Celebrate Central Library’s 20th Birthday!

Donors like you have made so much possible for the Des Moines Public Library (DMPL) system over the years, including having raised the money to build Central Library! Now, this amazing architectural space and vibrant community hub is about to turn 20.

We invite you to come visit Central Library on Wednesday, April 8, between 2-4 pm. Hear from new DMPL director Melissa McCollum, enjoy refreshments, explore displays about the library’s history, snap a picture at the photo wall, and more! See Central Library’s 20th Birthday Bash for all of the details.

If you’re free that evening, enjoy a presentation of the history of Des Moines Public Library, starting at 6 pm. For more information about this deeper dive into DMPL’s history, see Des Moines Public Library: The First 160 Years.

There will also be architectural tours of Central Library during the birthday week for those who are particularly interested in the building itself: Monday, April 6, 5-6 pm; Tuesday, April 7, 11 am-12 pm; and Thursday, April 9, 2-3 pm.

We are so grateful for your support of reading and literacy. Please come celebrate with us!