This year, the Des Moines Public Library (DMPL) system has welcomed 931,651 visitors — one every 12 seconds — each person arriving with a question, a hope, or a spark of imagination. Thanks to your generosity, they found open doors, expert guidance, and a welcoming place to learn and belong.
It’s true. DMPL has had incredible impact in 2025: 1.16 million items borrowed and nearly 209,000 personal help moments, from young learners discovering their first books to adults exploring new skills and ideas. Additionally, 124,000 people attended free DMPL events and programs. That total includes 10,000+ children participating in the Summer Reading Challenge and more than 3,600+ people attending AViD (Authors Visiting in Des Moines). These enriching programs, and many others, simply wouldn’t exist without support from donors and sponsors.
As the year draws to a close, we invite you to make a difference; donate to the Des Moines Public Library Foundation. Generous people like you help ensure the DMPL system remains strong, accessible, and full of opportunity for everyone in our community. We are so grateful for your support. Thank you for helping us honor the past, serve the present, and strengthen the future of our library — together.