Remember those hazy summer days when reading was rewarded with a tasty treat that was all yours? If you thought those days were behind you, think again! Ames Free Library has a summer reading program that’s aimed at those who are 18 and over but still young at heart.
Our 2026 Adult Summer Reading program begins on Thursday, June 25 and ends on Monday, August 31. Participation and tracking takes place on the library’s ReadSquared platform.
Need a break from your book? Come to the Queset Garden for Family Garden Shows on Monday nights and our Queset Garden Concert Series on select Thursday nights.
Earning Points
There are two ways to earn points: logging the time you spend reading and writing book reviews.
You’ll earn 1 point for every minute of reading logged. No matter your preferred reading format, those minutes count!
- Did you sit out on the deck with your coffee and that hardcover you need to finish for book club and read for ten minutes before getting the kids off to camp? That counts.
- Five minutes of an eBook on your phone in the checkout line at the grocery store after stocking up for the barbecue? That counts, too.
- Spend an hour listening to an audiobook while you work in the garden or mow the lawn? You guessed it - that counts!
You can also earn 140 points for every book review submitted. We don't expect a full book report, just a few sentences about what you liked or didn't like about the book. Note: Please allow up to 72 hours for book review points to appear in your account.
Redeeming Points 
Throughout the summer, the points you earn can be redeemed as virtual raffle entries!
Each raffle entry is 140 points. You can enter as many raffles as you like, but prize winners are not eligible to win more than one prize.
Raffle drawings will be held in early September.
Prizes
This year’s prizes are supported by the generosity of the Friends of the Ames Free Library!
The Beanery on Washington - $25 gift card
Doyle’s Pub & Grill - $50 gift card
The Farmer’s Daughter - $50 gift card
Flynn’s Family Farm & Nursery - $25 gift card
Hilliard’s - $25 gift card
Langwater Farm - $25 gift card
Maguire’s Bar & Grill - $50 gift card
Niko Mediterranean - $50 gift card
Paperback Junction - $25 gift card
Shoveltown Brewery - $50 gift card
Sukha Bakehouse - $25 gift card