About APLFF
The Ames Public Library was not originally a free public library. During the 1890s, subscribers paid dues to keep a small reading room open. In 1902, a committee from the local P.E.O. chapter investigated how a free public library might be established and with their encouragement, Ames Mayor Parley Sheldon wrote to Andrew Carnegie and successfully asked for $10,000 to erect a library building. By 1904 the city, with the gift of land from Mrs. Mary Greeley, constructed the library. October 20, 1904 was the first day of business.
1907-1940
Building expansions in 1907 and 1940 made it possible for the library to increase collections and serve more citizens. A goal of increased outreach resulted in the launch of the Bookmobile operation in 1966.
1980s
By the 1980s, the library building could not support the growing demand for services. In 1983, a bond referendum for a library addition passed. In 1985, the new expansion and the remodeled original building were dedicated.
2014
As time went on, the building again proved insufficient to meet the needs of patrons. Ames voters approved a $20 million bond issue to expand and renovate the library and on September 14, 2014, Ames Public Library reopened the renovated and expanded building at 515 Douglas Avenue.
Ames Public Library was initially established through philanthropy.
Throughout the library’s more than 120-year history, the community has been supportive. But that support was formalized in 1996 with the establishment of the Ames Public Library Foundation. The Foundation’s first significant initiative came in 2012 when a $1 million commitment was made toward the support of the $20 million expansion and renovation project. It was during that time that the Ames Public Library Foundation and the Ames Public Library Friends voted to merge to create the Ames Public Library Friends Foundation.
