All DMPL locations are warming centers

All DMPL locations are serving as warming centers during open hours. DART will be providing free rides to designated warming centers through Friday, December 5. Learn more about additional warming centers.

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Des Moines Public Library Names Melissa McCollum as New Library Director

The Des Moines Public Library is pleased to announce that Melissa McCollum has been named the library's next library director. McCollum will begin her new role Monday, February 9.McCollum brings both extensive library experience and deep Des Moines roots to the role. A Des Moines native and product ...

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Beyond the Shelves: 6 Nature Books That Will Change How You See the World

Join us for our first video episode as we explore books celebrating nature and the environment! From Mary Oliver's contemplative essays to fungi's hidden intelligence, we discuss how the natural world intersects with our lives. Plus: library neighborhoods explained, garlic-scented books (!), and Rea...

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Beyond The Shelves: Horror for Scaredy Cats

Sarah and Jes discuss books that will put you in the mood for spooky season but aren't that scary.

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Beyond The Shelves: Pocket-Sized Powerhouses

Sarah and Jes highlight eight short books under 200 pages to power through the DMPL reading challenge bingo, promote the fall author series, discuss a new bookstore in town, and a new app to track your reading.  Apple Podcasts/iTunes | Spotify | Podbean | D...

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Beyond the Shelves: Book Club - 'The Phoenix Pencil Company'

On the latest episode of Beyond the Shelves, Jes and Sarah are discussing what they liked and didn't like about The Phoenix Pencil Company, by Allison King.(Please note - this episode was recorded in early July) Apple Podcasts/iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | Download th...

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Beyond the Shelves: Summer Lovin'

The latest episode of Beyond the Shelves is all about love! Jes and Sarah discuss the new queer romances they're most excited for this summer. Apple Podcasts/iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | Download the episode |&nbs...

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How The Library Helped Melanie Jacobs Grow Her Art Business with Some Purr-fect Buttons

This is the first in a collection of stories about the ways people use the library and the ways the library has made someone's life better. Click here to learn more about library advocacy and to share your library story.Thwap. Thwap. Thwap. The button maker sounds through the library’s Tech Central ...

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Beyond the Shelves: Summer Reading Preview

On the newest episode of Beyond the Shelves, Jes and Sarah chat about this summer's biggest releases and the books they're most excited about. As you might have guessed, they are not necessarily the same thing! Plus, find out which host is a vampire girlie and which is a werewolf girlie. Appl...

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Beyond the Shelves: A History of Chick Lit

On this month's podcast, Jes and Sarah talk about the history of Chick Lit - how it started (Bridget Jones's Diary), how the genre was covered in the press, and what new types of books have spawned from it today. Apple Podcasts/iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | St...

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DMPL Director Susan A. Woody To Retire on June 30

After 21 years of public service, Des Moines Public Library Director Susan A. Woody has announced she is retiring. Her last day at the library will be Monday, June 30.Woody, a Des Moines native, has served as Library Director since June 2018. During that time, she has overseen several successful pro...

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Beyond the Shelves: Book Club #1, 'Harlem Rhapsody', and Other Fun News

The Beyond the Shelves first ever Book Club episode is live! This month, Jes and Sarah both read Harlem Rhapsody, by Victoria Christopher Murray. They discuss the historical fiction novel about Jessie Redman Fauset, a real life figure dubbed "midwife of the Harlem Renaissance," and her rel...

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Beyond the Shelves: Library Lovers Month

Jes and Sarah are talking about loving your library during this month's episode of Beyond the Shelves! After talking about unique library services and the best ways you can support your library, they talk about some of their favorite books that feature libraries. Then they dig into a busy Book Bulle...

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Beyond the Shelves: Books That Bring Us Joy

We're in the dead of winter - the perfect time get cozied up in an armchair and read a fun book. This month, Jes and Sarah are talking about books (and TV shows) that bring them during these cold, dark days. The hosts conveniently have grouped their selections into different tropes and categories to...

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A New Look at the North Side Library

A facelift at the North Side Library has brightened the library and is creating new, memorable experiences for people of all ages.If you've been to the North Side Library in the past several months, you've probably noticed tarps, caution signs, wet walls, and other signs of a remodel in progress. Th...

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Beyond the Shelves: Best of 2024

Jes and Sarah are discussing the best of 2024 in the last Beyond the Shelves episode of the year! They go through some of books mentioned on several best of lists, and then give their own top 3 books of the year. Listen to the podcast on YouTube   Apple Podcasts/iTunes | ...

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