West Des Moines Public Library

Specialties

VISION: The West Des Moines Public Library will promote the joy of reading, the love of learning and the sharing of ideas by providing access to information and knowledge for people of all ages.

MISSION: The West Des Moines Public Library is a relevant and integral part of the community. The library enriches the lives of residents by providing convenient and timely access to information and ideas, by offering engaging activities and opportunities for personal and professional growth, by promoting a love of reading and learning and by remaining responsive the changing needs of its users.

History

Established in 1934.

A Brief History of the Library

(Excerpted from the Library’s Grand Opening program-​June, 1996.)

Valley Junction was founded more than a hundred years ago, but the community did not have library service until 1934. The community’s first library opened in the home of Mrs. Dan Herron at 504 Sixth St. The small library contained only 450 books, which were donated from personal collections.

In 1954, the library was relocated to a room in the new City Hall at 318 Fifth Street. Approval of a bond issue allowed the Library Board to construct a separate facility in 1966 at 1105 Grand Avenue, with 2,700 sq.ft. containing 20,000 volumes.

On March 5, 1974, voters approved a bond issue for an addition to the Grand Avenue facility. The enlarged building now provided 14,400 square feet and included a lower level. In 1994, 77% of the voters passed a $ 6.95 million bond referendum to build a new library facility for West Des Moines. The new 51,000 square foot facility opened on April 29, 1996.