We 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 More'Tis the season for cheesy holiday movies from Hallmark to Netflix to Apple TV and more! There are some wild titles out there from You, Me, & The Christmas Trees to The Santa Stakeout to A Royal Queens Christmas and more. In the spirit of the season we made a list of 25 of our favorite feel-good...
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 MoreIowa Author Award Honoree Heather Gudenkauf is the latest guest on the DMPL Podcast! She discusses her newest book, The Overnight Guest, as well as her 14-year career. Gudenkauf is one of three honorees at the 2022 Iowa Author Awards Dinner, which takes place Friday, October 14, at 6:30 PM ...
Read MoreThis month for Binge-then-Read we are covering books to read if you have been enjoying the Amazon original series Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. The DMPL Book Chat team has put together a list of epic fantasy novels that immerse you in far away lands, magic, quests, and impeccable storytelli...
Read MoreThis week we asked our staff to share some of their favorite Banned Books on our TikTok and Instagram Reels. We compiled the list of their recommendations below for you to add to your holds list. ...
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 MoreThis month Amazon Prime released the TV adaptation of the classic movie A League of Their Own. If you are loving watching the Rockford Peaches and the story of the women's baseball league, or are a fan of the original movie this book list is for you! The following books have everything we love about...
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 More