
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.