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 character and visit downtown Ames bars, breweries, and bookstores all with different themes and exclusive drink specials, including non-alcoholic ones. This year’s event is Thursday August 8^th with check in at the Ames Public Library between 5:30-6:30pm. Tickets are on sale for $20 at the Ames Public Library’s Welcome Desk or online at APLFF.org/events.  You can follow us on social media to see pictures of past events and get updates as participating locations announce their themes and specials. All funds raised benefit the Ames Public Library Friends Foundation, which helps provide the Ames community with enhanced library programs.

Interested in joining the fun but not sure about a costume? Fear not. The Ames Public Library’s literary experts are teaming up with the Overlfow Thrift store for a special Pub Fiction DIY Costume program on Wednesday, July 10, at 6:30pm at the library. Librarians will help you brainstorm ideas for characters, and Overflow Thrift Store will help you put together a costume with clever ideas and thrifted treasures.  They will even have their volunteers help you shop at their stores the week of July 15^th. We’ve been gathering goodies for our costume box, and you’re invited to bring your old props or costumes to swap. A past costume contest winner will be joining too, to share her talents and advice. Yes, that’s right, there are prizes, and comedian judges too. 

Still not sure about the costume? No worries. This year we’re offering a special RAYGUN Pub Fiction T-shirt that you can wear to show your support.  The limited-edition shirt will be for sale soon along with our other APL t-shirts online at https://www.rayguncustom.com/collections/ames-public-library-friends-foundation.

Whether you come in costume, wear the Pub Fiction T-shirt, or just join the fun and admire other’s costumes, it will be a good time in support of a great cause.