Adventure Pass Changes in 2025

Due to software issues affecting all libraries using the service, the Des Moines Public Library’s Iowa Adventure Pass program will no longer be available 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 make new reservations for passes that must be used by December 31, 2024. We hope to reintroduce the service at a later time, and we apologize for the inconvenience. 

7 Ways to Use the Library Over the Holidays

The library is here for you and your family over the holiday break! You know, of course, that you can find books you love at the library, but we have lots of other items you can use while the family is home. The list below will help keep everyone happy and active during the next few weeks.

Don't forget - we have two New Year's Eve-themed parties for kids over the break! There is one at the Franklin Avenue Library on December 29, and one at the East Side Library on December 30. Stop by for some fun!


Simple Steps Kit #3

1. STEM Kits
STEM Kits are a whole backpack worth of fun! Each kit contains a selection of books, games, and toys selected by our youth librarians to inspire learning and fun. Each kit is built for a specific age group and covers a fun topic, such as shapes, space, or seasons. These kits are a great way to inject some new fun into the holidays.

Find them on the shelves at your local DMPL location.


 

Vox books

2. Wonderbooks/Vox books
Wonderbooks and Vox books are physical books that have an audiobook attached to them. Just hit play, and kids can read along to some of their favorite books. The controls are easy to use, and audio can be played aloud and through a headphone jack. These books include both picture and beginner chapter books. 

Find them on the shelves at your local DMPL location.


 

Launchpads

3. Launchpads
The library’s launchpads are special, pre-loaded tablets that feature games and apps grouped together by themes and subject areas, like reading, building, and math. They’ll have fun solving puzzles and reading interactive stories designed for their age level, keeping them occupied with a learning experience in the car or while you’re busy getting ready around the house. 

Find them on the shelves at your local DMPL location.


 

Library of Things

4. Library of Things
Borrow the bubble machine and have a dance party at home, or take home our ladder toss set and set up a competition in your backyard or basement. Grab some of the cookie cutters and make fun dinosaur cookies at home. There’s so much on offer, so be sure to check it out.

Head to the Library of Things catalog page to browse through the items currently available and place one on hold to be sent to your local location.


 

Libby Cooking magazines

5. Use eMagazines to craft or bake together
Speaking of baking - have you checked out the library’s eMagazine collection on Libby? It features more than 5,000 digital versions of magazines, including almost 200 cooking and crafting titles. These eMagazines are always available to checkout – there’s never wait – and include favorites like Bon Appétit, Taste of home, and Food Network Magazine. Just click borrow on your digital device and find a recipe to make together!

Find eMagazines on your Libby app or by browsing our Overdrive page.


 

Board Games

6. Board Games
Settle in for a game night with help from the library! The library offers dozens of board games you can take home and play, including several meant for people of all ages. With more than 100 games in our collection, you’re bound to find an old favorite or a new challenge. 

Find a game you want to try in our catalog, and place it on hold to have it sent to your home library.


 

DVDs

7. Free DVDs
Make it a movie night! Check out the library’s DVD collection and bring home some movies for the whole family to watch. Remember – it’s free to checkout DVDs from the library! The library has more than 14,000 DVDs in their collection, including more than 2,000 DVDs in our children’s collection. Find a few you’ll love and get the popcorn ready!

There are always DVDs on the shelves at your local DMPL branch, and you can place them on hold through the catalog as well.

 

Published on December 21, 2023
Last Modified November 23, 2024