Des Moines Public Library
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| Established | 1866 |
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| Location | Des Moines, Iowa, United States |
| Branches | Six |
| Website | http://dmpl.org |
The Des Moines Public Library (DMPL) is the public library system for the city of Des Moines, Iowa. It is the largest public library system in the state of Iowa, with a collection of 552,576 items housed at six locations.
The library provides research and reference services, as well as Internet computers and wireless Internet access, meeting and study rooms, copy machines and printers, and faxing.
The Des Moines Public Library offers books, audio books, e-books, CDs, magazines, newspapers, information databases, and DVDs. Each location features adult, teen and children’s fiction and non-fiction collections. The library also has Special Collections at the Central Library; an Iowa Collection that includes books and other items concerning the history and culture of Iowa; the Foundation Center; and The Shoah Visual History Collection.
The library presents a variety of informational, educational and fun programs for patrons of all ages. Programs for children and teens include storytimes, crafts, games, and book discussions. Adult programming includes book discussions, author visits, lectures, job assistance workshops, and other special events. The library organizes several annual events, including the summer reading program and Authors Visiting in Des Moines (AViD) Author Series.
Authors Visiting in Des Moines (AViD) began in 2001 to give the community the chance to listen, learn and laugh as world-famous authors share their stories. With the support of the Des Moines Public Library Foundation and other local donors, including Humanities Iowa, AViD celebrates great reading and writing. Each year features best-selling fiction and nonfiction authors who write about a variety of issues and topics.
Houses Special Collections; hosts Art Gallery; designed by noted architect David Chipperfield.
Features a large automotive collection
Features large foreign language collection and accessibility to language learning software
DMPL’s first LEED registered building
Features a memorabilia room with a rich local history
Features teen loft
The Des Moines Public Library began as the Des Moines Library Association in 1866 in the basement of a Methodist church. Early on, the library was supported by contributions and public charity. It started with nearly 2,300 books and a few periodicals. In 1882, it was decided to turn the library over to the city to become a free public library. The city purchased property at 100 Locust Street for the main library in 1898 for $35,000. The library opened in October 1903, and the Main Library branch remained at 100 Locust Street for more than 100 years. For more information about the original library building, see Public Library of Des Moines.
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