Since beginning in 2009, Ames Golden K has provided children’s books to the Ames Public Library signed by each presenter of a weekly Golden K program. The books are placed in the library’s Children’s Book Section for use by the children of the greater Ames community. Jerri Heid, the library’s Youth Services Manager, has collaborated with Golden K to make this program an outstanding success.

Pictured left to right in the Children’s Section of the Ames Public Library are: Ames Golden K members Don Muff, Jim Penney, Larry Vallery and Pete Peterson as Jerri Heid poses with one of the Golden K donated children’s books.

The children’s books subject matter for Golden K donated books spanning the time frame from 2009 through 2016 include: Juvenile Non-Fiction; Juvenile Graphic Novels; Beginner Readers/EZ to Read Books; Dr. Seuss; Picture Books; and Illustrated Classics.

The 2017 donated books will feature the Caldecott Medal winner book “Radiant Child”, past years Caldecott winners and books that were recognized as “Caldecott Honor Books.”  The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of nineteenth century English Illustrator Randolph Caldecott.  It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.  As of March, 2107, Ames Golden K has donated nearly 500 books to the Ames Public Library children’s section and better than $4,500 to purchase the books.

We are honored to support Jerri and the Ames Public Library as they develop and continuously improve reading opportunities and programs for the kids in the Ames Community, and are pleased to join them in celebrating International Children’s Book Day on April 2.