Stumped on a square on your Winter BINGO card? Check out the links and recommendations below.
Read a staff favorite
- Stop by the library and check out our staff favorites shelf! You'll find this shelf on the ground floor of the library in the fiction room.
- Can't make it to the library? Check out recommendations from current and former staff members online! We've compiled a few staff favorites lists over the years including our favorite nonfiction, our favorite spooky reads, and the best books we read in 2021.
- Two AFL staff members recently recording an episode of The Checkout Stack, a new podcast that celebrates books and libraries. Give the episode a listen to learn about some of their favorites.
Read a kids or young adult book
- Children's literature isn't just for the young - it's for the young at heart, too! Stop by the Youth Services department to revisit a classic favorite or find something brand new to you. You can also browse recommended reading lists by age group on NoveList Plus.
Check out a Blind Date with a Book
- This seasonally favorite display will make its return in February! Books will be wrapped in brown paper to hide the title and author, but we'll leave some hints on the front to help you decide which one to take home. Note: this display will be put up in the adult fiction room the week of February 3.
Attend an AFL program
- A new year means new programs at the library! Check out our event calendar to see what is coming up soon. And if you would like information about upcoming programs delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for weekly and monthly event newsletters.
Visit the Friends Book Shop
- Have you checked out the hidden gem at Queset House? The Friends Book Shop, operated by the Friends of the Ames Free Library, offers a great selection of gently used books for all ages at great prices. The Book Shop is open during Queset House's regular operating hours, 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday through Thursday and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Friday and Saturday.
Celebrate Easton's tricentennial by learning more about 300 Years, 300 Stories
- The library is excited to celebrate and commemorate Easton's milestone birthday! Click here to learn more about 300 Years, 300 Stories.
Read a book with a blue or green cover
- As the saying goes, you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. But this winter we're challenging you to do just a little bit of judging and select a book based on the color of the cover! Check out these lists of books with blue and green covers for inspiration.
Watch a video in our Resources for Resolutions series
- If you've made a resolution for the new year but aren't quite sure where to begin, check out the Resources for Resolutions videos on our YouTube channel. These short videos include information on how AFL can support your goals any time of the year.
Read a book selected by one of the library's book clubs
- AFL has book clubs for almost every reading interest! Browse our book clubs page to learn more about each club and what they're reading this year.
Check out a magazine
- Stop by the library to borrow one of our magazines! You'll find them in the Fireplace Room on the main floor (a staff member can point you in the right direction). You can also borrow a wide variety of magazines through the Libby app.
Recommend a book to a friend
- The only thing better than reading a great book is sharing it with a friend! Tell a friend about a book you love or fill out our recommendation form to share with a wider audience!
Read an award winning book
- Click here to find award winning books for all ages across multiple genres.
Cook up something tasty with help from AFL
- Check out one of the thousands of cookbooks available in the SAILS network or try out our newest offering, Library Chef, for live and on-demand cooking classes from the comfort of home.
Tell us what you want to see in 2025
- Take our one question survey to let us know what you'd like to see at AFL in the coming year.
Check out something from one of our digital lending services
- Library materials can be yours on the go with ebooks, audiobooks, and more from our digital lending services. Click here to learn more about each service and give one a try today!
Fill out a Readers' Advisory form
- Did you know you can get personalized reading recommendations from our librarians? When you fill out a readers' advisory form, we'll get back in touch with a list of titles we think you'll enjoy based on your responses. We can even place the titles on hold for you!
Don't see the category that has you stumped here or need more assistance? Fill out our Reference Form and a library staff member will be in touch soon!