Visitors to the Ames Public Library can now enjoy a hot cup of coffee while browsing for inexpensive books.

Literary Grounds, a book store funded and staffed by Friends of the Ames Public Library, opened Dec. 2 and library employees say the store has been well-received by patrons.

“I’d say we’re doing very well,” says Dawn Hayslett, Ames Public Library assistant director. “We’ve been rapidly moving through our book stock, and Friends is earning a lot more money than they were before.”

During the year, the Friends organization receives a constant supply of donated books, says Susan North, volunteer coordinator for the library. Members of the organization believed they could sell some of the better books for a higher price to raise money for maintenance and improvements within the library itself. From this, the idea for Literary Grounds was born, North says.

Patrons can browse through the books displayed along the walls or relax at one of five tables, Hayslett says. The room is designed to be soothing, with deep burgundy-colored walls adorned with quotes from literature, plants in each corner and soft lighting from nearby floor lamps.

A small selection of coffee and tea is available, Hayslett says. Customers are encouraged to preview books while enjoying a beverage.

In addition to the books available in Literary Grounds, the Friends organization also receives enough donated books from the public to furnish a large display near the library’s entrance. The organization holds two book sales a year, North says.

“People move so often in this town, it’s a fertile ground for book donations,” North says. “Rather than move the books with them, people often choose to donate them [to the library].”

First-time customer Kim Combes says he is impressed with the library’s new addition, and enjoys the new area available for reading and relaxing.

“I like the library, so the area to sit and have coffee is definitely a perk,” Combes says.

Many of the donated books available in Literary Grounds are in good shape, North says. Book prices typically fall within $3 to $5, but can climb as high as a set of large-print 1964 World Book Encyclopedias priced at $100.