Des Moines Public Library - Branches/Hours

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Welcome to the
South Side Library
Check out all that we have to offer!

Location
1111 Porter Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50315
515.283.4152

Hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday-Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday: CLOSED

DMPL Hours/Locations/Closures »

Volunteers
The South Side Library is fortunate to have a group of dedicated volunteers who help the library run smoothly. Volunteers help with a variety of tasks including shelving materials, mending books, planting and maintaining our flower gardens, shelving patron holds five days a week, staffing the reading program table for eight weeks in the summer, and delivering items to homebound patrons. Pictured are volunteer book menders Catherine Miller and Bobbi Amos, who have been helping the library keep its collection in good shape for almost ten years now. Thanks, Catherine and Bobbi!

Computer Classes
Interested in learning more about computers? The South Side Library offers the following computer classes by appointment: Computer Basics, Basic Internet Searching, Creating an e-mail account, and Searching the Library Catalog.

Instruction is provided on a one-on-one basis and questions are encouraged. One recent customer remarked that the Computer Basics class helped her feel much more comfortable with computers and she was encouraged to try out some of what she had learned on her computer at home. Classes can be scheduled at the information desk.

The South Side Library offers monthly book discussions for both teens and adults. Book discussion books can be picked up at the information desk.

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Adult book discussion is held on the first Thursday of the month at 1:00 PM. Each month we discuss one fiction or non-fiction book. Selections include both well-known titles and lesser known gems. It's a chance to meet new people and discover a new favorite book you might otherwise have overlooked. Book discussion books are available at the information desk.

March 7: Mudbound, by Hillary Jordan

Meeting Room
The South Side Library has a meeting room available for use by the public. There is no charge, but the meeting must be open to the public. The room is not to be used for private parties or family events. Reservations may be made up to eight weeks in advance. Stop by the information desk or call 283-4152, ext. 4 for more information or to reserve the room.

Puppets
The South Side Library is the only Des Moines Public Library location with a collection of animal puppets. These soft, adorable puppets check out for three weeks. Puppets encourage creative play so take one of these furry creatures home today. Pictured below are just a few of the animal friends available.

Used Book Sale
Check out the sale in the library's lobby. Items for sale include books, videos, audiobooks, music cds, and magazines. The sale is ongoing and new items are always being added. It's a great way to find a treasure and support your library at the same time. The library also offers South Side Library pencils for sale for fifty cents. We are currently raising money from the book sale to build more shelving space in the teen loft. The teen book collection has outgrown the space and we look
forward to giving the loft a new look this winter.


Storytimes The South Side Library offers a variety of Storytimes throughout the week. Mondays at 6:30 PM, it's time for Family Storytime. Bring the entire family together early in the evening for fun stories. It's a great way for parents and families to listen to stories and enjoy a relaxing time together. You can even wear your jammies!

Wednesday mornings at 10:00 AM is Toddler Storytime. Children from 18 months to 3 years are introduced to books with fun activities like finger plays and songs. Thursday mornings at 10:00 AM
is Preschool Storytime. Children ages 3 to 6 are encouraged to make new friends and develop
their imaginations as they listen to stories.

		Teen Activities The South Side Library is the place to be for teens after school. Each Wednesday at 1:30PM during the school year the library offers a program just for teens. Activities range from Wii to board games to book discussions. Refreshments are provided. Teen book discussion is on the last Wednesday of the month at 1:30 PM during the school year. Teens can pick up a copy of the next book at the Information Desk. It's a great time to make new friends while enjoying refreshments and talking about some really cool books.

		Teen Loft We've recently added new shelving to our Teen Loft to make room for even more great books. We have comfortable seating, internet computers, and even a place to watch a movie. New furniture and tables are still to come. Check it out today!