Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome program proposals via our website at bit.ly/APLprogram.
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Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome program proposals via our website at bit.ly/APLprogram.
Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome program proposals via our website at bit.ly/APLprogram.
Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome program proposals via our website at bit.ly/APLprogram.
Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome program proposals via our website at bit.ly/APLprogram.
Ames Public Library connects you to the world of ideas through diverse and inclusive resources and programs. We welcome program proposals via our website at bit.ly/APLprogram.
Get ready to learn @HOME! Each week, we'll post a video and printable on a new topic. You can also pick up a related take-home activity kit from the Library!
@HOME Activities >>
Online Resources
Your Library card gets you free access to premium online resources like Khan Academy, TumbleBooksLibrary, homework help, language learning, and more. See the list of K-12 databases below.
Links for Families & Educators
We've put together a list of websites offering free learning and teaching resources during COVID school closures: www.amespubliclibrary.org/links-families-educators
Need some book recommendations?
Fill out our Personalized Picks online form to tell us about what you want to read. Our experts will put together a custom book list based on your responses and e-mail it to you!
Try it out >>
Do you want to hear a story?
Call the Story Line at (515) 239-5636 and hear stories for a variety of ages, stories in multiple languages, and family-friendly jokes. Listen any time you want, as many times as you want!
More Fun Stuff
Print out some coloring pages based on Ames Public Library's old Bookmobile. One even has hidden pictures!
Reading Up | Hidden Pictures with Smyles | Kicking It | Ames Friends
Look for Ames Public Library's mascot, Smyles, at the Library and at special events around town! Smyles is also a big part of Project Smyles, the Library's outreach program to children in daycare and preschool.
More >>
Your Library card lets you check out tickets to participating museums and attractions, tablets loaded with educational apps, kits to explore STEM concepts, and more!
More >>
You have the power to jumpstart your baby's development. Learn how to create an enriching language environment to help your baby's brain grow.
More >>
Ames Public Library has its own annual book trivia contest for teams of 5th and 6th graders!
More >>
K-12 Databases

ABC Mouse
Check out ABC Mouse for award-winning educational games, puzzles, books and other fun interactive learning activities for kids age 2 to 6. It’s free to use in the Ames Public Library! In Library Use Only

Academic OneFile
Academic OneFile offers access to millions of peer-reviewed, full text articles for a variety of academic subjects.

America's News/Ames Tribune from NewsBank
Search local job fairs, companies in the news, state and national business, economic and employment trends. Find diverse perspectives on topics related to job searching, consumer spending and the housing market. Updated daily.
BookFlix
This engaging resource for children in grades PreK–3 will help early readers develop and practice essential reading skills, and introduces them to a world of knowledge and exploration.

Brainfuse Help Now
Stuck on a tough homework assignment? Looking for test prep resources? Brainfuse offers virtual live tutoring, a 24-hour writing assignment review, study groups, flashcards, and can even help create a study plan. Find test prep for college entrance exams and ASVAB. Adult learners will find tutoring and study guides just for adults, as well as computer training courses, and study guides for the U.S. Citizenship Test, TABE, TOEFL, GED, and more.

Britannica Library
Conduct research, complete school assignments, work on special projects, or explore your interests. Britannica Library includes special sections for children, young adults, and adults.

FirstSearch Online Database
FirstSearch is a great place to start if you're looking for a specific book or for full-text articles. You can search for books and e-books at libraries across the world and access millions of full-text, full-image articles from thousands of serials.

GCF LearnFree
If you need a quick brush up on your Microsoft Office or other technology skills GCF LearnFree is the place to start. Check out their more than 125 self-paced tutorials for math, career, reading, every day life skills, and more.

Informe
Informe Académico proporciona acceso a periódicos y revistas especializadas de lengua española y portuguesa. La base de datos ofrece una amplia gama de contenidos sobre América Latina.

InfoTrac Student Edition
InfoTrac Student Edition has great resources for high school students doing research on current events, the arts, science, pop culture, health, government, history, sports, and more.

Khan Academy
Khan Academy's mission is to provide free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere, and they’ve partnered with institutions like NASA and the Museum of Modern Art to do so. Create an account and you'll have access to videos, exercises, and your own learning dashboard as you study at your own pace.

Kids InfoBits
If you're in grades K-5 and doing research start here! Kids InfoBits is easy to search and has lots of articles and pictures on current events, art, science, health, government, history, sports, and more.

Little Pim
Little Pim is the fun, easy way for kids ages 0-6 to learn a new language. Come explore with Little Pim, the adorable cartoon panda, as you discover a new language!

Mango Languages
Powered by intelligent technology and an adaptive algorithm, Mango empowers you to communicate with confidence, preparing you for uncharted experiences with language and culture. Challenge yourself to discover something new. Start the conversation.
Mometrix eLibrary
Mometrix eLibrary delivers the most comprehensive list of study guides and practice questions on the market, all at your fingertips, anywhere, anytime you have an internet connection.

Novelist Plus
NoveList is a fiction database that provides subject heading access, reviews, annotations, and much more for over 120,000 fiction titles. It also includes other content of interest to fiction readers, such as Author Read-alikes, Book Discussion Guides, BookTalks, and Feature Articles.

Opposing Viewpoints in Context
Opposing Viewpoints is the perfect resource for anyone wanting information on today's hottest social issues, from capital punishment to immigration to marijuana. It offers pro/con viewpoints, reference articles, interactive maps, infographics, and more. Informed, differing views help you develop critical-thinking skills and draw your own conclusions.

Research in Context
Middle-schoolers, you have your very own database! Start your online search right here with info on science, social studies, government, history, literature, and more.

TumbleBookLibrary
Want a fun, 21st century alternative to print picture books? TumbleBookLibrary has a great interactive collection of stories with sound, music, animation, and narration. Have your favorite book read as you follow along and enjoy the story. Be sure to check out their book of the day!