Special Collections

Park Packs

Explore nature with a Park Pack! Each backpack is filled with guidebooks, tools, and ideas for exploring a different topic.

Wi-Fi Hotspots

Picture of black Hotspot device, wall plug, and component case

Need internet access? Check out a wi-fi hotspot and get online for free!
Supported by Ames Public Library Friends Foundation and First National Bank, Ames.

Launchpad Learning Tablets

Check out a kid-focused tablet with themed educational apps for preschoolers and elementary age kids.

Adventure Pass

Check out a free pass to participating museums and attractions.

Quick Picks

Quick Picks are extra copies of super-popular items that go fast and come back fast, so you have more chances at a lucky find.

STEM Kits

Photo of toy bridges, toy trains, and books about bridges

Have fun with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math at home! Each kit has books and activities to help your family explore a theme.

Book Club Collection

Vector graphic of people in a line all reading books

Ames Public Library has multiple copies of many books that are popular with book clubs, and they can be checked out for 6 weeks! See the Book Club Collection list in the online catalog or view the PDF.

Find a book >>

Book Store & Sales

Photo of Literary Grounds metal text sign above cart of books

Buy books, movies and more at great prices from Literary Grounds or our Book Sales.

Learn more >>

Farwell T. Brown Photo Archive

Black and white picture of the Collegian Theater in Ames, Iowa

The images in this unique photo archive are from Farwell T. Brown's lifetime collection of original photographs, postcards, advertisements, and news articles which chronicle the history of Ames, Iowa.

Special Collections

Park Packs

Check them out >>

Wi-Fi Hotspots

Request a hotspot >>