Friends of the Ames Free Library

06/01/2026

You can help our library when you shop at the Easton Shaw's (690 Depot Street) during the entire month of June. For every purchase of a reusable Give Back Bag ($3), the Friends will receive a $1 donation. All money raised will be used to fund library programs and activities. The bags can be found on a revolving rack to the right of the front registers. We appreciate your support!

05/05/2026

Thanks to everyone who came out for our book sale on April 25th and helped us raise a nice amount of money in support of library activities, including the upcoming Summer Reading Program!

We have some specialty items left over from the sale:

A full set of the Encyclopedia Britannica plus supplemental volumes - $200

The Bird Songs Bible, a complete reference guide, which includes full illustrations and plays audio songs of hundreds of birds - $75

Slip-covered reference books covering the world of individual artists from the Time-Life World of Art - $5 each

If you would like more information or are interested in any of these items, please email us at [email protected].

04/24/2026

The Spring Book Sale is tomorrow (Saturday, April 25th) from 10am to 2pm at Queset House. Current members of the Friends will be admitted starting at 9am. Not a member? Join at the door!

04/17/2026

The April edition of our newsletter is available now and is full of information on recent and upcoming activities of the Friends. Don't forget that our spring book sale is on Saturday, April 25th, from 10am to 2pm at Queset House, and current members will be admitted at 9am!

The snowy white landscape of our challenging winter has finally succumbed to greenish grass. Daffodils are heralding hope. With renewed springtime energy, we look forward to an invigorating season of support for the Ames Free Library.

04/10/2026

Save the date! Our spring book sale is only a few weeks away on April 25th. We have a great selection of books for all ages and interests. Make sure to look for our "Blind Date with a Book" area, where you will find already wrapped packages books that are perfect gifts for Mother's Day or any other occasion.

02/07/2026

Still need a gift for Valentines Day? Our Blind Date books await you in the Friends Book Shop at Queset House. They will be available today (Saturday, February 7th) between 1pm and 5pm, as well as throughout the next week from 1pm to 8pm Monday through Thursday,
and 1pm to 5pm on Friday and Saturday.

February is also "I love my library" month! While visiting the Book Shop, you'll have the opportunity to write a brief note which we will share with our wonderful library staff.

01/31/2026

We've added some new blind date books since last weekend. Come check them out today (Saturday 1/31) from 1 to 5pm at Queset House, along with our large selection of all genres.

We are also accepting donations of up to 25 gently used books in excellent condition today. Whether you bring books or leave with them, we will be glad to see you!

01/24/2026

Need a gift idea for Valentine's Day? Make a blind date with a book! Stop by the Friends Book Shop at Queset House today (1/24) and on the next three Saturdays (1/31, 2/7 and 2/14) between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm and choose from our selection of pre-wrapped books of different genres (clues to their contents are provided). Surprise a loved one, or perhaps yourself!

01/20/2026

The January 2026 Friends of the Ames Free Library is now available here: https://mailchi.mp/02be6973dc7e/aflfriendsnewsletterjuly2023-18177297?e=95dbe1e0ef. Catch up on all the latest news about our activities, including a new venture called Blind Date with a Book. Anyone who is looking for a fun gift idea for the readers in their lives should visit the Friends Book Shop on these Saturdays (January 31, February 7, and February 14) between 1:00 and 5:00 p.m.

01/11/2026

The Friends of the Ames Free Library 2026 membership campaign is in full swing! If you are already a member, renewal letters went out last week, and we hope that you will once again join us as we work to support library activities and programs. Benefits of membership include our coupons for free books in the Friends Book Shop at Queset House, early admission to our book sales (this year, they will be held on April 25th and October 17th), and our informative quarterly newsletter.

If you are not a member, we encourage you to become one of us! More information about the Friends and a link to our printable membership form can be found here: https://www.amesfreelibrary.org/friends-library. You will also find a link to our current newsletter, where you can read all about our recent activities. Happy New Year and Happy Reading!

The Friends of the Ames Free Library is a nonprofit organization integral to promoting and supporting Library activities and programs, and purchasing items not included in the Library’s budget. We hold book sales several times a year, manage the Friends Book Shop at Queset House, and participate...