Ames Public Library

05/31/2026

📣 The Summer Reading Challenge starts TOMORROW!

All ages, from babies to adults, can track their reading to earn prizes.

To get started:
💻 Sign up at amespubliclibrary.beanstack.org
📱 Get the Beanstack app
🏛️ or pick up a Reading Challenge gameboard at the Library or Bookmobile.

Check our calendar for tons of fun events: www.AmesPL.org

COMING UP:
🍎 Free SUN Meals for kids & teens begin June 8

Find out more at www.AmesPL.org/Summer2026

🎨 Artwork by Hatem Aly

05/31/2026

Do you know a teen who loves reading but hates discussing? 📚🤫

Teen Silent Book Club might just be perfect for them! Join us for some quiet reading time among friends.

📆 Fridays, June 5, 12, and 19
3-4pm in the Teen Space

Bring your own book or grab one from the Library's shelves. We will start each club off with a brief conversation (share what you're reading/introduce yourself) and then settle in for two hours of cozy, distraction-free reading.

Go to the back door of the Teen Space to get in, near the Young Adult book display.

05/30/2026

Hey teens, celebrate summer time with some fun at the Library!

Come to Crafting and Candy for Teens 🍬🍭🍫
Thursday, June 4, from 2-4pm.

Hang out and make crafts from the Teen Space's collection of kits. We'll have candy galore to fuel your creativity.

All supplies are provided, but feel free to bring your own projects if you like.

⌛ Need more time? Hop on over to the Teen Space for more crafting from 4-8pm!

05/30/2026

Need glasses? 🕶️

Children and teens in grades K-12 are invited to sign up for a no-cost eye exam and prescription glasses (if needed)!

Ames Public Library is partnering with Vision to Learn, a non-profit offering vision services to those who need it, free of charge. There will be 4 opportunities for eye appointments at the Library:
June 4
June 18
July 16
August 13

Find out more and sign up for a free appointment at https://vtliowa.intakeq.com/booking

Walk-ins will not be accepted, and space is limited. Sign up early!

05/30/2026

Do you prefer to read at the beach or in the air conditioning? 📘⛱️❄️

Either way, you can cool off and talk about it at one of our book groups! Here are the next few to get you started:

🕵️‍♂️ Mystery Lovers Book Group
Wednesday, June 3, at 12pm
Mysteries by Rachel Howzell Hall

📖 028: Real Reads Book Group
Thursday, June 11, at 7pm
"Hi Honey, I’m Homo!: Sitcoms, Specials, and the Queering of American Culture" by Matt Baume

Find all of our book groups and much more at www.AmesPL.org/events

Ames Public Library Friends Foundation

05/28/2026

Join Ames Public Library for an Iowa History Live event Wednesday, June 3, at 7pm.

Historian Kevin Mason will take us on an immersive journey along the 1835 First U.S. Dragoon Expedition route in Iowa.

Drawing from his new book, "Retracing the Dragoon Trail in Iowa," Mason uncovers how the state's prairies and wetlands evolved into the farms, towns, and highways we know today.

Books will be available for purchase.

05/27/2026

School aged kids are invited Art, Books, & Chill at Ames Public Library Mondays at 1pm. 🎨📚😎

Come doodle a masterpiece and listen to library staff read aloud from a selection of early chapter books.

Art supplies provided. Titles will vary month to month.

In June, we will begin with "Princess In Black" by Shannon Hale! 👑

PRO TIP: Listening to books at our events counts as reading for our Summer Reading Challenge! Remember to add these minutes on your tracking sheet, the website, or the Beanstack app.

05/27/2026

05/26/2026

Curious about volunteering at the Library? Need volunteer service hours?

Join us for Drop-In Volunteering Monday, June 1 between 10am and 12pm! 📆 Projects will vary from dusting shelves to processing materials and more.

Watch for more Drop-In Volunteering opportunities throughout the summer.

05/26/2026

📣 Summer reading starts in 1 WEEK!

Get ready to dig in to:
📚 Reading Challenge for all ages starting June 1
🍎 Free SUN Meals for kids & teens starting June 8
🎫 Fun Events all summer long

Find out more at www.AmesPL.org/Summer2026

🎨 Artwork by Jory John and Pete Oswald