Our Initiatives
Thanks to your gifts, APLFF helps support an impressive array of programs, free and open to everyone. Library programs play a crucial role in fostering community engagement, promoting literacy, and supporting lifelong learning.
In an increasingly digital world, libraries serve as physical spaces where people can gather for book clubs, author readings, workshops, and lectures.
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.
The new center lets patrons digitize personal photos, slides, videos and sound recordings. There are three digitizing stations in the IDEA Center: audio and video conversion, editing, and image and slide conversion. Adobe Creative Cloud and Final Cut Pro software programs are available at all stations for editing and creative projects.
The IDEA Center is staffed Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 12-4 p.m. and Wednesdays 12-8 p.m. It is also open for reservations by those who can use it independently during all library hours. For more information visit IDEA Center | Ames Public Library
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.
The new play area replaces equipment that was well-loved but in need of updating. Play is a powerful method of fostering creativity and innovation and the new structure supports the important role of play in early literacy. Children can practice their motor skills, exercise their imaginations, and begin to develop their narrative abilities.
The new play space features components that encourage creative play around cooking, gardening, a bake shop, and a restaurant. When literacy is embedded into their play settings, children can practice and develop a range of skills that support early reading and writing.
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.
Our current bookmobile started serving our community in 2015 and today makes six different stops throughout the week as well as special events. The bookmobile has books and other materials for everyone – bringing the world of ideas to you!
For information on the bookmobile’s schedule, how to request a bookmobile stop at a special event, or request materials for your next bookmobile visit, go to Bookmobile | Ames Public Library
Summer Lunch Program
The end of a school year also marks the end of a healthy meal every day for many children in our community. With children coming for myriad programs all summer long, APL is a busy place. But 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.
Since the no-questions-asked summer lunch program began nearly 10 years ago, the number of lunches served has increased every year. In the summer of 2024, APL served just over 5,000 meals. APL is the only site in the county serving lunches from the last day of school to the first day of school.
With private support, APL will continue to help reduce food insecurity for our youngest residents. And once their tummies are full, our young patrons can explore the library, take part in programs, curl up with a book or game, and have a safe hangout space. If you are interested in helping to support our summer meal program, email development@aplff.org.
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.
Since it launched in 2006, Project Smyles has provided library services to children from birth to age six where they are during the day. Each month library staff visit in-home daycares, childcare centers, and area preschools to present a variety of story times specially designed to help build early literacy skills.
We also bring a selection of curated materials to the sites for the children’s use. These deposit collections are full of a variety of books, musical instruments, puppets, puzzles, and more.
We utilize volunteers to help in a variety of ways with the Project Smyles program. If you are interested in learning more, send a message to volunteer@amespubliclibrary.org. If you run an in-home daycare and are interested in Project Smyles coming to your site, please reach out to us at smyles@amespubliclibrary.org
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.
Novel Ideas fosters innovation and creative thinking among library staff members. In the four years since its inception, any library employee can and has offered up suggestions to the Novel Ideas team. After approval, a cross-department team works together to implement it. All proposals must connect to the objectives listed in the Library’s current strategic plan.
And here’s where donors come in: Funding for these Novel Ideas originates with gifts to the Ames Public Library Friends Foundation. Several proposed Novel Ideas have been adopted into library services or programming. These ventures include the purchase of more than 40 Launchpads, electronic tablets dedicated to kids’ games and videos; lots of board games and role-playing games; and supply kits with small personal hygiene items.
Know that your library staff is always cooking up some Novel Ideas!
Ames Repair Café
Many of us have things at home that need repair, and on three weekends each year you can drop in to a free Ames Repair Café at the library to get help from local volunteers.
The Ames Repair Cafés are held inside and outside the library. Volunteers with a variety of skills help repair items at no charge, and will also teach basic maintenance. If volunteers are unable to repair an item, or parts are required, they’ll help find a local repair shop.
The Ames Repair Café aims to reduce waste and share tools and resources. A wide variety of items can be repaired: clothing, jewelry and accessories, electronics, home and kitchen appliances, bicycles, small motors, gardening tools and implements.
At some Ames Repair Cafés there is also be a free seed giveaway. Flower and vegetable seeds from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach are available while supplies last. For more information on Ames Repair Cafés, email AmesRepairCafe@gmail.com.
Literary Grounds and
APL Used Book Sales
A page turner turning profits!
Tucked near the entrance of Ames Public Library, Literary Grounds, our used book store, is more than just a collection of gently loved books; it is an important source of revenue and community engagement.
Literary Grounds offers a curated collection of donated materials and materials pulled from APL shelves, sold at very affordable prices. For avid readers and collectors, it’s a treasure trove of discoveries: out-of-print editions, classic novels, local history volumes, and contemporary bestsellers. Library staff also create book bundles on special topics for adult readers, as well as bundles for our littlest readers. The bundles make wonderful gifts – as does a Literary Grounds gift certificate.
Our book sales, held each November, March and July, are a partner to the business of Literary Grounds. We welcome books donations from everyone in the community year-round. Many of the donate items are placed in Literary Grounds; much more are saved for our book sales. Days in advance of the sales, volunteers arrange books and materials in our auditorium, displayed by topic, and over four days thousands of items are sold at bargain basement prices.
Beyond offering bargain reads, Literary Grounds and our book sales serve a deeper purpose. They reflect our mission to promote literacy, sustainability, and community enrichment. Every book that finds a new home represents not just a saved landfill space, but also a chance for another reader to explore new ideas and stories.
Literary Grounds and our book sales generate important revenue that helps support programming and services that might otherwise not be funded. They also create many volunteer opportunities that give people a chance to contribute meaningfully to our community.
For more information on Literary Grounds and our book sales, visit Book Store & Sales | Ames Public Library.
Email volunteer@amespubliclibrary.org to learn how you can begin volunteering at APL.
Promoting Literacy
APL programs also promote literacy and a love for reading, especially among children and young adults. Storytime sessions, summer reading programs, and literacy workshops introduce young minds to the joy of books and storytelling. By making reading fun and accessible, APL helps bridge the literacy gap and empower individuals to become confident, lifelong readers.
Empowering the Community
APL workshops, classes, and seminars, help people acquire new skills and explore new interests, like learning a new language, mastering computer skills, or delving into topics like history, science, and world cultures.
People might not realize that APL programs also serve as vital resources for underserved populations, including low-income families, immigrants, and individuals with disabilities. Job search assistance, resume workshops, English language classes, and access to technology provide essential services that empower these communities and help level the playing field.
APL programs are integral to our role as a community hub for learning, enrichment, and inclusivity. For more information on programs, visit our events calendar at Month Calendar | Ames Public Library
