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Des Moines Public Library highlights outreach, usage and budget request in city work session
Summary
Library leaders presented system-wide usage, outreach programs and budget context: the library reported strong visits and program numbers, emphasized early-childhood literacy and digital access, and said FY27 funding requests include roughly $10.8 million from the general fund and $1.5 million from capital improvements.
Alyssa McCollum, director of the Des Moines Public Library, told the council that the library system welcomed more than 931,000 visitors in the past year and that its services range from early-literacy outreach to technology lending and a "Library of Things." The presentation included short patron testimonials and a slide review of programs and partnerships.
"Everything we do is guided by our mission to strengthen our community by connecting people with the ideas and the tools that they need to enrich their lives," McCollum said. She listed highlights including expanded outreach to early education sites, deposit collections in classrooms and senior living centers, and targeted programs that support vulnerable residents, immigrants and older adults.
McCollum reviewed fiscal metrics and requested support for the library's operations and capital needs. For fiscal year 2027 the library expects to receive about $10.8 million — roughly 4% of the city's $256 million general fund — plus approximately $1.5 million from the capital improvement budget. She also noted the library's strong return on investment and philanthropic support: the Des Moines Public Library Foundation pledged a record amount (the presentation cited more than $470,000) to support programming and digital upgrades.
Other presenters described on‑the‑ground services: Ashley Molzen summarized Rosie Reader early-literacy outreach and deposit collections (188 deposit collections at 58 sites, bringing nearly 42,000 books to classrooms and senior sites), and Jennifer Tormey outlined digital services and the Library of Things, which circulates nearly 400 items and logged more than 9,000 checkouts since July. Staff also discussed Tech Central, circulating Wi‑Fi hotspots (65 items with a waitlist of roughly 150), and strong Net Promoter Scores.
Council members thanked library staff and asked follow-up questions about foundation partnerships and volunteer support. The presentation concluded with a request for continued council engagement during the budget cycle as the city evaluates multi-year fiscal pressures.
