting down with a magazine from our collection of over 100 subscriptions. We also have e-magazines available through Bridges.
4. BORROW a park pack to learn more about birds or pollinators. Park packs are backpacks filled with books, animal guides, binoculars, and other items for exploring the natural world.
5. GO to the Blank Park Zoo, Reiman Gardens and other cool places with the Library’s Adventure Pass.
6. SPIN the globe or get lost in one of our huge, colorful world atlases, located near the adult services desk upstairs.
7. SKIP the line and pick up a “Quick Pick” of a popular book. You might find an available copy of Rebecca Yarros’ “Fourth Wing” or Christopher Jones’ “Swine Republic” without having to wait weeks on hold.
8. GRAB a book from the 155-158 nonfiction section. This part of the Library has books on self-help, meditation, philosophy, and spirituality. A few of the many titles include Massimo Pigliucci’s “Field Guide to a Happy Life: 53 Brief Lessons for Living,” and Florence Williams’ “The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and more Creative.”
9. JOIN the seed saving workshop we’re hosting here at APL on Saturday, August 26^th. This program is in partnership with Mustard Seed Community Farm and Ames Repair Café. It’s one of the many programs we offer on a range of cultural and educational topics. There are book groups, movie showings, author talks, and more.
10. IMMERSE yourself in a different language at one of our Conversation Circles. Folks meet weekly to speak casually in Spanish, German, Chinese, Russian, French, and English. It’s a great way to make connections with others and improve your language skills.