Des Moines Public Library Foundation
The Des Moines Public Library Foundation (DMPLF) supports and enriches the capabilities, resources, and services of the Des Moines Public Library system. We are proud to provide funds that foster a thriving community.
Created as a separate 501(c)(3) foundation in 1998, DMPLF is governed by an independent board of directors. The DMPLF board, along with a small staff, invites donors from diverse backgrounds to help others improve their lives through the public library system.
Among DMPLF’s key accomplishments was the 11-year Creating New Destinations capital campaign, which raised $21 million dollars to contribute one-half of the cost to build the Central Library in downtown Des Moines and to remodel each of the five neighborhood branches.
Through the years, we’ve supported numerous strategic planning efforts and initiatives that strengthen our library system. Currently, 87% of programs available through the Des Moines Public Library system are possible because of DMPLF and our generous, caring donors!
Each year, DMPLF raises funds from generous individuals, businesses, and foundations to donate to the Library for dozens of programs, including the Summer Reading and School Readiness program, as well as the AViD (Authors Visiting in Des Moines) series, which enables local residents to meet prominent authors such as James Patterson, Joyce Carol Oates, R. F. Kuang, Susan Orlean, Amy Tan, Mitch Albom, and dozens more.
These programs would not be possible without donor support.

The mission of the Des Moines Public Library Foundation is to raise funds and advocate for the Des Moines Public Library system.
Staff & Board
Dave Remund
Executive DirectorChristopher Nebons
PresidentComing Soon
Vice PresidentChris Nelson
TreasurerComing Soon
SecretaryBrianne Sanchez
Immediate Past PresidentTim Hickman
DMPL Board of Trustees PresidentCathy Besh
Lauren Burt
Jennifer Carruthers
Dan Chibnall
Andrea Elliott
Oma Ford
Tara Hall
Abena Sankofa Imhotep
Tar Macias
Chris Nelson
Samuel Reed
Christine Riccelli
Community LeaderQuinlan Riser
Jay Stahl
GannettSue Woody
Library Director
Past Board Members
Thank you to the following individuals who gave of their time, talent, and resources in service to the Des Moines Public Library Foundation Board of Directors. Their service enriched the Des Moines Public Library and enhanced the quality of life in our community.
- Belinda Alexander
- Saul Amdursky
- Ann Anderson
- Julie Anderson
- Ray Bening
- Connie Boesen
- Sue Rutledge Brenton
- Shelley Brody
- David L. Brown
- Gayle Butler
- Lynda Butler
- Wendy Carlson
- George Carpenter
- Angie Chatman
- Laura Castro de Cortes
- Christine Carroll Cownie
- Gil Cranberg
- Judy McCoy Davis
- Stephanie DeVolder
- Douglas Dorner, M.D.
- Tom E. Drake
- Tom R. Drake
- Alex Duong
- Jacqueline Easley
- Rich Eychaner
- Deidre Fudge
- Barbara Gartner
- Susan Genalo
- Travis Gjoraas
- Wes Graham
- Ralph Gross
- Michele Guinn
- Kent Herink
- Tim Hickman
- Mark L. Hill
- Denise Holck
- Ellen Hubbell
- Cara Carter Hulick
- Beth Hummels
- Laura Isenstein
- Fritz James
- Karla Jeffries
- Teree Caldwell Johnson
- Joseph Jones
- Jan Kaiser
- Sasha Kamper
- Norbert Kaut
- Emy Kelly
- Mary Kelly
- Joe LeValley
- Arnold E. Levine
- Tracy Lewis
- Ellen Look
- Richard Lozier
- Cyril Mandelbaum
- Cory McAnelly
- Elvin McDonald
- Catherine McGarvey
- Susan J. McGinness
- Tom McKlveen
- Trever Meers
- Paul Melde
- Stephen M. Morain
- Christina Fernandez Morrow
- Justine M. Morton
- Elizabeth Nelson
- Gerry Neugent
- Tam Nguyen
- Cynthia O’Brien
- Craig Olson
- Eliza Ovrom
- Laura Palmer
- Alfredo Parrish
- Susan Patterson Plank
- Brandon Paulsen
- Sally Pederson
- Peter Percival
- Rita Perea
- Franci Phelan
- Amy Randeris-Schultz
- Michael Reagen
- Kay Riley
- Alison Ruan
- Kay K. Runge
- Patrick Sabine
- Peter Sand
- Mark Siebert
- Craig Sieverding
- Thomas Shippee
- William Scales
- Tom Swartwood
- Rachel Stauffer
- Martha Stephenson
- Dawn Taylor
- Kevin Techau
- Deborah Tharnish
- Jule Thorsen
- Wicker Van Orsdel
- Susan Voss
- Kim Walker
- Dave Watson
- Fritz Weitz
- Scott Wilgenbusch
- James H. Windsor IV
- Brian Wirt
- Ellen Yee
- Tara Higgins