Our signature “Authors Visiting in Des Moines” (AViD) program brings renowned authors to our community for free arts and cultural programming. The popular spring speaker series features a diverse lineup of acclaimed writers selected to stimulate critical thinking, deepen understanding, and develop a greater appreciation for the written word. 

Six to seven authors are selected each year from a variety of genres and chosen to appeal to a broad audience, increase awareness of current and historical social issues, and create a community dialogue. We’ve seen more than 50,000 attendees since the series inception, with standing-room-only crowds and visitors who make Des Moines a destination.

Iowa Author Awards 

Des Moines Public Library Foundation also recognizes exceptional writers with Iowa ties. The Iowa Author Award is presented to someone who has lived, studied or worked in Iowa, and who has published significant work within the past five years. The main qualitative criteria include literary merit, originality, and impact. Since 2000, the following individuals have received this honor: 

  • 2025: Kaveh Akbar, John Domini (posthumously), Vince Gotera, Kali White VanBaale
  • 2024: Lyz Lenz, Caleb “The Negro Artist” Rainey, Carol Roh Spaulding
  • 2023: Tracey Garvis Graves, Amy Lee Lillard, Abena Sankofa Imhotep, Denise Williams
  • 2022: Art Cullen, Heather Gudenkauf, Nate Staniforth
  • 2021: Nikole Hannah-Jones 
  • 2019: John Sanford 
  • 2018: Nick Nolte
  • 2017: John Irving 
  • 2016: Patricia T. O’Conner 
  • 2015: Tim Johnston, Dr. Neil Nakadate, Dr. William Friedricks, Claudia McGehee 
  • 2014: Bill Bryson 
  • 2013: Wendy Delsol, Charles A. Murray, Kelly D. Norris
  • 2012: Wini Moranville, Sarah Prineas, Mary Kay Shanley, Jennifer Wilson 
  • 2011: Barry Griswell, Bob Jennings, Elvin McDonald 
  • 2010: Peter Bognanni, Dayton R. Duncan, Elizabeth Evans
  • 2009: Mildred Kalish, Deborah Marquart, John Stauffer
  • 200:8 Stephen Bloom, Robert Dana, Anne Ylvisaker 
  • 2007: Michael Carey, James McPherson, John Shors 
  • 2006: Max Allen Collins, Dorothy Garlock, Mary Swander
  • 2005: Mary Lynn Kotz, Nick Kotz, Marilynne Robinson 
  • 2004: Frank Conroy, Curtis Harnack, Eleanora E. Tate
  • 2003: Douglas Bauer, Donald Harstad, Jane Smiley
  • 2002: Jeanette Eyerly, Robert James Waller
  • 2001: Venise Berry, John Culver, John Hyde, Donald Kaul
  • 2000: James Autry, George S. Mills, Barbara Robinette Moss