Des Moines Public Library

@desmoineslibrary.bsky.social

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We inform and inspire the curious www.dmpl.org

DMPL Staff Picks Rain of Shadows and Endings by Melissa Roehrich "This series is a dark, fantasy romance where you have no idea who will end up being a protagonist or villain. The kind of characters you love to hate and hate to love. Melissa Roehrich writes EPIC world fantasies that I highly recommend! How they all intersect is amazing to me." —Haley
DMPL Staff Picks on Libby 5 Audiobooks and eBooks our staff recommend!
Kid Librarian August 2026 poster for Des Moines Public Library showing a smiling child holding two books in a library aisle, with speech bubbles saying they love reading to learn cool things and that their favorite memory is browsing Who HQ books.
Things to do at DMPL August 3-9 Arrow to the right
Summer Reading June 6-August 1, 2026 Des Moines Public Library and Des Moines Public Library Foundation
We Want to Hear From You As the City of Des Moines works to solve a $12 million FY28 Budget gap, we want to hear how Des Moines Residents and business owners prioritize potential budget savings options through this online budget solution exercise. This digital exercise is for Des Moines residents and Business owners only, and will remain open through July 31. Results will be published in early August. Learn more and take the survey at DSM.city/budget
Two people stand next to a battery recycling station in the south side library.
The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds Based on Homer’s epic poem If the epic poem is intimidating, check out the graphic novel! With bold imagery and an ear tuned to the music of Homer’s epic poem, Gareth Hinds reinterprets the ancient classic as it’s never been told before.
Ithaca by Claire North From multi-award-winning author Claire North comes a daring reimagining of the story of Penelope, famed wife of Odysseus, that breathes life into ancient myth and gives voice to the women who stand defiant in a world ruled by ruthless men.
Graphic titled "Binge then Read: The Odyssey" for Des Moines Public Library, showing waves crashing against a rocky shore with a large black arrow pointing right and the library logo in the lower-right.
Fax Services Ending at the Des Moines Public Library
Poster for Des Moines Public Library's Fall Author Series 2026 listing Eloisa James (Sept 15, 7 PM), William Kent Krueger (Oct 2, 6:30 PM), and Craig Johnson (Oct 28, 7 PM), decorated with autumn leaves and book illustrations.
Corkboard display promoting Des Moines Public Library enamel pins: a teal circle reads "Wear your library love" surrounded by six illustrated library-branch pins and sticky notes reading "$5 Enamel Pins", "Only available at DMPL locations", and "Limited Edition."
Join the waitlist Learn to sculpt Butter with Sarah Pratt Monday July 27 | 5 PM and 6:30 PM After hours laser tag and Nerf Party Friday, July 31 Franklin Avenue Library 7-9 PM
Things to do at DMPL July 27-August 2 with an arrow to the right
Bright poster promoting Des Moines Public Library's Summer Reading program (June 6–August 1, 2026), showing a colorful open book with rainbow pages and stars above bold "SUMMER READING" text.
Houseplant propagation station at Franklin Avenue Library displaying numbered hanging glass vials with plant cuttings on a green board, plus instructional signs, labels, and forms on the counter for borrowing, swapping, and recording cuttings.
All DMPL locations serving as cooling centers during open hours.
Fall Author Series 2026 poster for Des Moines Public Library reading "Announcement Coming Soon," .
Open library book with a perforated red date-due card in a pocket labeled The Public Library of Des Moines, showing stamped checkouts with due dates ending June 9, 1965; yellow caption reads "Last checked out: May 26, 1965 Returned: July 17, 2026," highlighting a decades-late return.
Green speckled camping mug held in front of blurred bookshelves, featuring a cabin-and-trees emblem and the words "Camp Read S'more" and "Des Moines Public Library" as a library promotional mug.
A screenshot of a threads post that reads "The library has something for everyone... Audiobooks on Libby to entertain bikers as they traverse the state. Books and more for all of the indoor cats who prefer the comfort of air conditioning in the middle of July."
ASAP Days July Monday at Forest | 4-5 PM | Patch Making Tuesday at East | 3:30-4:30 PM | Breaking Wednesday at North | 3:30-4:30 PM | Pen and Ink Thursday at South | 4-5 PM | Anime and Manga
Build and Play a Pipe Organ Thursday, July 23, 2:20-3:30 PM, Forest Avenue Library
Things to do at DMPL July 20-26 with an arrow pointing to the right
A woman holds an upcycled t-shirt tote bag
Face painting program
A wildlife educator holds a perched owl while giving an indoor presentation to seated children and a parent leaning in to listen.
All DMPL locations serving as cooling centers during open hours.
Poster for a Des Moines Public Library workshop: Learn to sculpt butter with Sarah Pratt on Monday, July 27 with sessions at 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM at Central Library; registration required at dmpl.org/events; photo shows Sarah Pratt smiling beside a life‑size butter cow sculpture.
A short story contest sposored by Des Moines Public Library and Little Village After the Storm: Submissions due August 31 at 12 PM.
Puzzle Exchange Saturday, July 25 2-3 PM Franklin Avenue Library
Editing 101 Wednesday, July 15, 5:30-6:30 PM Central Library
Things to do at DMPL July 13-19 With an arrow pointing to the right
Volunteers standing around tables assembling hygiene kits in a community room, with a large "Thank you!" banner at the top and a colorful graphic reading "Community Project: Hygiene Kits" in the corner.
Letter-board display reading "WHAT ARE YOU READING?" placed on a library shelf between colorful book spines.
A child smiles holding her prize in the library
A New Short Story contest coming soon Theme reveal: July 13 Des Moines Public Library and Little Village
A Taste of Tarot + Tarot Journaling Saturday, July 11 | 2-3:30 PM South Side Library
Hamilton Sing-Along and Crafts Thursday, July 9 | 2-6 PM East Side Library
Things to do at DMPL July 8-12 Arrow to the right
Preparing Early for FY28 Public Budget Discussion with City Manager Scott Sanders Get Involved at DSM.City/Budget Sharing our financial outlook for FY2028 and answering your questions about service levels Thursday, July 9 @ 6 PM Central Library (1000 Grand Ave) Get Involved at DSM.city/Budget
kids holding their prizes
The Franklin Avenue Library Pickup Window is back open! Thank you for your patience during the heat wave.
Iowa Weather Phenomenon Wednesday, July 8 3:45-4:30 PM South Side Library
Things to do at DMPL July 6-8
Library Closed July 3 & 4, 2026
Now that we have your attention don't forget all DMPL locations will be closed on July 3 & 4.
A goalie saving the day with the words "Finding your library book on the day it is due."