A coalition of local groups is inviting women of all nationalities to attend the International Women’s Festival, which will be held Wednesday in the Ames Public Library. Running from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the library’s Farwell T. Brown Auditorium, the event will give attendees a chance to meet other women and learn about Ames-area businesses and services.

“This is not only for the students,” said Jingtao Wang, YWCA Ames-ISU global outreach volunteer. “We are also for the international spouses.”

Wang, whose husband works at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Lab, said that upon coming to Ames in 2007, she did not know which buses to take on campus, where to volunteer or what to do for fun. She hopes that after attending this fair, women new to Iowa State will be spared her struggles to adjust.

“I really hope many spouses can have help,” she said.

Mary Logsdon, information services coordinator for Ames Public Library, underscored the event’s social nature.

“It’s an opportunity for all gathered to just have friendly communication,” she said. “It’s open to everyone in the community.”

Tea provided by the India Cultural Association and cookies provided by Friends of International Women will be served at the event, Wang said. Organizers will also order food from New China Restaurant for those who attend.

The International Women’s Festival is sponsored by the YWCA Ames-ISU, Friends of International Women and the Ames Public Library.