Winter Weather Closures and Extended Deadlines

All locations of the Des Moines Public Library will open at NOON Tuesday, January 26 for curbside pickup (and computers at Central Library) due to inclement weather. All holds pickup deadlines and due dates have been extended until Wednesday, January 27.

Reduced Services at All DMPL Locations

All Des Moines Public Library locations have reduced in-person services at this time. Browsing will be unavailable, and public computers will only be available at Central Library by appointment. Curbside Pickup will continue at all locations. Go HERE for all the details about this decision and to see our new hours, services, and offerings at each DMPL location.

Brad Meltzer

Brad Meltzer

Thursday, May 14, 7:00 PM, Central Library

Brad Meltzer is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Inner Circle, The Book of Fate, and ten other bestselling thrillers including The Tenth Justice, The First Counsel, The Millionaires, and The President’s Shadow. His 2018 thriller, The Escape Artist, debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. Meltzer is also known for his children's books, as well as his television work, including hosting two History Channel programs – Decoded and Lost History – and was also the creator of the 2004 WB series Jack & Bobby.

In 2019, he published his first nonfiction book, the bestseller The First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington, with Josh Mensch. The book tells the story of an assassination plot against George Washington in 1776 that nearly succeeded. The plot was organized by British officials and figureheads, including William Tryon, the then governor of New York. NPR called the book “excellent, enthralling, and beyond fascinating.” The audiobook version of the novel is a finalist for the 2020 Audie Awards in the History category.

His next book, The Lincoln Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill America's 16th President – and Why It Failed will be released on May 5, 2020. The book details a little-known true story of a foiled assassination attempt against President Lincoln that was to take place as he was on route to his inauguration.

Lincoln Cover

Event Info

  • Admission is free.
  • Doors open at 6:00 PM.
  • Seating is first-come, first-served.
  • Free parking is available:
    • In the Des Moines Public Library parking garage, located on Grand Ave.
    • On the surface lot on the corner of 10th St. and Grand Ave., across from the library.
  • At the end of the program, there will be a question and answer period. A book signing will follow.
  • Books will be available to purchase before and after the program courtesy of Beaverdale Books.

Brad's Books

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