Literature and Books

Communications and Mass Media (Gale OneFile) provides access to academic journals and magazines focusing on all aspects of the communications field. Key subjects covered in the database include advertising and public relations, literature and writing, linguistics, and more.

TumbleBooks are animated, talking picture books which teach kids the joy of reading in a format they'll love. TumbleBooks are created by taking existing picture books, adding animation, sound, music and narration to produce an electronic picture book which you can read, or have read to you. For an introduction and instructions on using Tumblebooks, visit our Tutorials page.

Looking for your next book? Find expert read-alike recommendations and search for books by genre, appeal and award winners. For an introduction and instructions on using NoveList, visit our Tutorials page.

Quickly and easily connect to the Ames Free Library's Grey House, Salem Press and Reference Shelf titles, which span multiple subjects: literature, history, and health (including resource guides for individuals with chronic illness and disabilities).

Lightbox is a dynamic, interactive non-fiction resource for preK and elementary aged students. Books for younger students include read-aloud options, or you can skip the read-aloud and advance pages at your own pace. These books also include interactive maps, videos, and links to related websites embedded right into each book. You can also check your reading with reflection or comprehension questions, a quiz or worksheet activities throughout the book. If you like experiencing stories on Tumblebooks, you'll love learning facts with Lightbox!