iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 15h

Congratulations to our semi-finalists! The top 41 stories have advanced to the next round of judging for the After the Storm short story contest in partnership with Little Village. The names of the semi-finalists have been posted on our website: buff.ly/waHcLFS

Congratulations — 41 semi-finalists have advanced in the "After the Storm" short-story contest; finalists announced Nov 5, winners Dec 17; submissions were due Aug 31 at 12 PM; sponsored by Des Moines Public Library and Little Village.

010

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 22h

A limited number of copies are available at Central Library.

000

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 22h

We are starting a Science Fiction Book Club at Central Library on October 20! Join us each month to meet other readers, and discuss our selection. For our first meeting we will be getting to know each other and discussing Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. www.dmpl.org/event/scienc...

A promotional graphic for the Des Moines Public Library's new Science Fiction Book Club on Tuesday, October 20 from 6:30-8 PM at Central Library.

100

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Storytime on the stage is back! Take center stage on Tuesday, October 13 with Miss Sam at the Des Moines Civic Center! We'll read a book together and learn a little about the theater from a member of the Des Moines Performing Arts Production Team. www.dmpl.org/event/storyt... This event is FREE.

A promotional graphic for storytime on the stage with the Des Moines Public Library and Des Moines Performing Arts with DMPL Librarian Sam Reid. The FREE event will happen on Tuesday, October 13 from 10:30 AM-11:30 AM at the Des Moines Civic Center.

020

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

This collection was generously donated to the Des Moines Public Library by Angela Jackson.

030

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Join us to celebrate our new circulating cake pan collection on Tuesday, October 13 at 6:30 PM at the East Side Library. Browse some of the many pans you can check out before they start circulating, and try simple decorating techniques yourself with Sift n Sprinkle Bakery. buff.ly/VzsNPjh

Cake Pan Kickoff Tuesday, October 13 6:30-7:30 PM at the East Side Library

110

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

BIG NEWS! Cake pans are being added to the library! The cake pan collection will be housed at the East Side Library but available for anyone to place a hold and check out. There are dozens of fun designs, including seasonal shapes and recognizable characters. Learn more: buff.ly/0jX4CGn

Cake Pan Collection in the Library of Things at the Des Moines Public Library

130

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

The trains are coming! Visit the Franklin Avenue Library this weekend to explore a massive model train display by the DesMoiNTrak Modular Railroad Club! Enjoy N scale railroads in the meeting room, plus a train activity and scavenger hunt in the children’s area. www.dmpl.org/events/list?...

062

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Rosie's Dream Machine is staying at Central Library for ONE MORE WEEK! Visit the Youth area to submit a dream for the library by Sunday October 11. handful of dreams will be selected for the DMPL Foundation to fund.

000

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Don't forget about our Read-In on Saturday in partnership with Annie's Foundation and the DMPL Foundation.

Banned Books Week poster promoting a "Let Freedom Read" read-in at Des Moines Central Library on Saturday, October 10, 10 AM–5 PM, with torn-paper graphic and sponsor logos for Des Moines Public Library, its foundation, and Annie's Foundation.

020

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Last year the American Library Association recorded 4,235 unique titles that were challenged. We will continue sharing about Banned Books Week all week long. buff.ly/kL3tLhP

Infographic summarizing 2025 U.S. book censorship: 4,235 titles challenged, 92% driven by organized campaigns; top challengers—boards/administration 40%, elected officials 31%, pressure groups 21%; 68% incidents targeted books/graphic novels; 51% in public libraries, 37% in school libraries.

100

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Censorship does not mean that a book is completely unavailable, but rather it has been removed from a public space like a school or public library.

150

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

It was an incredible night on Friday as more than 250 people came the Central Library to see William Kent Krueger! Be sure to mark your calendar for the last Fall Author Series event - Craig Johnson will be at the Central Library on Wednesday, October 28, at 7 PM!

020

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

It is Banned Books Week! All week we are celebrating the freedom to read culminating with a read-in on Saturday, October 10 in partnership with Annie's Foundation and the DMPL Foundation. www.dmpl.org/event/let-fr...

Let Freedom Read Read-In for Banned Books Week on Saturday, October 10 from 10 AM-5 PM at Central Library

010

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

It is a busy week at the library! Mark your calendars and make plans to attend some of these fun events: dmpl.org/events 🎴 Get a taste of Tarot 📚️ A Banned Books Week Read-In with Annies Foundation 🚂 Explore Model Trains with DesMoiNTrak ❤️ Play loteria with Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa 💫 And more!

075

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

It's Fire Prevention Week, and the Des Moines Fire Department will be visiting all six DMPL locations for Fire Safety Storytimes! See the schedule: www.dmpl.org/events/list?... *Depending on availability, the fire engine may not be present for the storytime.

Fire Safety Storytime swipe for dates, times, and locations

Fire Safety Storytime
Monday, October 5:
10 AM at the East Side Library
6:30 PM at the South Side Library
Tuesday, October 6
10 AM at the North Side Library
4 PM at the Franklin Avenue Library

Fire Safety Storytimes
Wednesday, October 7 at 10:15 AM at the Forest Avenue Library, Thursday, October 8 at 10:15 AM at Central Library

020

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Latin Thunder has been visiting DMPL locations for Luchador storytimes for Hispanic Heritage Month! He will be visiting Central Library and the East Side Library next week, so there are still two opportunities to participate in this fun program! www.dmpl.org/events/list?...

Latin Thunder a luchador reads at storytime

Luchador storytimes with Latin Thunder, Monday, October 5 a 4 PM at Central Library and Thursday, October 8 at 6 PM at the East Side Library

041

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

We are kicking off spooky season TODAY with "A Mark Twain Halloween" at 2 PM at Central Library. www.dmpl.org/event/mark-t... This program will be performed by professional actor Ray Carver. *This post is from Saturday, October 3, 2026

A poster promoting "A Mark Twain Halloween" — a family-friendly live stage event at Des Moines Public Library, Saturday, October 3, 2–3 PM at Central Library; features an actor as Mark Twain and an illustrated spooky banner. All ages welcome.

000

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

William Kent Krueger is returning to Central Library TONIGHT! He will be joined in conversation by local author Kali White VanBaale. Doors will open at 5:30 PM and the event will begin at 6:30 PM. The event will be livestreamed and recorded if you cannot join us in person. buff.ly/wb57BHA

Fall Author Series with William Kent KRueger on Friday, October 2

000

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Happy Friday! What are you reading heading into the weekend? Don’t forget William Kent Krueger will be at Central Library TONIGHT! Doors open at 5:30 PM and the event will begin at 6:30 PM. www.dmpl.org/dmpl-fall-au...

000

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

The weather caused our Miffy storytime at Central Library to have to move inside, but families still had a blast celebrating all things Miffy in the youth area this morning!

020

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Meet our October Kid Librarian Alice! buff.ly/qkTyfZW "I love reading because characters become like friends, and you can learn new things through all kinds of books." Her favorite genre is magical realism, and her favorite library memory is walking over to visit from her elementary school.

October 2026 Kid Librarian: "I love reading because characters become like friends, and you can learn new things through all kinds of books.—Alice"

010

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Learn more about all the tools available to the public in Tech Central: www.dmpl.org/tech-central

dmpl.org

https://www.dmpl.org/tech-central

000

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

A Beaverdale-themed LEGO mural that was built by Beaverdale Fall Festival attendees is now on display at the Franklin Avenue Library. The LEGO mural will be at the library through Saturday, October 31, and it is on an easel on the south wall of the main reading room.

A LEGO mural featuring the restaurant Christopher's sits in the library.

030

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Mark your calendars! Mayor Connie Boesen will be at Storytime at the East Side Library on Monday, October 12 at 10 AM. www.dmpl.org/event/toddle...

Toddler Storytime with Mayor COnnie Boesen Monday, October 12 10-10:30 AM at the East Side Library

000

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Des Moines City Councilmember Rob Barron hosted a very special Saturday morning storytime in the rocketship this weekend at the Franklin Avenue Library.

Rob Barron doing storytime in the library

101

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Meet our moderator! Kali White VanBaale is the award-winning author of the novels The Monsters We Make, The Good Divide, and The Space Between. Make plans to join us to see Kali in conversation with William Kent Krueger on Friday, October 2 at 6:30 PM. www.dmpl.org/dmpl-fall-au...

William Kent Krueger Fall Author series event: Moderator Spotlight: Kali White VanBaale "Kali White VanBaale is the award-winning author of the novels The Monsters We Make, The Good Divide, and The Space Between. She also writes and publishes short stories, personal essays, and articles."

000

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

There is always something to do at the library! www.dmpl.org/events 🤼 Storytime with a real life luchador 🧵 Embroidery workshop for teens 📚️ Meet William Kent Krueger at Central Library 🎭️ A Mark Twain Halloween performance 🎨 Art classes with ASAP Des Moines 💫 and so much more!

000

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Mark your calendars! We are kicking off spooky season with "A Mark Twain Halloween" on Saturday, October 3 at 2 PM at Central Library. www.dmpl.org/event/mark-t... This program will be performed by professional actor Ray Carver.

020

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

The countdown is on to our event with William Kent Krueger! Join us at Central Library on Friday, October 2. Doors will open at 5:30 PM, and the event will begin at 6:30 PM. www.dmpl.org/dmpl-fall-au...

Fall Author Series 2026 William Kent Krueger on Friday, October 2 at Central Library at 6:30 PM, Doors open at 5:30 PM

000

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

This month on Beyond the Shelves, Jes and Rebecca are pairing books with their favorite reality TV shows. www.dmpl.org/blog-entries...

010

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Rainy days make for great reading weather! What are you reading?

000

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

The library provides tools and resources to help Leo build a business. youtube.com/shorts/m7wTd...

110

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

What would a Read-In volunteer do? It's easy! Sign-up for a 30-minute shift to sit in a high-traffic area of the library and read a banned book in support of the freedom to read.

000

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Let Freedom Read Day is Saturday, October 10! We need volunteers for our live Read-In at Central Library we are hosting in partnership with Annie's Foundation and the DMPL Foundation! Sign up to participate: m.signupgenius.com#!/showSignUp...

Banned Books Week: Let Freedom Read Read-In, Saturday, October 10, 10 AM-5 PM, Central Library with the Des Moines Public Library, Des Moines Public Library Foundation, and Annie's Foundation

100

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

The Franklin Avenue Library will host a special storytime with Rob Barron on Saturday, September 26 at 10:30 AM. www.dmpl.org/event/storyt...

000

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Yesterday, Des Moines CIty Councilmember Rob Barron joined storytime at the Forest Avenue Library.

110

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Mark your calendars! Over the next few days there is something for everyone at the Des Moines Public Library. dmpl.org/events 🎨 Make bad art 🌸 Storytime with Des Moines City Council Member Rob Barron 🧵 Get clothes mended at the Franklin Avenue Library 🌸 Storytime with a luchador 💫 And much more!

010

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Pro tip: You can always browse what is available on the Hot Titles, No Holds shelves on our catalog. catalog.dmpl.org?browseCatego...

catalog.dmpl.org

https://catalog.dmpl.org/?browseCategory=dmpl_hot_titles_no_holds

000

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

👀 📚️ Spotted at the North Side Library! Some of the most popular titles of the moment are available on the Hot Titles, No Holds Shelf. Get here to claim up to two before they are gone.

130

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

The Franklin Avenue Library Pickup Window will open at 11 AM on Wednesday, September 23. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Franklin Avenue Library Pickup Window Opening at 11 AM on Wednesday, September 23

010

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

We have been getting a few questions about the timeline of our short story contest with Little Village Magazine! www.dmpl.org/dmpllittle-v... There are a few important announcement dates to keep in mind: Semi-finalists: October 8 Finalists: November 5 Winners: December 17

After the Storm A Short Story Contest with DMPL and Little Village: Contest Timeline Semi-finalists:
October 8, 2026; Finalists: November 5, 2026; Winner: December 17, 2026

010

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Our staff love recommending their latest reads! Check out six eBooks and Audiobooks they have been loving. libbyapp.com/library/dmpl...

040

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Hundreds of families joined us at Central Library on Saturday for our annual big Touch-a-Truck event. Thank you to all of our city and community partners who made this fun event possible.

000

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

This weekend Miss Jen and Miss Erica were at the Beaverdale Fall Festival doing storytime on the stage! We love getting the chance to be out in the community and to be a part of the Beaverdale Fall Festival.

A photo of two librarians doing storytime at the Fall Festival on the Community stage

000

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

🚨 Due to the rain the Touch-a-Truck program that was scheduled to occur at the North Side Library this morning has been cancelled.

Cancelled children's "Touch-a-Truck" event poster for a program that was supposed to happen on Monday, September 21, 10–11 AM, North Side Library.

000

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

It is a jam packed week here at the library! Check out the many events to attend. www.dmpl.org/events 🎤 Sing Along to your favorite K-pop Demon Hunters songs. 🥟 Taste and learn about apple pie with Pie Bird Pies. 🀄️ Learn how to play Mah Jongg with the Dealt Hand 🎨 Make bad art. 💫 And so much more!

020

Des Moines Public Library @desmoineslibrary.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

The day has arrived! Join us for Touch-a-Truck outside Central Library TODAY (Saturday, September 19) from 2-4 PM! Participating organizations include: Des Moines Public Works Des Moines Fire Department Des Moines Police Department Des Moines Parks and Recreations Unity Point The Street Collective

Touch-a-Truck poster promoting a children's event at Des Moines Public Library, Saturday, September 19, 2–4 PM on the Central Library lawn; illustrated city skyline with a green garbage truck, red fire engine, yellow street sweeper and smiling workers.

010