Abby Lee of Ames tells Ames Public Library Director, Lynne Carey, how she likes the new study areas where she can plug in her computer on the table.
AMES, Iowa- For the past year and a half the Ames Public Library has been a store-front operation in a strip mall across from DOT Headquarters. As of September, the Library books and staff have relocated back to it’s original location at 515 Douglas Avenue.
The Library used an $18 million bond issue, $1 million in library bequest gifts, and $1 million in private donations to fund the $20 million project. “We took the original 1904 building, 1940 building, and 1984 additions, and added about 60% more space,” said Lynne Carey who is director of the Ames Public Library. “Our architects did a wonderful job of maintaining historic legacy of the old buildings while adding modern functionality,” said Carey.
The temporary location in the former Hastings store was a time of transition according to Carey. She said that time was used to check out new technology and new roles for employees, to prepare for the new building. “We used the old space as a lab for the new space,” she added.
Carey said the opening the first weekend in September was incredible. “We had 4300 people in three and a half hours,” said Carey. Since then it’s not uncommon for Carey to be stopped by patrons to tell her how much they love the new space and features. “Reaction has been fantastic,” she added.
“I think it’s really amazing,” said Abby Lee of Ames. “It’s really big, not everything is in a small compacted area,” added Lee.
“I love the space I love the children’s library, said Beth Wunder of Ames. “Our kids grew up coming to this library,” she added. She was also glad to see a bit of tradition saved for kids in future years, a little wooden puppet window used for children’s story time.
While the leader of the Ames Public Library loves to hear the compliments, she want’s to know what may not be working as well. “We’re looking for feedback on how things can work better,” said Carey. A representative of the Minneapolis Architect firm which designed the building was in Ames Wednesday to look for any issues in the design.