I fly through books fast. This library has a huge variety of titles. The online system is very easy…read moreto use, I love being able to reserve books and quickly pick up. You can extend your check out also(not if the book is already reserved) Popular titles they did a great job of having multiples. When I have more time I love looking through their new section and some of their curated tables on the second floor. Lots and lots of seating area, and a great areas for kiddos.

I've always loved this library. Being the only library in Ames, where I grew up, it was always fun…read morebecause you would always run into a friend. A few years ago they remodeled and while it looks completely different, it's still lovely in every way. We've brought our toddler here many times since he was born and the play area is perfect and so kid friendly. We also did an escape room with our 6 yo niece last week during the holidays and that was also fun. I found a ton of music here, too, growing up and just have the best memories at this library.

A great public library! 2 floors full of books, computers and activities. They have an amazing…read morechildren's area with books, videos for checkout, games, and play area. Upstairs they have non-fiction and quiet adult spaces perfect for reading or studying. They have ample library staff who are also very friendly and helpful. The library is clean and well kept.

Lovely library. I have absolutely no complaints…read more Online system makes it really easy to find the books you're looking for. Just go to their website, use their Catalog, and look up to see if they have the book/movie you want - and where it is and whether it's checked out. Makes it really easy to plan ahead and grab and go when I get there. Books are all on an electric system. Scan your library card, put the books on the scanner, and it'll check them out to you. Really simple and much faster than waiting in line. Books are usually in great condition. Definitely readable and very rarely torn up. DVDs have been hit or miss. We've always reported bad ones to librarians, though, so I hope they take that seriously and replace or remove unworking ones from circulation. There's also an interior Used bookstore in the library (the only one in town, I think?), but I've never been in there. The staff are super fun and welcoming, and while patrons aren't always super-quiet, most are respectful, and I've never seen any librarian need to quiet someone down. The children's area is pretty close to the front of the library, though, so if you require complete silence, I'd recommend one of the upper floor areas away from the kid's section. Parking is a private lot right outside the building. There are usually spots here as most Main Street customers seem to respect the library as patron-only. It's possible to drive up and drop someone off right by the door if you'd like. There's also an afterhours/outdoor item drop as well. Plus, there's the fact that the Library is right next to downtown. Return a book you checked out and then go walk a couple blocks to enjoy lunch at a small business. Win-win! The library also has a family/gender-neutral bathroom as well.

Love our library It is a great place to go and immerse…read moreyourself in peace and quiet . Books, coffee place to sit and relax with your book. Dee is great, very helpful and willing to get you what you want if they dont already have the book you are searching for.

For a small town library it is really up to date on everything. It is very clean, the staff is…read morefriendly and helpful and I would recommend this library to everyone!! I use it all the time!

Managers are rude and entitled. I volunteered once to run a program feee of charge, I was treated…read morebadly, made me feel like they were doing me a favor when it was the other way around. Many employees are not friendly. Toxic place.

Excellent selection of books! They always have all the latest releases in right away. Some of the…read moreemployees are rude when you ask them for help, hence the reason for the 4 stars.

WOW! The Law Library looks straight out of a fairytale. I swear it looks like the inspiration for…read moreBelle's library in Beauty and the Beast. The gorgeous murals and senate chambers were also impressive. We stopped here on a whim during a recent road trip and were pleasantly surprised by its grandeur and beauty. They offered a free tour, but we opted for a self guided tour instead so we could go on our own pace. We came on a Friday afternoon and someone who worked there told us it's the best day to visit since the place is so busy Mon-Thurs when legislators are in session, that it's often difficult to find a parking spot. But on this quiet Friday morning, we parked in the front row and had no line in front of us as we went through the security metal detector.

My visits to state capitols are few and far between, but after visiting the Iowa State Capitol, I…read morewant to make a point of visiting more whenever I travel to other states. My son started attending law school in Des Moines and so I was trying to see what the city has to offer. Visiting the capitol building was one of the things that kept popping up on things to do. We decided to check it out on a Saturday and luckily they do guided tours which I highly recommend. Completed in 1886, they have done a remarkable job preserving this place and showcasing it's beauty. It sits on top of a hill and offers great views of the city from every side. One of the first things you notice from the outside is the gold dome. The ornate outside facade carries inside where it is just as beautiful. You'll notice intricate wood decor as well as marble, gold and other beautiful materials. You can visit the historic supreme court chambers and see all the offices of state officials. The law library is by far my favorite part of the building. I felt like I was in some movie like Harry Potter or something. You have to see it in person to really comprehend the beauty. The wood and gold along with the spiraling staircases and law books stacked to the high ceiling was cool to see. If you aren't afraid of heights, you can take a long winding staircase at the top of the dome. We were one of the last tours so we didn't really get to really take our time and soak in all this place has to offer. I will most definitely come back next time I am in town visiting the kiddo. It was absolutely something I did not expect to see deep in the Midwest.

I don't live here. But I love this library. It's open and airy and feels like a bookstore that I…read morewant to spend the day in, but would feel guilty doing so and not buying something. But. This is a library! I can scan the new arrivals, curl up in a chair, ask a friendly "salesperson", I mean librarian, a question and hang out all day. Love it. Now. If only they sold coffee and tea.

Nothing fancy. It is a library. They moved from their old building to a brand new one. Nice part…read morelots of computers to use. Just doesn't seem like there are that many books..... I guess because I grew up in a bigger town and their library was almost double the size.