Tutorials

Learn new skills at the library:

Hand on laptop keyboard One-on-One Adobe Design sessions are designed to help you gain confidence using Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, or Illustrator. Check our calendar to register for a specific date. Registration is required for a one hour session.
Microphone

One-on-One Audio Recording sessions get you set up to record with our equipment and the free-to-use recording software, Audacity, as well as provide some tips and tricks for best recording practices. Appointments available on select Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Check our calendar to register for a specific date.

Independent Podcast Studio use is also available any time Queset House is open to the public. 

Hands pointing at computer screen One-on-One with a Librarian sessions provide dedicated time for technology or research assistance from one of our librarians. Please fill out this form to request an appointment. Registration is required for a half hour session.
Cricut Maker3 on desk with blurred room in background One-on-One Cricut Design sessions are currently on hiatus.
Microphone

One-on-One Podcasting sessions are currently on hiatus.

Janome MyStyle sewing machine with sewing odds & ends around presser foot

One-on-One Sewing Machine Basics sessions are currently on hiatus.

 

Learn new skills from home:

Brainfuse HelpNow logo Brainfuse HelpNow offers on-demand, personalized tutoring for K-12 students and adult learners! All free with your Ames Free Library card. Get high-quality help from tutors in core subjects (math, reading, science, and social studies), academic and standardized test prep (including the new GED and the new SAT), and career-related topics such as resume and cover letter-writing, and Microsoft Office training. College-bound students can get help filling out the FAFSA. In the Writing Lab, you can submit your papers for review and feedback. U.S. Citizenship Test prep and Spanish-speaking support are available. For those wanting to learn a new hobby, you can also connect with qualified chess tutors. Live help is available every day from 2 p.m. - 11 p.m. EST.
Brainfuse JobNow logo Brainfuse JobNow is an innovative service that features expert resume assistance, live interview preparation, career coaching, career resources and more.
Creative Bug Creativebug offers thousands of video courses on a wide variety of art and craft topics. Learn to doodle or paint, level up your knitting skills, or find a craft to keep the kids busy for the afternoon. There are courses for every skill level.
Library Chef Logo Library Chef is an online cooking platform designed for adults and kids of all skill levels. The platform offers five live classes each month (three for adults, one for kids ages 5-9, and one for kids ages 10 and up) in addition to an on-demand library of past live classes and skill building video tutorials. Sponsored by the Friends of the Ames Free Library.
LinkedIn Learning LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) is a leading online learning company that helps anyone learn business, software, technology and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals. Through individual, corporate, academic and government subscriptions, members have access to the LinkedIn Learning video library of engaging, top-quality courses taught by recognized industry experts. For an introduction and tutorial about LinkedIn Learning, visit our Niche Academy Tutorials page.
Mango With over 70 world languages for you to learn at your own pace (including English), Mango will prepare you for realistic conversations and strengthen everyday communication skills. For an introduction and instructions on Mango Languages, visit our Niche Academy Tutorials page.
 Niche Niche Academy provides video tutorials on how to use the Ames Free Library's digital library services (such as Libby, Hoopla, and LinkedIn Learning), as well as general services like Zoom, Facebook and Gmail.