September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month, where libraries across the country encourage community members to take advantage of the many resources available.
The Ames Public Library is no exception, offering free online access to ebooks, movies and TV shows, along with an Adventure Pass that gives you free admission to places like the Science Center and the Blank Park Zoo.
All Iowa residents are eligible for an Ames Public Library card. Iowa State students are treated as residents and can also obtain a library card.
To apply, individuals need a photo ID and proof of address. This process can be completed through the registration form online or in person. Online registration provides immediate access to a variety of the library’s digital resources.
Adventure Passes let eligible cardholders aged 18 or older reserve free admission tickets to a variety of participating events.
“I think students don’t necessarily expect that we’re going to have as much programming for them as we do,” Tracy Briseño, customer account services manager at the Ames Public Library, said. “Just this month coming up, we have a repair cafe and we have a speed friending program. It is all geared towards adults.”
After learning about the resources Ames Public Library offers, Keira Steele, a freshman studying sports media and communication, now sees it as a way to further connect with her community.
“It’ll make Ames feel more at home for me,” Steele said.
Cardholders can also use the library’s Adventure Pass program for free admission to participating Iowa attractions, including Reiman Gardens and the Furman Aquatic Center in Ames, as well as the Blank Park Zoo and the Science Center of Iowa in Des Moines.
Aditi Kambham, a freshman in computer engineering, was more convinced to get an Ames Public Library card after learning what it provides.
“I didn’t know about the movies,” Kambham stated. “I think if we could get free movies I’d be down to get a card.”
One of the library’s digital services is Hoopla, which gives cardholders access to eBooks, audiobooks, movies, music, television and other media.
“We’ve got Hoopla, that you can download for free, where you can watch a movie, listen to music, watch TV shows and read a book,” Briseño said. “It’s a big money saver that we’d want everybody to use.”
Briseño also said the Ames Public Library can supplement resources students already have access to through Parks Library.
“The Parks Library has fantastic resources,” Briseño said. “But we have job resources, we’ve got online materials and a lot of engagement and community building. We want you to be part of the Ames community.”
The library also operates a Bookmobile, which brings library materials to locations throughout Ames, including the Iowa State campus. Other programs available include conversation circles for practicing different languages, volunteer opportunities and speed-friending events.
To learn more about the Ames Public Library, visit their website.