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DMPL Podcast: Series Starters

On the latest DMPL Podcast, host Aaron Gernes chats with Haley, a Book Chat librarian, about series starters - books that are the first titles in their respective series. Apple Podcasts/iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Stitcher | Podbean | Dow...

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Q&A: Pop Artist Michael Albert

After a successful program last month, pop artist Michael Albert is back in Des Moines next Friday, July 22 to present two different programs. This second visit in Des Moines is part of his Summer Pop Art Tour, where he's hosting 120 programs in 9 states over 65 days! His program at the North Side L...

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DMPL Podcast: Local Author Beth Hoffman

On the latest episode of the DMPL Podcast, host Aaron Gernes sits down with Beth Hoffman, author of Bet the Farm: The Dollars and Sense of Growing Food in America. The book traces the journey Beth and her husband have taken as they started farming on a 5th generation family farm in south centra...

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Chuy Renteria, author of 'We Heard It When We Were Young'

Author Chuy Renteria joins the DMPL Podcast to talk about his memoir, We Heard It When We Were Young. The book details Chuy's life growing up Mexican-American in West Liberty, Iowa, the first minority-majority town in Iowa. During the talk, Chuy and host Aaron Gernes talk about his experie...

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DMPL Podcast: Romance Read Recs from Book Chat

On today's DMPL Podcast, Sarah from the Book Chat team is talking about some of her favorite recent romance reads. Listen to the podcast, and then be sure to come to Meet Cute, Book Chat's romance event on Wednesday, June 15!  Apple Podcasts/iTunes | Google Play | Spo...

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Books on Trauma

Several recent events have, including the tragic shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde, have brought to light the importance of talking to children about traumatic events. Our Book Chat team has put together a list of books - fiction and nonfiction, for kids, teens, and adults, that can help you discuss t...

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DMPL Podcast: AViD Author Jason Mott

AViD Author Jason Mott joins us on the newest episode of the DMPL Podcast! During this chat, he talks about the development of Hell of a Book, including when how the special cameo by Nic Cage came to be. He also talks about the book's amazing reception and what surprising nonfiction topic he en...

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The 10 Most Challenged Books of 2021

The American Library Association recently revealed their list of the 10 most challenged books of 2021. 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. ...

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Money Smart Week at DMPL

Budgeting, building credit, getting the most out of your trip to the grocery store - these are important personal finance skills, but they can also seem overwhelming. It doesn't have to be, though! The Des Moines Public Library is teaming up with the Financial Empowerment Center in Des Moines for a ...

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Storytimes Return!

Gather round at your local branch, because in-person storytimes are back at the Des Moines Public Library! After nearly two years of virtual storytimes, take-home activities, and passive events, our librarians are back telling tales and singing songs to kids and families in our own locations. Hundre...

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DMPL Podcast: AViD Author Angeline Boulley

The newest episode of the DMPL Podcast features Angeline Boulley, author of the hit novel Firekeeper's Daughter. Boulley chats with host Aaron Gernes about the whirlwind of a year she's had since her book was released to rave reviews from both the professional press and readers. She also discus...

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15 Books You Should Read This Spring

Spring is on its way! Warmer temperatures, more daylight, and just enough rainy days to keep things interesting - all great excuses to read a book, whether relaxing outside or curling up on the couch as showers create flowers outside. These fifteen books, by well-known authors as well as new voic...

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DMPL Podcast: AViD Author Brad Meltzer

AViD author Brad Meltzer joins us on the latest episode of the DMPL Podcast! Brad will be kicking off the AViD series on Thursday, March 17, at 7:00 PM at the Central Library. But before coming to town, he comes on the podcast to discuss how excited he is to be back on the road again. He also talks ...

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DMPL Podcast: Reading Challenge Suggestions

The DMPL Podcast returns with Book Chat team member Carrie! She's chatting about books she loves that fulfill one or more categories of the 2022 Reading Challenge. If you haven't signed up for the Reading Challenge, do so now! It's a great chance to win books and win prizes in the process. Ap...

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