DMPL closed Sunday, March 31

All locations of the Des Moines Public Library will be closed Sunday, March 31 for the Easter holiday.

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Books to Read for Refugee Awareness Month

In honor of Refugee Awareness Month, the June bonus category for the 2022 DMPL Reading Challenge is " A book featuring the story of an immigrant or refugee."  On June 20, 2022 the Des Moines Public Library is thrilled to be partnering with Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa for their World Refuge...

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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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Binge-then-Read: Ozark

The Netflix drama Ozark follows the story of Marty Byrde, a financial advisor, and his family, who are wrapped up in laundering money for a Mexican drug cartel. Following the death of Marty's business partner they move their family from Chicago to Lake of the Ozarks. After the discovery of the body ...

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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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Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. To celebrate our librarians, curated a list of recommendations of books by authors from the Asian Pacific American community to read and enjoy during the month of May, and throughout the year. Read the blog to see some of our staff recommendations. Fo...

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Binge-then-Read: Cakes, Family Sagas, and Romances

In this edition of binge-then-read we are covering not one, but three trending shows. If you have been watching Des Moines native Andrew Fuller rise to stardom on Is it Cake, we have recommendations to inspire your baking endeavors. If you are loving the Apple TV adaptation of Pachinko, we h...

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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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DMPL Podcast: AViD Author Amanda Montell

On the latest episode of the DMPL Podcast, we’re joined by Amanda Montell! Amanda is the author of Cultish: the Language of Fanaticism, and she co-hosts the hit podcast “Sounds like a Cult.”  She is also the next author in our Authors Visiting in Des Moines series! Amanda will be in Des Moin...

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Earth Month Reads

April is Earth Month, a time to celebrate all of the wonders of this amazing planet that we live on. There are thousands of books about the natural world that you could choose to read this month. To help you out, our Book Chat librarians put together a list of fiction and nonfiction books with great...

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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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Binge-then-Read: Bridgerton

Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers  Friday, March 25, 2022 Des Moines Public Library Edition  Dearest Readers,  Season two of Bridgerton premieres today on Netflix. In this edition of Binge-then-Read the Des Moines Public Library Book Chat librarians assisted me with pairin...

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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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Understanding the War in Ukraine

In times of crisis books and literature can help us to understand the world. One year ago February 24, 2022 Russia invaded Ukraine. We published this book list after the initial invasion with recommendations to  to help you understand the situation, Russian-Ukraine relations, and more. For thos...

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