By Amanda Molumby

Perhaps you already know Ames well, along with all the treasures it has to offer, but if you are newer to the area like me, you may find the Ames Public Library an ideal first stop for all things social, educational and recreational. From learning about and participating in wonderful celebrations like Juneteenth to storytimes to making and learning how to care for your own strawberry hanging basket, the library has a plethora of events, workshops, and resources available.

Not only can you check out books, DVDs, video games and more, but you can also visit some excellent attractions near and far! For example, how would feel about visiting Blank Park Zoo to see some playful sea lions or some (also playful but much more deadly) tigers? Or taking your family to the Des Moines Children’s Museum for a day of excitement and fun? Or do you want to explore the awe-inspiring Science Center of Iowa? If so, check out our Adventure Pass Program. This year we are offering experiences through nine different venues:

• African American Museum of Iowa
• Blank Park Zoo
• Des Moines Children’s Museum
• Furman Aquatic Center
• Greater Des Moines Botanical Center
• Grout Museum District Buildings
• Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum
• Reiman Gardens
• Science Center of Iowa

All you need is to live in the Ames service area, be older than 18, and own a library card. Passes to each location are reservable once a year.

The library is such an amazing place to connect people with not only information and ideas, but also with others and to meet the needs of those in our community. While some of these awesome venues are located right here in Ames, some are a bit further, such as the African American Museum of Iowa in Cedar Rapids—which is the only statewide museum devoted to preserving African American history and culture. If you end up near Oskalooska, check out the Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum, where you can take a step into the past to learn about the history of the Nelson family, who bequeathed their family’s homestead to the Mahaska County Historical Society in 1958.

Regardless of which path you choose on this adventure, you can be sure it will be a fun and educational experience! Check out our Adventure Pass online at www.AmesPL.org to reserve such an adventure for yourself today!