Tutorials

Learn new skills at the library:

Hand on laptop keyboard One-on-One Adobe Design sessions are designed to help you gain confidence using Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, or Illustrator. Registration is required for a one hour session.
Cricut Maker3 on desk with blurred room in background One-on-One Cricut Design sessions give you a hands-on trial and basic introduction to our Cricut Maker3 crafting machine. Registration is required for a one hour session.
Hands pointing at computer screen One-on-One with a Librarian sessions provide dedicated time for technology or research assistance from one of our librarians. Registration is required for a half hour session.
Microphone

One-on-One Podcasting sessions are currently on hiatus.

Sessions are designed for an individual or small group to learn how to create your own podcast. Registration is required for a 90 minute session.

Janome MyStyle sewing machine with sewing odds & ends around presser foot

One-on-One Sewing Machine Basics sessions are currently on hiatus.

sessions will introduce the user to the Janome MyStyle sewing machine. Registration is required for a one hour session.

 

Learn new skills from home:

Brainfuse HelpNow logo Brainfuse HelpNow offers on-demand, personalized tutoring for K-12 students and adult learners! All free with your Ames Free Library card. Get high-quality help from tutors in core subjects (math, reading, science, and social studies), academic and standardized test prep (including the new GED and the new SAT), and career-related topics such as resume and cover letter-writing, and Microsoft Office training. College-bound students can get help filling out the FAFSA. In the Writing Lab, you can submit your papers for review and feedback. U.S. Citizenship Test prep and Spanish-speaking support are available. For those wanting to learn a new hobby, you can also connect with qualified chess tutors. Live help is available every day from 2 p.m. - 11 p.m. EST.
Brainfuse JobNow logo Brainfuse JobNow is an innovative service that features expert resume assistance, live interview preparation, career coaching, career resources and more.
Creative Bug Creativebug offers thousands of video courses on a wide variety of art and craft topics. Learn to doodle or paint, level up your knitting skills, or find a craft to keep the kids busy for the afternoon. There are courses for every skill level.
Library Chef Logo Library Chef is an online cooking platform designed for adults of all skill levels. The platform offers three live classes each month in addition to an on-demand library of past live classes and skill building video tutorials. Sponsored by the Friends of the Ames Free Library.
LinkedIn Learning LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) is a leading online learning company that helps anyone learn business, software, technology and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals. Through individual, corporate, academic and government subscriptions, members have access to the LinkedIn Learning video library of engaging, top-quality courses taught by recognized industry experts. For an introduction and tutorial about LinkedIn Learning, visit our Niche Academy Tutorials page.
Mango With over 70 world languages for you to learn at your own pace (including English), Mango will prepare you for realistic conversations and strengthen everyday communication skills. For an introduction and instructions on Mango Languages, visit our Niche Academy Tutorials page.
 Niche Niche Academy provides video tutorials on how to use the Ames Free Library's digital library services (such as Libby, Hoopla, and LinkedIn Learning), as well as general services like Zoom, Facebook and Gmail.