Library · West Des Moines
West Des Moines Public Library
West Des Moines Public Library serves West Des Moines’s 69,235 residents. Last year it logged 192,900 visits, about 2.8 for every resident, and lent 420K books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Your library
West Des Moines Public Library
4000 George M. Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines 50265
64 hrsopen a week
51,962sq ft
206Kbooks & media
Charges late finesLate fees on some overdue items
#40
#40 of 51 · Most-used libraries in IA →Among IA towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#19 · Most library borrowing →#14 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
193K
visits
2.8 per resident
420K
loans, print + digital
6.1 per resident
902
programs & events
32K attended
38K
library cards
55% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 25,000 to 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
2.8 visits · typical 2.6
Higher than 54% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
6.1 print items · typical 3.7
Higher than 71% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
3.4 kids’ items · typical 1.7
Higher than 78% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.5 attendees · typical 0.3
Higher than 68% of similar-size libraries
Cardholders
55% of residents
Higher than 75% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
420K loans last year
Books & media (adults)44%Kids’ books & media56%E-books, audio & streaming0%
Who the programs are for
902 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$61 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $40. Operating budget $4.2M.
Local 96%State 1%Federal 1%Gifts & other 2%
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.