The Ames Public Library was established in 1904 in Ames, Iowa, United States. It was founded by the Ames Women's Club, a group of local women who recognized the need for a public library in the growing community.
At the time, Ames was a small town with a population of around 4,000 people. The Women's Club saw the library as a way to provide educational and cultural opportunities for the residents of Ames.
The library was initially housed in a small room in the City Hall building, with a collection of just 500 books. However, it quickly outgrew this space and in 1908, the library moved to a larger building on Main Street.
Over the years, the library continued to grow and expand its services. In 1963, a new building was constructed to house the library, and in 1991, a major renovation and expansion project was completed, doubling the size of the library.
Today, the Ames Public Library is a modern, state-of-the-art facility with a collection of over 200,000 items, including books, DVDs, and digital resources. It serves a population of over 66,000 people and is a vital resource for the community, offering a wide range of programs and services for all ages.
1. Fiction Books Collection: This collection includes a wide range of popular and classic fiction books from various genres such as romance, mystery, science fiction, and more.
2. Non-Fiction Books Collection: This collection includes books on various subjects such as history, science, self-help, biographies, and more.
3. Children's Books Collection: This collection includes books for children of all ages, from picture books for toddlers to chapter books for young adults.
4. Young Adult Books Collection: This collection includes books specifically targeted towards teenagers and young adults, covering a variety of genres and topics.
5. Graphic Novels Collection: This collection includes a wide range of graphic novels and comics for all ages, from superhero stories to memoirs and non-fiction.
6. Audiobooks Collection: This collection includes audiobooks in various formats, including CDs and digital downloads, for those who prefer to listen to books.
7. Large Print Books Collection: This collection includes books with larger font sizes for those with visual impairments or who prefer easier-to-read text.
8. Local Authors Collection: This collection features books written by local authors from Ames and the surrounding areas.
9. Reference Collection: This collection includes encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases, and other reference materials for research and general knowledge.
10. Special Collections: The library also has special collections such as rare books, local history materials, and genealogy resources.
11. E-books and E-audiobooks Collection: The library offers a wide selection of e-books and e-audiobooks that can be borrowed and downloaded onto electronic devices.
12. Foreign Language Books Collection: This collection includes books in various languages, catering to the diverse community in Ames.
13. Magazines and Newspapers Collection: The library offers a variety of magazines and newspapers for leisure reading and current events.
14. DVD and Blu-ray Collection: The library has a large collection of movies and TV shows on DVD and Blu-ray for patrons to borrow.
15. Music CDs Collection: This collection includes a variety of music CDs, from classical to popular music, for patrons to borrow and listen to.
The Ames Public Library in Ames, United States, offers a wide range of rare books, history archives, and manuscripts for readers to explore and discover. These materials provide a unique and valuable insight into the past and offer a glimpse into the lives and events that have shaped our world.
Some of the rare books available at the library include first editions of classic works such as "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen. These books are not only valuable for their literary significance but also for their historical and cultural importance.
The library also houses a collection of rare history archives, including original documents, letters, and photographs from significant events and figures in American history. These archives offer a firsthand account of important moments in our nation's past, such as the Civil War, the Great Depression, and the Civil Rights Movement.
In addition to rare books and history archives, the library also has a vast collection of manuscripts. These handwritten or typed documents provide a glimpse into the personal thoughts, ideas, and writings of notable authors, poets, and thinkers. Some of the manuscripts available at the library include works by Mark Twain, Emily Dickinson, and Edgar Allan Poe.
The library also offers access to digital archives, which include rare books, historical documents, and manuscripts that have been digitized for preservation and easy access. This allows readers to explore these materials from the comfort of their own homes.
The rare books, history archives, and manuscripts at the Ames Public Library are a valuable resource for researchers, students, and anyone interested in delving into the past. The library's dedicated staff is always available to assist readers in finding and accessing these materials. Visit the library today to discover the rich history and literature that awaits you.

Services:

1. Book Borrowing: The library offers a wide range of books for subscribers to borrow, including fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and audiobooks.
2. Online Resources: Subscribers have access to a variety of online resources such as ebooks, emagazines, and databases for research and learning.
3. Computer and Internet Access: The library provides free computer and internet access for subscribers to use for research, job searching, and other purposes.
4. Programs and Events: The library hosts a variety of programs and events for all ages, including book clubs, author talks, storytimes, and workshops.
5. Interlibrary Loan: Subscribers can request books and materials from other libraries through the interlibrary loan service.
6. Reference and Research Assistance: The library offers reference and research assistance to help subscribers find information and answer questions.
7. Meeting Rooms: The library has meeting rooms available for community groups and organizations to use for meetings and events.
8. Printing, Copying, and Scanning: Subscribers can use the library's printing, copying, and scanning services for a small fee.
9. Book Sales: The library holds regular book sales where subscribers and community members can purchase used books at discounted prices.
10. Homebound Services: The library offers homebound services for subscribers who are unable to visit the library due to illness or disability.
11. Language Learning Resources: The library provides resources for learning different languages, including books, audiobooks, and online language learning programs.
12. Local History Collection: The library has a collection of materials related to the history of Ames and the surrounding area for subscribers and community members to access.
13. Volunteer Opportunities: The library offers volunteer opportunities for community members to get involved and support the library's services and programs.
14. Book Donations: The library accepts book donations from community members, which are then sold in book sales or added to the library's collection.
15. Outreach Services: The library provides outreach services to schools, senior centers, and other community organizations to promote literacy and library services.

Things To Do:

1. Art Exhibitions: The Ames Public Library regularly hosts art exhibitions featuring the works of local and regional artists. These exhibitions showcase a variety of mediums, including paintings, sculptures, and photography.
2. Author Talks and Book Readings: The library hosts a variety of author talks and book readings throughout the year. These events give readers the opportunity to meet and interact with their favorite authors and discover new books.
3. Book Clubs: The library offers a variety of book clubs for different age groups and interests. These clubs provide a great opportunity for book lovers to discuss and share their thoughts on a particular book.
4. Children's Storytime: The library hosts regular storytime sessions for children, where they can listen to engaging stories and participate in fun activities. These events are a great way to introduce children to the joy of reading.
5. Writing Workshops: The library hosts writing workshops for aspiring writers of all ages. These workshops cover a variety of topics, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry writing.
6. Film Screenings: The library hosts film screenings of classic and contemporary movies. These events are free and open to the public.
7. Music Performances: The library hosts live music performances by local musicians. These events showcase a variety of genres, including jazz, classical, and folk music.
8. Book Sales: The library holds regular book sales where visitors can purchase books at discounted prices. These sales are a great opportunity to expand your personal library.
9. Technology Workshops: The library offers technology workshops for all ages, covering topics such as coding, digital photography, and social media.
10. Cultural Events: The library hosts a variety of cultural events, such as dance performances, cooking demonstrations, and language classes. These events celebrate the diversity of the community and promote cultural understanding.

1. Respect the library's quiet policy: The Ames Public Library is a place for quiet study and reading. Please be considerate of others and keep noise levels to a minimum.
2. Keep your phone on silent: If you need to use your phone, please keep it on silent mode and take any calls outside of the library.
3. Use headphones for audio: If you are listening to audio on your device, please use headphones to avoid disturbing others.
4. Return books to their proper place: After browsing or reading a book, make sure to return it to its designated spot on the shelves. This helps keep the library organized and makes it easier for others to find what they are looking for.
5. Avoid eating and drinking: To help maintain a clean and pleasant environment, please refrain from eating or drinking in the library. If you do need a snack or drink, please use the designated areas outside of the library.
6. Keep the library clean: Help keep the library clean by disposing of any trash in the designated bins and reporting any spills or messes to library staff.
7. Respect the computers and equipment: The library provides computers and other equipment for public use. Please use them responsibly and do not tamper with any settings or software.
8. Follow copyright laws: When using library resources, make sure to follow copyright laws and only use materials for personal or educational purposes.
9. Be mindful of personal belongings: While the library strives to provide a safe environment, it is important to keep an eye on your personal belongings at all times.
10. Ask for help: If you need assistance finding a book or using a library resource, don't hesitate to ask a librarian for help. They are there to assist you and make your experience at the library a positive one.

The Ames Public Library offers a variety of subscription plans to meet the needs of our community members. These plans include:
1. Basic Plan: This plan is free for all residents of Ames and provides access to all physical materials, such as books, DVDs, and audiobooks, as well as online resources, including e-books, e-audiobooks, and databases.
2. Premium Plan: This plan is available for a yearly fee of $25 and includes all the benefits of the Basic Plan, as well as access to premium online resources, such as language learning programs, genealogy databases, and online courses.
3. Family Plan: This plan is designed for families and includes all the benefits of the Premium Plan for up to four family members. Additional family members can be added for an extra fee of $5 per person.
4. Student Plan: This plan is available for students with a valid student ID and provides access to all physical and online resources for a discounted yearly fee of $10.
5. Non-Resident Plan: This plan is available for non-residents of Ames and provides access to all physical and online resources for a yearly fee of $50.
6. Senior Plan: This plan is available for seniors (age 65 and above) and provides access to all physical and online resources for a discounted yearly fee of $10.
All subscription plans can be renewed annually and can be upgraded or downgraded at any time. We also offer a variety of payment options, including online payment, in-person payment at the library, and mail-in payment. For more information on our subscription plans, please visit our website or contact the library directly.

Monday: 9:00 AM  9:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM  9:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM  9:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM  9:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM  6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM  6:00 PM Sunday: 1:00 PM  5:00 PM

The Ames Public Library in Ames, United States can be easily accessed by public transport. The CyRide bus system has multiple routes that stop near the library, and there is also a free shuttle service from Iowa State University. Additionally, the library is within walking distance from the Ames Intermodal Facility, which offers connections to other cities. Plan your trip using the CyRide app or website for convenient and affordable transportation to the library.