Meet the New dmpl.org

Welcome to the new dmpl.org! The Des Moines Public Library is happy to launch a refreshed website for the first time in six years. We asked you, our users, for feedback, asking how you used the website and what you liked and didn't like about it. Hundreds of you responded, allowing us to build a website that better serves you. It's easier than ever to discover all that we offer and to use our services. With a new calendar, revised menus, and bright, clean layout, the new dmpl.org is something you’ll want to bookmark and visit time and time again. Here are a few of the many things you should know about the new site:

Find an eBook, eAudiobook, and movie on the Stream & Download page

You can take the library with you wherever you go when you borrow an eBook, eAudiobook, or eMagazine or watch a streaming movie on Kanopy. The new Stream & Download page puts all of our eBook, eAudiobook, eMagazine, and streaming video services on one page.

Need an answer to a question? Ask one of our librarians

It's easier than ever to contact us. Whether you want to learn more about an upcoming library program, are looking for information about a business in town, or need help researching something about local history, our librarians are here to help. Just click “Ask a Librarian” on the front page and let our research experts assist you.

Reserve one of our meeting rooms for a special event

For the first time, you can book one of our meeting rooms online. Each Des Moines Public Library location has rooms available to reserve. Our meeting rooms can host large groups, and our study rooms and small conference rooms are great for smaller gatherings. You can see what the rooms look like online and fill out a simple form to get the reservation process started.

An all-new “How Do I” page

We took our most frequently asked questions and put them on one page to make finding the answers easier. If you need to know how to place a hold, pay a fine, or suggest something that you can’t find for our collection, the How Do I page will let you know.

Take a look at the past on our local history page

Our local history page is reorganized so you can discover what we have in our digital collection. Our Flickr albums have preserved fantastic photos from Des Moines' past, dating back to the 19^th century. You can also peruse old Des Moines high school yearbooks and use indexes to find information in old annals.

A redesigned Recommended Reads page

With our new Recommended Reads page, it's a lot more fun to browse our librarians' book suggestions online. Dozens of book covers are laid out across the page, making it easy to see if one sparks your interest. Hover over the book cover to see a description (hold your finger on it on your mobile device) and use the filters and tags to dig into more age and genre-specific recommendations to create your own book lists. Let us help you find your next book!

The redesigned, easy-to-use events calendar

With dozens of events happening at our six locations every week, it can be difficult to keep track of all the great things happening at the library. Thankfully, our new calendar is a lot easier to both read and use. Color-coded tags let you easily identify programs for particular age groups, and the filter settings allow you to quickly sort through programs by branch and program type. Plus, registering for events that require it in advance means just filling out a simple webform. It's all at dmpl.org/events.

A new “Technology” page

Did you know you can print something at the library from your computer at home? Learn about that and more on our Technology page. You’ll find directions and prices for printing and copying, a summary of our public computer and public WiFi policies, and much more.

Our new Rosie the Reader page

We know our reading mascot Rosie is very popular among our families, so she now has her own page on our website! Check out the Rosie page to read a question and answer session with Rosie, download Rosie coloring sheets, and find out how you and your group can meet Rosie as part of our early literacy outreach program, or ask Rosie to visit as part of an outreach request.

We'd love to hear what you think about the website. Spend some time on the site, click around to some of our new pages, and give us your thoughts. Please share your feedback by contacting us at LIB-Marketing@dmpl.org. We look forward to hearing from you!