Best Bookstores & Libraries in Des Moines, Iowa, United States

Des Moines, United States, Des Moines, Culture & Entertainment, Best Bookstores & Libraries

Best Bookstores & Libraries in Des Moines, Iowa, United States

1. Des Moines Public Library

Central library offering books, media, and programs for all ages in a modern downtown setting.
  • Spacious Facility: Boasts plenty of space for quiet reading and group activities.
  • Community Engagement: Engages the community through events, workshops, and educational programs.
  • Extensive Collection: Maintains a vast collection of books, audiobooks, e-books, movies, music, and more.

2. Books & More

Independent bookstore featuring new releases, used books, and a unique collection of gifts.
  • Friendly Staff: Knowledgeable and friendly staff provides personalized recommendations.
  • Gift Shop: Offers a diverse selection of gifts, cards, and unique items.
  • Community Events: Hosts author signings, book clubs, and other community events.

3. Prairie Lights Books

Independent bookstore offering a wide range of books, author events, and unique atmosphere.
  • Knowledgeable Staff: Expert staff provides personalized recommendations based on customer preferences.
  • Author Events: Regularly hosts author events, signings, and readings.
  • Literary Hub: Serves as a literary hub for the Des Moines community.

4. Drake University's Cowles Library

Academic library with extensive resources for students and researchers.
  • Resource Center: Provides access to a vast collection of books, journals, and databases.
  • Research Assistance: Offers research assistance, guidance on citation styles, and more.
  • Study Spaces: Provides a variety of study spaces for individual or group work.

5. Grand View University Library

Library serving students and faculty at Grand View University with diverse resources.
  • Resource Collection: Provides a broad collection of books, e-books, DVDs, and other media.
  • Group Study Spaces: Offers group study rooms for collaboration and project work.
  • Research Assistance: Supports research efforts with one-on-one consultations, workshops, and tutorials.

6. Iowa State Capitol Library

Library specializing in Iowa history and government resources for researchers.
  • Iowa-focused Collection: Maintains a vast collection of materials related to Iowa history and government.
  • Research Assistance: Offers research assistance, guidance on finding relevant resources.
  • Archival Materials: Provides access to archival materials and primary sources.

7. Beaverdale Books

Friendly neighborhood bookstore offering new releases, classics, and used books.
  • Community Connection: Serves the Beaverdale community with personalized service and local events.
  • Used Books: Features a large selection of used books at affordable prices.
  • Local Author Support: Supports local authors by hosting book signings and selling their works.

8. University of Iowa Libraries - Des Moines

Regional library offering resources for students, faculty, and the community.
  • Resource Access: Provides access to UI Libraries' collections through on-site and remote services.
  • Study Spaces: Offers quiet study spaces for individual work or group collaboration.
  • Community Engagement: Engages the Des Moines community through events, workshops, and educational programs.

9. Cumming Library at Simpson College

Library serving students, faculty, and the community at Simpson College.
  • Resource Collection: Provides a broad collection of books, e-books, DVDs, and other media.
  • Group Study Spaces: Offers group study rooms for collaboration and project work.
  • Research Assistance: Supports research efforts with one-on-one consultations, workshops, and tutorials.

10. United Library Service - Regional Library

Regional library serving multiple counties in central Iowa with resources and programs.
  • Resource Access: Provides access to a wide variety of materials, including books, audiobooks, and movies.
  • Community Engagement: Engages the community through events, workshops, and educational programs.
  • Mobile Services: Offers mobile services to bring resources to underserved areas.

11. Drake Law Library

Library focusing on legal resources for Drake University's law school students and faculty.
  • Legal Resource Collection: Maintains a vast collection of legal materials, including books, periodicals, and databases.
  • Research Assistance: Offers research assistance, guidance on finding relevant resources.
  • Study Spaces: Provides a variety of study spaces for individual or group work.

12. Grinnell College's Burling Library

Academic library serving students and faculty at Grinnell College.
  • Resource Collection: Provides a broad collection of books, e-books, DVDs, and other media.
  • Group Study Spaces: Offers group study rooms for collaboration and project work.
  • Research Assistance: Supports research efforts with one-on-one consultations, workshops, and tutorials.

13. Iowa State University Library - Des Moines

Regional library offering resources for students, faculty, and the community.
  • Resource Access: Provides access to ISU Libraries' collections through on-site and remote services.
  • Study Spaces: Offers quiet study spaces for individual work or group collaboration.
  • Community Engagement: Engages the Des Moines community through events, workshops, and educational programs.

14. University of Northern Iowa Library - Des Moines

Regional library offering resources for students, faculty, and the community.
  • Resource Access: Provides access to UNI Libraries' collections through on-site and remote services.
  • Study Spaces: Offers quiet study spaces for individual work or group collaboration.
  • Community Engagement: Engages the Des Moines community through events, workshops, and educational programs.

15. Iowa Wesleyan University's Carnegie-Stone Library

Library serving students and faculty at Iowa Wesleyan University.
  • Resource Collection: Provides a broad collection of books, e-books, DVDs, and other media.
  • Group Study Spaces: Offers group study rooms for collaboration and project work.
  • Research Assistance: Supports research efforts with one-on-one consultations, workshops, and tutorials.