Tools
Related Navigation
Des Moines Library
Library Collections & Services
Computers & Computer Classes
Catalog / Online Databases
The Des Moines Library has computers dedicated to accessing the library's online catalog and databases. These databases include encyclopedias, directories, articles, and graphics on a variety of research topics.
Internet Access / Word Processing
The Des Moines Library has computers to access the Internet and a variety of software programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Publisher.
A KCLS library card is needed to reserve a computer. Out of the area visitors may obtain a Temporary Card with current photo ID.
Patrons may access Des Moines Library computers up to 2 hours per day. Computers are available for two-hour, one-hour, half-hour and 15-minute use.
The Children's area includes 2 filtered Internet terminals and 2 special workstations with educational computer programs for preschool aged children.
Patrons may reserve an Internet computer for the current day and up to 2 days in advance at the library, online or by phone. There is a 10-minute grace period for reservations, after which your reservation will be cancelled.
All computers at the Des Moines Library are limited to use by 1 person except the following, which may be used by 1 or 2 people: ADA01, #110, #201, #206, #802, #901, and #902.
Printing
Patrons may freely print up to 75 pages each week at any of the KCLS branch Print Stations.
Ten of these pages may be in color.
Wireless Access
The Des Moines Library offers a free wireless connection to our server for people with laptops and other wireless devices. The library system's wireless network is open to all visitors and does not require any special login, password, or encryption. Due to the variety of computer systems, library staff cannot help visitors to configure their own equipment.
Laptops
The Des Moines Library has 4 laptops that are available for check out by patrons 12 years of age and older. Laptops are to be used in the library only. A laptop may not be checked out if a patron has fines in excess of $10.00. To check out a laptop, a patron must present a current driver's license, ID card or current student ID, which will be held until the laptop is returned. Laptops may be used by 1 or more people.
Meeting Rooms & Equipment
Meeting Room
Des Moines Library has a meeting room that is wheelchair-accessible and has a maximum occupancy of 45 people. The purpose of the library meeting room is to provide space for programs either sponsored by the library or initiated by the public for cultural, educational, informational, recreational or civic purposes.
The meeting room can be booked online, in-person, or by calling the library. Reservations may be made up to 2 months in advance. Groups may use the meeting room once per month. The meeting room is free of charge to public groups holding meetings during regular library hours.
All meetings must be open to the public at no charge; meetings must not be restricted to any particular group. Library meeting room use will not be denied to any person or organization because of race, creed or color.
Display Space
The Des Moines Library provides display space for flyers and handouts in the lobby. Preference is given to library-sponsored programs and information. Display space is open to organizations and individuals engaged in cultural, educational, informational, recreational or civic purposes. Permission of the librarian is required before any materials may be placed in the display space.
The Des Moines Library does not endorse the beliefs or viewpoints of any display materials. Anyone using the display space must not use advertising or publicity which implies that their displays are sponsored, co-sponsored, or approved by the library unless written permission to do so has previously been given by the librarian.
Copy Machine
The library has one black and white copy machine for public use. Copies are 10 cents per page.
Collections
The Des Moines Library collection includes a variety of materials including books, DVDs, audio books, music CDs, newspapers, and magazines.
Special collections in the library include Choice Reads (new paperbacks), large print books, classics, college and career books, consumer information, auto repair manuals, and local government documents. The library also has a number of movies in both VHS and DVD format.
The World Language collection includes books in Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese. The library has magazines in a variety of languages including Japanese, Spanish, Russian, and Vietnamese.
The Des Moines Library has English as a Second Language (ESL) and Adult Basic Education collections with books and audiovisual materials to meet the needs of beginning adult readers, ESL students, and Literacy/ESL tutors.
Adult Resources
Talk Time
Talk Time is a free, informal English conversation class that meets every Monday in the library's meeting room. It is a great place to practice your English, and to learn about American culture and other cultures from around the world. Registration is not required.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Class
Learn to read, write and speak English in our free ESL class. The class meets every Tuesday and Thursday in the library's meeting room during our 11 week sessions. Registration and assessment takes place in the first class. Contact the library to see when the next session begins.
Des Moines Library Book Group
The Des Moines Library Book Group meets the fourth Wednesday of the month in the library's meeting room. The group reads and discusses a variety of books throughout the year. Pick up the group's current selection at the library's Help Desk. New members are always welcome.
Computer Classes
The Des Moines Library offers beginning and intermediate level computer classes on a number of topics, including the Internet, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher. Contact the library for the current offerings. Registration is required and begins two weeks before each class.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer opportunities are frequently available. Stop by or call the library to see if we are currently accepting volunteers.
Links of Interest
Adult Learners: Resources for lifelong learners
Books & Reading: Find your next favorite book
ESL, Talk Time, & Citizenship: Learn English or how to become a citizen
Parents & Care Givers: Information for parents and care givers
Seniors: Information of interest to seniors
Children's Resources
For Children - Books + More
Books, magazines, movies, CD's, audio books, comics. Children's Books in Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.
Story Times
Featuring stories, songs and fingerplays to help develop early literacy skills.
Currently offering Story Time in Spanish; Evening Family Story Time; Baby and Young Toddler Story Time; and Preschool Story Time. Visit our website or call for further details.
Children's Literature Specialists
Reading advice, library tours, booklists, and early literacy information.
Ready Set Read Program, sponsored by the King County Library Foundation
Elementary age children can earn free books for reading. Learn more
For Teachers & Homeschool Groups
The Children's Librarian is available to visit your classroom for book talks and database demonstrations. Customized book lists and library tours are also available. You can let the Children's Librarian know that your students will need materials for class assignments by submitting an Assignment Alert.
Links of Interest:
KidsPage: Explore the web
Homework Help: Websites selected by KCLS librarians
Study Zone: In person tutoring help, see schedule for days and times
Teen Resources
The Des Moines Library has a special area for teens in grades 6 - 12. Teen resources include fiction and non-fiction books, magazines, audio books, comics, graphic novels, and book lists.
Game On!
Every Wednesday from 3 - 5 pm, we turn the Des Moines Library's meeting room into an arcade. Teens in grades 6 - 12 are invited to play video games on our Xbox 360s, Wiis, Game Cubes, and PS2.
Teen Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer opportunities for school community service requirements are frequently available. Stop by or call the library to see if we are currently accepting teen volunteers.
For Teachers & Homeschool Groups
The Teen Librarian is available to visit your classroom for book talks and database demonstrations. Customized book lists and library tours are also available. You can let the Teen Librarian know that your students will need materials for class assignments by submitting an Assignment Alert.
Links of Interest
Homework Help: Websites to help with your homework
Live Homework Help: Online homework help 24 hours a day
MSP, HSPE and SAT Tutoring Service: Online help preparing for the MSP, HSPE, and SAT
Online TeenZone: Teen book lists and system-wide events
Return to Des Moines Library Home Page
Last Updated:
December 14, 2012
