Adventure Pass temporarily shut down in 2025

Due to software issues affecting all libraries using the service, the Iowa Adventure Pass program will temporarily shut down in 2025. Any reservation already made for 2025 will be honored, but we encourage anyone with a current reservation to print those passes immediately. Customers can still make new reservations for passes that must be used by December 31, 2024. The service will return at a later time. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Weather update for 12/14/2024

All locations of the Des Moines Public Library will be open normal hours Saturday, December 14, and all locations will serve as emergency warming shelters during open hours.

Man From the Train: Solving the Villisca Axe Murders

Program Type:

Author Visits

Age Group:

Adults

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Registration for this event is no longer open.

Event Details

Fans of true crime and local history will be familiar with the Villisca Axe Murders of June 10, 1912. Eight people were murdered in a single night, and the killer was never found.

In recognition of the 109th anniversary of the crime, hear from an researcher who believes she's found the solution. In the book, The Man from the Train, Rachel McCarthy James and her father, Bill James, uncover one of the deadliest serial killers in America and tie him to the Villisca murders. Rachel will present their findings and answer audience questions.