Library News
![Eclipse Glasses](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2024-03/Eclipse%202024%20Ticket%20Image.png?itok=aJk_vPvO)
Get Eclipse Glasses at the West Des Moines Public Library!
UPDATE 4/8/24: The West Des Moines Public Library is OUT of Eclipse Glasses as of 10:20am!
Who else is excited for the total eclipse on Monday, April 8? We're partnering with SEAL (Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries) to provide a limited amount of FREE eclipse glasses while supplies last.
![Winter Reading Challenge](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-12/WinterReadingTile2024.png?itok=jA0hc0Am)
Winter Reading Challenge: January 1-31, 2024
Do you have a stack of good books you’ve been meaning to dig into? Are you hoping to start the new year with a new book or a fresh reading goal? We invite you to curl up with some good books this January! Readers of all ages may log their reading online during our Winter Reading Challenge that runs January 1-31, 2024. You don’t need to log books or minutes – just log if you read something! Readers who complete 10 days’ worth of reading will be entered into a drawing for a gift certificate to Valley Junction that can be used at any business in the district.
![Learning Kits Logo](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-10/LearningKitsLogo.png?itok=os9bhh_V)
Our STEM Kits Have Expanded! Introducing WDM Library Learning Kits
The WDM Public Library’s collection of STEM Kits for learning have always hovered around 60 items to check out. Now, we’ve been able to expand our offerings to over 130! Not only are the Learning Kits fun for kids to play with, but they are curated to focus on ‘sneaky learning’ objectives such as early literacy skills, dramatic play, fine and gross motor skills, and early math concepts.
![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
![Spotty under his blanket](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-07/image%20%281%29.jpg?itok=8OGwdHY4)
Stories with Spotty: Bedtime Stories
![Spotty sits by an outline of India filled with the Indian flag](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-07/IMG-1439.jpg?itok=Ty-MHhkI)
Stories with Spotty: Indian Stories
![Spotty sits on a toilet](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-07/IMG-1410.jpg?itok=2PhWkHCw)
Stories with Spotty: Using the Potty
![Spotty pops out of a copy of "She Persisted" by Chelsea Clinton](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-06/Stories%204.jpg?itok=H1-1dTPW)
Stories with Spotty: World-Changing Women
![Spotty sits by the "Emotions" sign in Juvenile Nonfiction](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-06/SPOTTY%20EMOTIONS%20ROTATE_CROP.jpg?itok=EdKuxah_)
Stories with Spotty: BIG Feelings
![Spotty sits with a dinosaur puppet](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-06/spotty-dino-2.jpg?itok=dYeBfpja)
Stories with Spotty: Dino Tales
![Spotty sits inside a copy of I Will Chomp You by Jory John](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2023-06/IMG-1267%281%29.jpg?itok=qBxRSu5s)
Stories with Spotty: Interactive Books!
![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.
![2022 Most Popular Check Outs](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2022-12/2022MostPopularCombined.png?itok=LZh_rN11)
Most Popular Books of 2022: Adult, Young Adult, Children's
Ever wonder what the most popular books in the library are during the year? Here's the breakdown of the top 10 most circulated items in adult fiction, young adult fiction and children's fiction!
ADULT
1. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
![Sarah Allen Cover Reveal](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_teaser/public/2022-09/SarahCoverReveal.png?itok=brichNo0)
Book Cover Reveal for Teen Services Assistant Sarah Allen!
Some of you might not know that our newest Teen Services Assistant, Sarah Allen, is also an author! We're super excited that the cover for her third book, The Nightmare House, has just been released. Learn more about Sarah and the book below.
Tell us about your role here at the library and how long you’ve been here for!