When We Give Together, We Grow Together
Long Story Short - Your Gifts Make a Difference
These ongoing Ames Public Library Friends Foundation success stories are no tall tales. But they are the result of what happens when committed donors value Ames Public Library and its programming enough to ensure its continued first-rate service.
Read about the library’s initiatives and success stories to learn more about the work of the APLFF.
Ways to Give
APL Summer lunch program
The end of a school year also marks the end of daily healthy meals for many youth in our community. With children visiting the library for myriad programs all summer long, APL is a busy place. And we know that many come to the library hungry. With major support from Mary Greeley Medical Center and Chevron Renewable Energy Group, we are able to fill those empty stomachs.
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IDEA Center
Thanks to generous donor support, Ames Public Library’s IDEA Center connects patrons to a wide variety of free technology– patrons just need to have a library card and complete a brief online orientation before using the space.
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New Children’s Play Space
Ames Public Library’s youngest patrons can now act out their favorite stories in an inviting new play space, thanks to support from APLFF.
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Bookmobile
Since 1965 our bookmobile has been a significant part of Ames Public Library’s outreach efforts. Many of our patrons share fond memories of excitedly watching for the bookmobile’s arrival near their school or home. In fact, bookmobiles are the earliest form of library outreach, dating back to 1905 when horse and buggies delivered books to remote rural areas.
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Project Smyles
Project Smyles is one of the library’s most beloved programs and is supported by our generous donors. It is an outreach program to children in Ames Public Library’s service area.
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Novel Ideas
What do role-playing games, flip-flops, and magnetic cup holders have in common? All provide opportunities or service to Ames Public Library patrons and staff as a result of our Novel Ideas program.
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Repair Cafe
Many of us have things at home that need repair, and on three weekends each year you can drop in to a free Repair Café at the library to get help from local volunteers.
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Our Story
The next time you marvel over the gem we call the library, thank an Ames Public Library Friends Foundation donor.
Because a band of local philanthropists knew their hometown both needed and would embrace a first-rate facility to house hundreds of books and periodicals (it was 1902, after all), fellow dreamers joined along. In no time, a generous Carnegie grant filled the coffers, the Greeleys of Ames donated the land, a library board of trustees was formed and Ames Public Library opened its doors to all in October 1904.
So here we are, more than 120 years later, still advocating for funds for ever-growing inventory and continued library access for all. While city tax allocations certainly keep the doors open, it’s the kindness of Ames Public Library Friends Foundation donors that make sure the walls inside those doors are bursting with a treasure trove of content, encouragement, and fellowship.
Read More About Our HistoryWhat’s Your Story?
Ames Public Library Friends Foundation successfully carries out its mission and initiatives at Ames Public Library because of the generous support of community members like you.
We love to hear from you about what inspires you to partner with us to ensure these opportunities are kept alive for generations to come. Read more about what motivates APLFF donors to give, and the many ways to support us.
A page turner turning profits!
Literary Grounds and APL used book sales
Located near the entrance of Ames Public Library, Literary Grounds is more than a used bookstore—it’s a hub for community connection and support. Featuring a curated collection of affordable books, unique bundles, and gift options, every purchase helps fund library programs and services. Our seasonal book sales and year-round donations promote literacy, sustainability, and volunteerism across Ames.
Learn More
I support Ames Public Library with my time and money because a vibrant library is essential to a successful community. The youth section welcomes kids to explore books while still being kids Further, APL offers so much more than books, including educational events, community meeting spaces, a place for teens to hang out, music CDs, an enormous array of DVDs, newspapers and magazines, and free computer access.
Jennie LeGates
Former APLFF and APL board memberWe enthusiastically support the library every year. What a treasure APL is for the Ames community. We know our funds get used to provide meaningful and enriching experiences for individuals and families.
Jon and Emily Sargent
Former APLFF board membersI learned to read at 5 and I grew up being a voracious reader. Outside of church, going to the library was our primary family activity – every Friday I got new books and I crawled into the wonderful world that books offer.
Roger Kluesner
Former APL and APLFF board member
