Find your next read REal People. Real Suggestions.
Our knowledgable staff can help you find your next read! Fill out our form with some information about what you are looking for, and a real person will give you recommendations for books that really exist. www.dmpl.org/bookchat
Recommendations from a real person will take 3-5 business days.
Help us emptry the box by April 3
If you participated in the Tiny Art Show, and haven't picked up your artwork, please visit Central Library to claim it by Friday, April 3.
Tiny Art show A number of mini artworks scattered on a table
🚨 COME GET YOUR ART! We have many artworks from the Tiny Art Show waiting to be picked up at Central Library. As much as we love them, we don't have space to store them.
Holding a sign that says what are you reading
Happy Friday! What are you reading heading into the weekend?
P.S. Marlee we know you love the library. And we love that you miss everything that DMPL has to offer!
We provide people with free access to digital news.
We have hundreds of board games.
We have a laser engraver.
We have a heat press that you could use to make matching t-shirts for your grandma's 80th birthday.
Libraries hold so much more than just books!
We are a hub for community.
We provided a free place for people to access the internet, study, and meet.
We host community fridges to provide easy access to food for community members in need.
We have multiple carpet cleaners that people LOVE to check out. (There are almost always 80+ holds)
According to Merriam-Webster the definition of a library is "a place in which literary, musical, artistic, or reference materials are kept for use." But we are also so much more than that!
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P.S. Marlee we know you love the library. And we love that you miss everything that DMPL has to offer!
We provide people with free access to digital news.
We have hundreds of board games.
We have a laser engraver.
We have a heat press that you could use to make matching t-shirts for your grandma's 80th birthday.
Libraries hold so much more than just books!
We are a hub for community.
We provided a free place for people to access the internet, study, and meet.
We host community fridges to provide easy access to food for community members in need.
We have multiple carpet cleaners that people LOVE to check out. (There are almost always 80+ holds)
Why she loves reading:
"I love reading because it is an escape from reality or an escape to reality and you can learn so many things while reading. It also grows your vocabulary."
Check out her full book list: www.dmpl.org/kids
Why she loves the library:
"I love the library because it has so many books, the librarians are nice and helpful, it's organized, and it's free except for the taxes. There is a place to safely deposit your old electronics, a food pantry for the homeless, and a space for kids to play."
Kid Librarian: March 2026 "The things I love about reading are it’s an escape from reality or your escape to reality...It also grows your vocabulary" —Sophia Description: Sophia sits on the stairs surrounded by books.
Meet our March Kid Librarian Sophia! She is nine years old, and her favorite genre is fantasy. www.dmpl.org/kids
Her favorite books are:
📚️Wings of Fire (books 6, 10, 12, and 15)
📚️Kate the Cat Sitter (books 1-4)
📚️ One Piece.
ASAP Days March Mondays at Forest 4-5 PM: Bust a Move Tuesdays at East 3:30-4:30 PM: Culinary Kids Wednesdays at North 3:30-4:30 PM: Fun with Drawing Thursdays at South 4-5 PM: Watercolor Painting
The Dealt Hand Presents School of Adventure Advanced Placement Tuesday, March 17 | 3-6 PM Central Library
Spring Cleaning Book Sale Monday March 16 Through Saturday, March 21 East Side Library
Seed Starting with Nine Square Feet Saturday, March 14 | 10:30 AM-12 PM Forest Avenue Library
Pride Craftopia Friday, March 13 | 10 AM-12 Pm Central Library
Resources and Guidance for the 2026 Tax Filing Season Location: Zoom Monday, March 9 | 6-7 PM Thursday, March 12 | 12-1 PM
Things to do at DMPL March 12-17
Spring break kicks off Friday, and we have lots of programs to keep kids and families entertained while school is off! From Dungeons & Dragons for teens, to a book sale, seed starting, and more! Explore all things spring break here: www.dmpl.org/spring-break
It’s good to be missed! Maybe you can suggest some additions to your new library.
This VIP Reception with Julia Quinn is presented by Bankers Trust.
Julia Quinn VIP Reception Begins at 5:30 PM April 7, 2026 Hoyt Sherman Place 1501 Woodland Avenue VIP Tickets on Sale March 10, 2026 Des Moines Public Library Foundation Bankers Trust 25 years of AViD
Tickets are now on sale for the VIP reception with Julia Quinn hosted by the Des Moines Public Library Foundation.
This event is a fundraiser that will benefit the Des Moines Public Library Foundation. Tickets are $125. Limit two per person. buff.ly/jPlUV9f
If Monday is Mondaying after the clock change, perk up with a visit to the library!
A bag full of books is like espresso for the soul.
ASAP Days March Mondays at Forest 4-5 PM: Bust a Move Tuesdays at East 3:30-4:30 PM: Culinary Kids Wednesdays at North 3:30-4:30 PM: Fun with Drawing Thursdays at South 4-5 PM: Watercolor Painting
Community Craft Night: Decoupage Frames 2nd Tuesday of the Month 6-7:30 PM North Side Library
Perimenopause and Menopause: Rewriting the narrative Tuesday, March 10 6:30-7:30 PM East Side Library
Swedish Death Cleaning 101 Monday, March 9 6:30-7:30 PM Franklin Avenue Library
Resources and Guidance for the 2026 Tax Filing Season Location: Zoom Monday, March 9 | 6-7 PM Thursday, March 12 | 12-1 PM
