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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 ...

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Staff Favorite Reads of 2023

The year is coming to a close and here are some of the books DMPL librarians and staff read and loved in 2023. Find a new favorite book from expert recommendations. For even more recommendations from our team take a listen to the latest episode of Beyond The Shelves, where Sarah and Jes shared th...

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Beyond the Shelves - Best of 2023

On the latest episode of the DMPL Podcast, hosts Jess and Sarah talk about their favorite books of 2023, as well as some of the most common books on the best of 2023 lists across the book media sphere. Apple Podcasts/iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Stitcher ...

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Holiday Shopping with Consumer Reports

Searching for holiday gifts can feel like a hassle any year. Make sure you're getting your loved ones a great product at a good price by checking out Consumer Reports online, free with your library card. Consumer Reports is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a fair, just, and saf...

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Meet Our New Social Worker: Ashlan Lippert

This fall, Ashlan Lippert started her new job as Community Resource Specialist and the first on-staff social worker at the Des Moines Public Library.  In the two months since, Ashlan has met with more than 130 patrons in need of assistance, secured the donation of a community fridge for Cent...

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DMPL Podcast: Andrew Sean Greer

Andrew Sean Greer, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Less, its sequel Less is Lost, and four other novels, is the keynote speaker at this year's 23rd annual Iowa Author Awards Dinner. He speaks with host Aaron Gernes about the surprise that is winning the Pulitzer Prize, what it's like...

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Beyond the Shelves - Spooky Season

On this month's Beyond the Shelves, Jes and Sarah are talking all things spooky season. They discuss some of their favorite horror movies and TV shows and the book adaptations that go along with them. Apple Podcasts/iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Stitcher&n...

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Beyond the Shelves: Back to School

Jes and Sarah are taking us back to middle school this month! They're talking about some of their favorite books from when they were in middle school and giving you some readalikes for those books today! Apple Podcasts/iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Stitcher&nb...

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Community Spotlight: Anna Ramirez

Anna Ramirez picks up two picture books and sits on a chair in the Central Library children’s Area. Before her, a group of four-year-olds sit in anticipation of hearing a story. Her mother, Micaela, stands off to the side watching proudly. Anna is on the Autism spectrum, and until she was seven, ...

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Beyond the Shelves: Beach Reads

We're talking Vacation Reads on the newest episode of Beyond the Shelves! Jes and Sarah are talking about what makes a great vacation read, as well as some great "escapism" books if you can't get out on vacation for awhile. Plus, what they're reading, best bets, and first dibs! Apple Podc...

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Beyond the Shelves: Book Jockeys

Jes and Sarah are joined by special guest Paige on the latest episode of Beyond the Shelves! This month they're talking all about being a librarian - why they became one, what their day-to-day is like, and they share some fun stories about working on the floor. Apple Podcasts/iTunes |&nb...

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Beyond the Shelves Episode 5: Pride Month Picks

Jes and Sarah are back and celebrating Pride with a super-sized episode! They'll share some of their favorite joyful LGBTQIA+ related titles in a variety of genres. Plus, here what they're reading right now, and stick around for a couple new segments - First Dibs and Best Bets. Don't forget -...

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Beyond the Shelves Episode 5: Pride Month Picks

Jes and Sarah are back and celebrating Pride with a super-sized episode! They'll share some of their favorite joyful LGBTQIA+ related titles in a variety of genres. Plus, here what they're reading right now, and stick around for a couple new segments - First Dibs and Best Bets. Apple Podcasts...

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Planting a "Three Sisters" Garden

A special program series this summer aims to help participants broaden their plant-based recipe repertoire by learning to cook with what are known in some indigenous communities as the “three sisters.” Those food items – corn, beans, and squash – are staples in Mexican cuisine which grow w...

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