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As the school year kicks off, Grand View students need access to educational resources. GV has a library on campus that allows students to have access to computers, books, and a study space. Students may need access to other resources from libraries scattered throughout the Des Moines Metro Area.

Students and Des Moines community members are encouraged to sign up for a library card at one of the Des Moines Public Libraries because they provide opportunities for growth and learning. Des Moines has six public library locations throughout the city for students and community members to use. Five are neighborhood libraries and the sixth iscalled the Central Library, which is in downtown Des Moines.

College students are expected by professors to read, research, and write papers. A library provides a plethora of opportunities for students to fulfill these needs with a great bonus of it being free. Tim Paluch, marketing and communications director for DMPL believes libraries are an important resource for all. Libraries play a critical role in education because they offer technology resources, programs, reading resources, and entertainment.

“I’m a big believer in the importance and power of public libraries,” Paluch said. “It’s essentially the last remaining space where people can visit and engage in technology, and literature, and not have to spend any money.”

 Paluch said any Iowa resident can stop into a library location and get a library card. Some services are only available to Des Moines residents and rural Polk County residents. GV students that live on campus are eligible for full access if they bring in their ID and a piece of mail with their GV address on it. DMPL wants the public to know they offer plenty of great amenities other than just traditional books.

“Traditionally, people think of libraries as walking in picking up a book, or DVD to rent and then walking out. Here and in other public libraries it is just so much more than that,” Paluch said.

Central Library, DMPL’s largest location, is about four4 miles from GV’s campus and offers a variety of services. Tech Central is one offering at Central Library. It includes a green screen to use, camera equipment, laser printers, and computer software programs all available to DMPL card holders. Other offerings at the Central Library location include historical archives, over 5,000 books, movies, CDs, an art gallery, meeting rooms, study spaces, and lots of comfy furniture that is great for studying.

Each of DMPL’s six6 locations varies in size but offers the same amenities. DVD rentals, books, programs for children, teens, adults, and families, study spaces, and much more. A full list of amenities at each location can be found on their website at dmpl.org.

Libraries can also be wonderful places to create long-lasting memories. Jackie Boardman, a freshman studying Theater Aarts at GV, has had a library card in Des Moines for about five years. She enjoys going to the library to check out books because it reminds her of fun memories from her childhood.

“There was one book that every October my sister and I would always check out. We read it so many times we honestly should have just bought it at that point. It’s a fun memory,” Boardman said.

Sometimes students like to get off campus and get work done. Paluch explained, each of the Des Moines Public Library locations have study rooms and quiet areas for people to get work done in a controlled space.

“You can grab a study room for free, and grab a public computer for free, and just spend some time doing stuff there, too,” Paluch said. “So, I think it’s a good resource especially if you’re trying to get off campus and just trying to get some work done.”

Whether students are looking for entertainment or learning opportunities. Getting a library card might be an essential school supply to add to their list.