Library News

National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. All types of libraries are celebrated for their work during this week- from school to public and academic to special, this week is a dedicated time for library staff and donors to shine. Here at WDM Library we'd like to especially thank our hardworking library staff for all they do!

by Jean Fajen, WDM Library Board of Trustees 

This National Volunteer Week, we'd like to take a moment to thank all of the volunteers who dedicate their time and resources here at the West Des Moines Public Library. So much of what we do relies on the hours provided by these hard-working individuals and we are incredibly grateful that they choose to spend their time here with us. 

April is Autism Acceptance Month. In celebration of this event, we've put together a list of own-voices books available for patrons to check out and learn more about autistic individuals and their lived experiences. 

In the spirit of March Madness, the WDM Public Library is hosting our own bracket challenge: but with books! We've pulled the top titles in four "divisions": Adult, Young Adult, Picture Books, and Juvenile. Each week, we'll open a new survey to vote your favorite books onto the finals and ultimately crown the Best Book!  

And the winner is... The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood! 

by Craig Long, Secretary, WDM Library Board of Trustees

West Des Moines Public Library is proud to partner with Des Moines Public Library and Polk County Early Childhood Iowa to bring the Simple Steps early literacy program to West Des Moines. Patrons of the WDM Public Library will notice the incorporation of Simple Steps in our storytime events and see Simple Steps Early Literacy Stations popping up around the West Des Moines community.

The 95th Academy Awards presentation is scheduled for Sunday, March 12 at 7pm on ABC.  There's still time to watch all of the films before the presentation!  See our list below including links to our catalog for DVDs to checkout, the streaming service to watch online, or the theater where the movies are showing.  And, just for fun, here is a ballot from thegoldknight.com to vote for your favorites!  

The West Des Moines Public Library is excited to be participating in Sensory Spaces with other Metro area libraries. During these designated times, each Sensory Space library will offer special hours for members of the public who appreciate a sensory-friendly environment. The next Sensory Space time at the West Des Moines Public Library will be on Sunday, March 5 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM.

This Valentine's, why not snuggle up with a loyal companion - a good book?

Find our Blind Date with a Book display on the second floor near the new books. Each wrapped book is a mystery - choose one based on the information we've given and take it home to unwrap and meet your date.

Inside, you'll find a bookmark asking you how you enjoyed your date! Fill it out and return it to the Valentine's boxes you'll find and Accounts and Checkout and Adult Services. Turn it in by noon on February 17 for a chance to win an amazing prize basket.

The grand prize includes:

Ever wonder what the most popular books in the library are during the year? Here's the breakdown of the top 10 most circulated items in adult fiction, young adult fiction and children's fiction! 

ADULT

1. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

As we reflect on 2022, we would like to take time to remember the authors and public figures who left us this year. Our list below just scratches the surface. View more notable deaths on comprehensive lists from The New York Times and Entertainment Weekly to look back at more iconic individuals who passed this year. 

Our library has a great selection of nonfiction! We asked staffers to share some of their outstanding reads from this year with you. Check out our nonfiction favorites, and next time you're in the building, stop by to see these books on display on the second floor.

Surrounded by great choices, it's no wonder many of the Library staff are big readers! We asked staffers to share some of their recent favorites with you. Check out the fiction list, and next time you're in the building, stop by to see these books on display on the second floor.

The West Des Moines Public Library recently worked with Midwest Pano, LLC to create a virtual tour of our building. Take a virtual walk around our Library and explore everything there is to offer. Be sure to check out "hotspots" like the welcome message below located throughout the tour. Click to find key areas and learn more about the programs and services offered to the community. You can also use the menu on the side panel to direct your search to specific areas of the building.