Library News

Blog Type
Tags

New Literacy at the Library Series Kicks Off!

While we might think of “literacy” as simply knowing how to read, literacy also means knowledge on a particular subject or field. Would you like to become literate in certain music genres? Learn how to “read” a prairie? Become a craft beer expert?

YA Lambda Finalists 2022

Congratulations to the Lambda finalists of 2022! The Annual Lambda Literary Awards celebrate and recognize exceptional LGBTQ+ literature. Over 60 literary professionals selected finalists for each of the 24 total categories. Winning books will be announced June 11, 2022.

In the meantime, here are the YA finalists!

Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar

Library Board Reflection: Making a Difference in West Des Moines

by Bryan Myers, WDM Library Board of Trustees

Franklin D Roosevelt said, “I have an unshaken conviction that democracy can never be undermined if we maintain our library resources and a national intelligence capable of utilizing them.”  This still rings true today; the quality of our community in total is directly correlated to the quality of our public library and I, though not a librarian, take a direct part in maintaining that quality as a library Trustee.

Book Madness! 2022 Book Bracket Challenge

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! 

Thank you all for your participation! We're excited to announce that the winner is...

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig!

 

 

Job Smarts Series

Iowa’s unemployment rates are very low, and that means lots of opportunity for job seekers! If you are looking for work, or considering a career change, it’s a great time to brush up on your job skills.

We’ll be offering a Job Smarts series all through March that focuses on how to get that dream job. You’ll learn how to find a job listing, how to create a strong resume that showcases your skills, and how to ace an interview.

You can attend one program or attend them all!  

 

A change to our Hoopla service

As of this week, users of our Hoopla downloadables services will notice their monthly limit has been changed from 10 checkouts per month to six (6) checkouts per month.  

How to Watch the 2022 Oscar Nominated Films

Wanting to watch the 2022 Academy Award Nominated films before the Oscars air on Sunday, March 27? See which films you can check out from the West Des Moines Public Library and where you can stream others. 

 

BEST PICTURE NOMINATIONS

Blind Date with a Book

This February, take a chance on love! 

In the new book section on the second floor, you'll find shelves of books wrapped in paper. Take a book home without knowing its title, and see if you find a good match. Here's how it works:

1. Read the opening line of the book, or explore the read-a-likes, genre and hand drawn pictures to select your date. No peeking!

2. Check out the book by placing it on the self check scanner or checking out at the Circulation desk - no need to unwrap the book now! 

2022 ALA Youth Media Award Winners

Congratulations to the authors and illustrators who have been recognized by the American Library Association (ALA) as Youth Media Award winners! Each year the ALA honors books, videos, and other outstanding materials for children and teens. These prestigious awards include the Newbery, Caldecott, Printz, and Coretta Scott King Book Awards. Selected by committees composed of librarians and other literature and media experts, the awards "encourage original and creative work in the field of children’s and young adult literature and media."