Travel writer Sara Broers joins the DMPL Podcast today to discuss here 2022 book, 100 Things to Do in Iowa Before You Die. Sara talks about how she chose the items in her book, her favorite Iowa hidden gems, and what you should do in order to find some off-the-map hidden treasures when you trave...
Read MoreWelcome to Beyond the Shelves, a new podcast hosted by the Des Moines Public Library! This podcast is hosted by DMPL Librarians Brooklyn and Jes, both of whom are on the Book Chat team. In this first episode, they introduce themselves and talk about their reading goals this year, while also providin...
Read MoreWe all want children to have the skills they need to succeed in school and life. That’s where the Simple Steps to Success initiative comes into play. The program, which began in 2017, aims to increase awareness of the pre-literacy skills of reading, writing, singing, playing, and talking. We provide...
Read MoreThe latest episode of the DMPL Podcast features Des Moines author Sean Adams. Sean wrote the 2020 acclaimed novel The Heap, and released his newest novel, The Thing in the Snow, this month. He's also the moderator for the upcoming author visit from Stephen Markley. Markley recently release...
Read MoreLast night our Book Chat Librarians shared their favorite books of 2022 with a group at the Franklin Avenue Library. If you were unable to join us due to weather or other extenuating circumstances we have shared each of their lists blow. Rebecca Cloud, South Side Library Migrat...
Read MoreDo you love to read the book before you see the movie or TV show? Our team put together a list of the books being turned into movies and TV shows in the first half of 2023. So you can get reading before you turn on the TV or head to the theater. Please note we are listing books and movies w...
Read MoreVictor D.O. Santos, author of several children's books, including My Dad, My Rock, joins the DMPL Podcast today. Victor will be taking part in the Des Moines Public Library's Iowa Author Series this Thursday, November 17. The program begins at 5:30 PM at the Central Library and is free to all! On...
Read MoreCrashing waves, falling leaves, a shadowy forest - books that provide a strong sense a place are what we're talking about on the latest episode of the DMPL Podcast. Book Chat team member Rebecca talks about three new books that she thinks of when she thinks "atmosphere." Apple Podcasts/iTunes...
Read MoreThis week is Banned Books Week! Veronica Fowler, the ACLU of Iowa Communications Director, joins us to discuss Banned Books and the Freedom to Read. This is one of many things happening at the library this week celebrating the Freedom to Read. Check out our social media accounts, including Instag...
Read MoreEach year, the American Library Association releases their list of the 10 most challenged books. The ALA tracks challenges to library, school, and university materials each year as part of their work to ensure free access to information. In 2021, 1,597 books were targeted for various reasons - the 1...
Read MoreRachel Mans McKenny, author of The Butterfly Effect, is the newest guest on the DMPL Podcast! Rachel stopped by as she gets ready to appear at the Iowa Author Spotlight Series on Thursday, September 15, at 5:30 PM at the Central Library. The Butterfly Effect was selected as the 2022 A...
Read MoreAViD author Karin Slaughter joins host Aaron Gernes on the newest episode of the DMPL Podcast! Karin will be in Des Moines on Wednesday, August 24, at 7:00 PM as part of the AViD series. Her best selling novels include Cop Town, Pretty Girls, The Good Daughter, and Pieces of Her, amon...
Read MoreHappy Iowa State Fair Season! To celebrate our Book Chat Librarians made recommendations for books you might like based on your favorite fair foods and activities. Keep reading and let us know on social media which books you will be checking out. If at the Iowa State Fair you love: ...
Read MoreWhat's the "spark" that shaped the lives of our local leaders? Each month, librarian Elizabeth Hoover de Galvez as they share their "Spark Story," the specific experience that sparked them to create change in the community. In addition, we’ll hear details about the work they are doing and what keeps...
Read MoreIt's State Fair time, and the latest episode of the DMPL Podcast is sure to make you hungry to head to the fairgrounds. Kay Fenton Smith is the author of Baking Blue Ribbons: Stories and Recipes from the Iowa State Fair Food Competitions. Smith and host Aaron Gernes talk about what happens duri...
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