I absolutely love this library…read more Everyone that works here is so helpful. They really want to make sure that you have a great experience and they do a good job encouraging young readers. The selection here is top notch. I'm always surprised that a book I've really been wanting to read is already there and probably available soon. They don't waste a lot of space on weird art installations or exhibits; this place is chock full of books that they keep in great condition. And it's always organized; there was only one time I was unable to find a book and had to request help. In addition to everything else, their app is so useful. You can reserve books or use the catalog from anywhere in the library or at home. Their hours are absolutely phenomenal; I love that they're open late most nights. All in all, if you're not utilizing your local library, you are really missing out. I would spend hundreds of dollars on books if not for this place; it's such a great community resource.

My friend and I came here the Friday morning of my Iowa trip to print out my flight infornation for…read moremy flight back to NYC that afternoon. I went to the information desk to get a guest pass to use the computers. I was given one. I was surprised it was free. I went to one of the available computers and entered in my access code. Ths time allotted was generous and definitely more than I needed. I went to my e-mail and sent the e-mail to print. The printing fee was cheaper than NYC libraries. Once I was done I just used the internet until my friend was ready to leave.

Libraries are such a wonderful resource! The Franklin library is walkable from my home, but for…read moreothers it is on a bus line and next to a bike trail. It is so great they collect food donations to put in the entryway for people to take. I have seen lots of perishable items (veggies, fruits, bread, prepared meals) available because they have 2 large refrigerators, as well as the typical shelf stable items you might see other places. For library services I love that you have access to material from any of the other Des Moines libraries at no cost to have it brought here. And they have a number of classes and other activities that happen throughout the month.

So grateful for libraries .... I am 72 and I am So grateful…read moreto my father who got us library Cards and made sure we went to the library every week. at the Old West Park library branch...open since 1869..... So many places around the world I visited before I ever flew in a plane..just grateful for libraries! Check with your families and friends Make sure they all have a library card, still really easy to do!.... Your niece's nephews and grandkids let them know how cool a place a library is... I live within walking distance of the Franklin branch library and have nothing but good things to say about it. Nikki Hayter is the. Supervisor, she started As a Librarian at Franklin and moved to another branch and then came back as the Franklin supervisor. The Franklin library is everything a modern library should be, With multiple focuses- families, children with all kinds of events every month, family DVDs, people to help seniors gain access to audio books regular large print books, and get computer help. Adults helped to.get access to computers for job searches, regular reading research, and just plain reading. I am so proud that the library provides a community refrigerator that gets all kids of food for people to take if they need it. They also have a repair Cafe operated by volunteers that help members get things fixed. Check out Franklin's front desk for further details on everything or the Des Public Libraries web site.

What a welcoming public library. The staff are Uber friendly and the library is organized very…read morewell. The facility is very clean and well taken care of and it seemed to be well used by the public. I was there to attend a class to learn to make hammered metal necklaces. I would definitely check out the library if you want a book or looking for activities for the whole family.

Super polite and helpful librarians. Great selection of books and events. Kids had fun dressing up…read moreas astronauts in the summer reading area.

This is a day care center. It's very noisy and the computers are too close together so it's a…read moredepressing experience for adults. They say it's a new kind of library.

This is a cute, unassuming, little library sharing a space with city hall. I lived in Clive most…read moreof my life and this is the first time I found myself there. I attended a free succulent class last night in the community room... it was well attended plus we walked out with two succulents we were able to replant and take home. The instructor Ryan was very passionate about his succulents and he was extremely encouraging. He made me think I just might be able to keep these alive. Fingers are crossed... Tomorrow I am attending a class on how to declutter there as well. I can only hope I can bring the instructor home to help me... (haha) actually I am hoping to pick up some practical tips. It is so hard to throw away your possessions... If you are looking for a quaint library and you live in the area this library is definitely worth a try.

amazing small town library. lots of toys and things for littles to do. a nice food pantry. the…read morestaff is all amazing. great selection of books. lots of programs for kids and adults.

A community center for all!!! I love Valley Community Center…read morefor its beautiful center, all the activities they offer, and for a wonderful meeting place. For professionals and casual meeting. Been coming here for most of the summer and I can't believe we haven't taken advantage of this center as much as we have before. Parking lot is plenty and spacious. Out front is an outdoor playground with even wheelchair accessibility. My kids LOVE this park. Going inside, guests are welcomed by the sweet smell of complementary coffee! There is an open gym with scheduled events going on. Restrooms are always clean and plenty. Mini cafe that serves espresso and coffee drinks with a variety of easy snacks and drinks for kids. Prices are nice! A small drink with espresso (latte) is $3.65. I've seen Richard (the barista) there every time and he's very personable. We sees regular customers a lot and still remembers us! There is an indoor playground as well!! Parents can work and sip on coffee while kids are playing inside. I LOVE THAT! Legos, books, and blocks are outside of the indoor playground. Glass windows separate the lounge and playground. We have been here on different days and they always have something fun to do! This Monday was a free kid movie and popcorn day! Two fridays ago was free creamsicle day! I love this community center and highly recommend anyone to visit and make connections here. Great place for play dates and meetings.

This is a really nice community center. Great playground…read moreand tons of room outside and inside. Really beautiful building. I bring the kids here every year for the Fall (Halloween) party. It's connected with the valley church across the street, but they don't push religion on you at all and I like that. It's very welcoming and inclusive to everyone. My kiddos absolutely love it! We've come for the last 4 or 5 years. For this specific event they get: *to dress in their Halloween costumes *have pony rides *big blow ups for the kids to play on *face painting *root beer floats *popcorn *candy *photo booth pics *tons of carnival games *balloon animals *and more And get this... it's all absolutely FREE! For this event alone this community center gets 5 stars from me. It's become a Halloween tradition for us :)

I wandered over hills and dale to find the mall in this suburb. But it's a built up area so it…read morewasn't like, countryside dale. It was more like Urban dale. Urbandale is a pretty typical American suburb. It's a prototype. Proto-typical, even. But in its southern area, it has some interesting neighborhoods with some older original local stuff. Also I'm a big fan of the food court in the mall, which is full of locally-owned eateries including a tamale place, and a local traditional Maid-Rite, and a gyro place, as well as a bunch of others. The Kohl's is one of the better stocked stores. The mall seems really quiet which is a shame because it's very futuristic. They were a few cute girls in here but it was largely deserted on a Thursday evening. I don't understand how most businesses in malls really make enough money to pay the rent. Nearby: I highly recommend you try the Hiland Bakery, with it's yum goodies. And Classic Custard too, for, well, Classic Custard. And the Bubble Tea at Bubbly Tea House is authentic, which is shocking for this state. Think about it. There are some good food options here as well as some bland but original and unusual local specialty foods. Such as the tenderloin, best served at B & B. Anyway if you think I'm gonna make this review any longer, you must have been smoking the Urb.

You can tend to variety of city services by visiting the municipal building, but my purpose is…read moreusually to purchase a season pool pass for a nephew. I do this on an annual basis and have yet to have anything other than an excellent experience with whoever is helping me out. Since I managed to forget the process - also on an annual basis - their patience is very much appreciated. Things to know: * Getting here for the first time seems to be a little awkward for folks, but once you've gotten here you will easily remember how to make your way back for future visits. * They keep it municipal business hours, so it is worth your effort to check to make certain that whoever you hope to visit here is available. * Despite what your map services might tell you, the only way to get here is on East 15th just south of ML King Parkway.