Library News
![Sensory Spaces Icon](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-01/SensorySpacesIcon.png?itok=FMT5jvSb)
Sensory Spaces at the WDM Library Returns
The West Des Moines Public Library is excited to be participating in Sensory Spaces with other Metro area libraries. During these designated times, each Sensory Space library will offer special hours for members of the public who appreciate a sensory-friendly environment. The next Sensory Space time at the West Des Moines Public Library will be on Sunday, October 8 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM
![Banned Books Week 2023](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-10/BannedBooksWeekFlyer.png?itok=3XwY7BMk)
Celebrating Banned Books Week - October 1-7, 2023
Each year, the West Des Moines Public Library celebrates Banned Books Week to honor the freedom to read. Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. Librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types come together during this week to support the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.
![Free Gun Lock](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-09/PXL_20230907_210619876-EDIT.jpg?itok=1p79rYt0)
WDM Library is a Free Gun Lock Pick-Up Location
The West Des Moines Public Library is partnering with the Polk County Health Department to be a pick-up location for free gun locks. Patrons do not need to have a library card in order to pick up a free gun lock at the Accounts and Checkout Desk or Children's Desk.
![Dart Read and Ride](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-09/DARTSlideSept2.png?itok=eA62Z1Fj)
Read and Ride DART Free September 17 - 23, 2023
The West Des Moines Public Library is partnering with DART to celebrate Library Card Sign up Week! Use your library card to ride FREE on DART’s Local and Express routes and On Call services September 17-23, 2023.
Just show your library card when you board any DART bus September 17-23. It's that simple! Then enjoy DART's free WiFi to listen to an eAudiobook or read an eBook.
![Annual Report 2023](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-07/AR2023.png?itok=co23eTyz)
FY2023 In Review
We rounded out the end of our Fiscal Year in June 2023. Looking back on the year, we wanted to share some of the highlights, including all of the fabulous things we were able to accomplish with the help of our dedicated patrons.
Not only did our digital and physical circulation numbers go up this year, we were also proud of serving over 1,300 patrons through our Homebound and Elder Care Outreach programs, having 2,900 volunteer hours served in the library, and having 21,931 event attendees!
![WDM Library Amnesty Weekend](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-07/LIBRARY%20AMNESTY%20WEEKEND%20%281%29.png?itok=cw6UkH_U)
Return Overdue Items FREE of Charge August 18 & 19!
Do you have a backpack or suitcase that you haven't peeked in this summer? Maybe you have a stack of books hiding in your car somewhere that you might have forgotten about? Have no fear! You can return these overdue WDM Library items on Friday, August 18 and Saturday, August 19 and all fines will be waived!
Please note that the amnesty weekend will only waive fines, not fees. Collection Agency fees and replacement copy fees cannot be waived during this event.
![Bookshelf at WDM Public Library](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-07/_MG_0919-EDIT.jpg?itok=1kGFBQhs)
Library Board Reflection: Something for Everyone
by Carol Grant, Past President, WDM Library Board of Trustees
![Memorial Garden](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-06/PXL_20230531_171346252.jpg?itok=2BSMMqaB)
WDM Library to Host Memorial Garden Dedication
Please join us on Tuesday, June 20 at either 8:30 AM or 4:30 PM for a brief dedication ceremony for our memorial garden. This garden, located outside of the library's main entrance, was created as a space to remember and reflect on the lives of library workers, friends, and family who have passed before us. Each of the ceremonies will also be livestreamed on the West Des Moines Public Library Facebook Page if you aren't able to attend in person.
![National Library Week 2023](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-04/nlw23-social-english-1-twitter-share.png?itok=iCTBOk-t)
Happy National Library Week! (April 23 - 29, 2023)
National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. All types of libraries are celebrated for their work during this week- from school to public and academic to special, this week is a dedicated time for library staff and donors to shine. Here at WDM Library we'd like to especially thank our hardworking library staff for all they do!
![West Des Moines Public Library Summer Photo](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-04/PXL_20220623_163440064%20%281%29.jpg?itok=4PWTeuLs)
Library Board Reflection: Where is the West Des Moines Public Library?
by Jean Fajen, WDM Library Board of Trustees
![Happy National Volunteer Week](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-04/HAPPY%20NATIONAL%20VOLUNTEER%20WEEK.png?itok=LM2t8vwK)
Happy National Volunteer Week!
This National Volunteer Week, we'd like to take a moment to thank all of the volunteers who dedicate their time and resources here at the West Des Moines Public Library. So much of what we do relies on the hours provided by these hard-working individuals and we are incredibly grateful that they choose to spend their time here with us.
![Autism Acceptance Month](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-04/AutismAcceptanceMonth.png?itok=cW1a9kLP)
Titles to Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month
April is Autism Acceptance Month. In celebration of this event, we've put together a list of own-voices books available for patrons to check out and learn more about autistic individuals and their lived experiences.
![Book Madness 2023](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-02/2023BookMadnessSlide.png?itok=l0iIh6nc)
Book Madness! 2023 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!
And the winner is... The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood!
![Simple Steps WDM Public Library](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-02/SimpleStepsSlide.png?itok=dOIlqYwy)
WDM Public Library Joins Simple Steps Early Literacy Program
West Des Moines Public Library is proud to partner with Des Moines Public Library and Polk County Early Childhood Iowa to bring the Simple Steps early literacy program to West Des Moines. Patrons of the WDM Public Library will notice the incorporation of Simple Steps in our storytime events and see Simple Steps Early Literacy Stations popping up around the West Des Moines community.