Library · Des Moines
Libraries in Des Moines
Des Moines Public Library serves Des Moines’s 221,659 residents from 6 locations. Last year it logged 887,821 visits, about 4.0 for every resident, and lent 848K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Des Moines Public Library
1000 Grand Ave, Des Moines 50309
62 hrsopen a week
110,000sq ft
416Kbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
#25
#25 of 51 · Most-used libraries in IA →Among IA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#33 · Most library borrowing →#30 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
888K
visits
4.0 per resident
848K
loans, print + digital
3.8 per resident
3,206
programs & events
117K attended
87K
library cards
39% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 100,000+ people
Per-resident numbers, compared only with libraries of a similar size across the country, because a tiny town’s library always looks busier per person.
Visits per resident
4.0 visits · typical 2.1
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
3.8 print items · typical 3.2
Higher than 60% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
1.6 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 50% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.5 attendees · typical 0.2
Top 10% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
39% of residents
A little below typical (47th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
848K loans last year
Books & media (adults)58%Kids’ books & media42%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
3,206 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$52 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $36. Operating budget $11M.
Local 92%State 1%Federal 3%Gifts & other 4%
Locations
Other libraries in Des Moines
About these numbers
How to read this page
Hours are an averageThe survey reports a building’s public hours for the whole year. We divide by the weeks it was open, so check the library’s own site for today’s hours.
Compared by size“Similar-size” means libraries serving about as many people, nationwide. Per-resident numbers always flatter the smallest towns, so they’re never compared with big cities.
One year, the library’s own countLibraries report their own visits, loans and programs for fiscal year 2024. A library that didn’t respond keeps its address and hours here, with no numbers.
Source: Institute of Museum and Library Services, Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024. Distances are straight-line from the town center.