For many Iowa State students, the Ames Public Library offers a variety of materials and services for information as well as recreation.

T.J. Larson, media services coordinator, said in addition to the fiction and nonfiction collections, the Ames Public Library also provides over 7,000 CDs, 4,500 informational and recreational videos and 250 pieces of art, all of which can be checked out for free.

Larson said a wide variety of ISU students use the library, and for many, the media collections offer a place to expand their horizons.

“Many times someone is browsing for rock [CDs], and they may get enlightened to jazz or blues. In some ways we’re like a self-help music course,” Larson said.

Larson said ISU students help shape the collection as well.

“They help keep us up on musical trends; we stay up on popular things,” she said.

For many students, discovering the library is a gradual process, Larson said.

“People generally come in with a specific motivation. Maybe they’re coming in for an audio book, and then they see the audio CDs,” she said.

Senior Jason Taylor said he has been using the Ames Public Library since May.

“I check out books on tape to listen to at work so I won’t get bored,” Larson said. “I’m getting to read all the books I’ve wanted to [read] but haven’t had time.” Taylor said he reads about 15 books each week.

Larson said Taylor is not the only student who enjoys the books on tape.

“Many nontraditional [student] commuters are avid audio book listeners,” she said.

Students hoping to brighten their walls can check out the art collection, another service the library offers.

“We have a number of art prints available for six-week checkouts,” Larson said. “There’s no charge, but we do ask that people only check out one piece per household.”

Larson said artwork has been offered at the library for at least 20 years. She described the collection as “eclectic.”

“We have some classic pieces, but generally, the art prints are illustrations, posters and reproductions that are more popular works,” Larson said.

In addition to the materials to be checked out, the Ames Public Library offers a number of other services and recreational activities. There are Internet access terminals offered on a first-come, first-serve basis, as well as some that can be reserved for use.

A local newspaper index and community resource list is available through the library’s database, and study and meeting rooms can be reserved for use.

Dawn Hayslett, assistant director of the Ames Public Library, said the library presents a wide variety of programs of interest for ISU students.

She said the library presents a concert series, APL unplugged, one Sunday afternoon every month. The concerts feature artists from a wide range of backgrounds, from folk to jazz. The library also arranges book discussions, Internet classes and general computer use classes. Hayslett said information about all of the library’s programs are in the APL Calendar, available at the library.

Hayslett said getting an Ames Public Library card is simple and free of charge.

“Students need to present a picture ID and anything with a local address. We accept pieces of mail, like a utility bill,” Hayslett said.

Taylor said he had another pleasant surprise when he got his card.

“They asked if I wanted a key chain [library card] or a regular one,” he said. “I figured since I didn’t have a key chain, I’d get one. I bent it in half, and it still works.”

Darci Horton, junior in liberal arts and sciences, is a native of Ames and has had a public library card since she was a child.

“The Ames Public Library has a surprisingly large selection of movies for free. It’s a lot easier to find things there, and I can check out movies and CDs,” Horton said.

Horton said she feels a bit of nostalgia when she goes to the library.

“I remember way back when I went to story time and book reader club,” Horton said. “The Ames Public Library is like a second home to me.”

Hayslett said for many ISU students, choosing the public library is a matter of comfort.

“There is probably an element of comfort in going back to a public library, even when in college,” Hayslett said. “As far as the Parks Library, we don’t even try to compete. But recreationally, we try to serve the whole community, and the students are a part of the community.”