On the latest episode of the DMPL Podcast, Aaron talks with Becky and Jen about the first ever MyDMPL Con. Learn how you can create a wand in Diagon Alley, plant a Baby Groot, take part in a costume contest for prizes, and more! Becky and Jen talk about the schedule at this family-friendly event and what they're most excited about. MyDMPL Con takes place on Sunday, May 6, from 1:00-5:00 PM at the Central Library.

Music credits: "Young, Tough and Terrible" by The Losers / CC BY-NC

AViD author Stephanie Powell Watts joins us on the podcast! Guest host Laura Rowley talks with Watts about her career, her writing process, and how her original idea for No One is Coming to Save Us morphed into something completely different. Don’t forget, she’ll be at Des Moines University on Thursday, May 3, at 7:00 PM!

Amor Towles is coming to Des Moines for AViD! He speaks with guest host Laura Rowley about his newest book, A Gentleman in Moscow. They also chat about his writing process, life in New York City, and what his idea of perfect happiness is. Mark your calendars for Monday, April 23, at 7:00 PM for Amor’s visit – and don’t forget it’s at Roosevelt High School!

Music credits: "Young, Tough and Terrible" by The Losers / CC BY-NC

AViD author John Lescroart joins us on the podcast! He chats with special guest host Laura Rowley about his unique path to becoming a best-selling author and what motivates him. Lescroart will be at the Central Library on Tuesday, April 10, at 7:00 PM. Learn more about AViD!

Music credits: "Young, Tough and Terrible" by The Losers / CC BY-NC

Children’s author and illustrator David LaRochelle comes on the podcast! He’ll be at the Franklin Avenue Library on Monday, April 16, at 5:30 PM. LaRochelle talks about his love for children’s books, how he writes them, and why being a picture book author is like being a director.

Music credits: "Young, Tough and Terrible" by The Losers / CC BY-NC

Our newest Podcast Picks podcast has Jen and Carrie in the studio! They’re talking about mysteries with a romantic twist to them. Check it out!

The series Jen and Carrie discussed are:

‘Veronica Speedwell,’ by Deanna Raybourn
‘Jackson Brodie,’ by Kate Atkinson
‘Kincaid & Jones,’ by Deborah Crombie
‘42nd Street Library,’ by Con Lehane
‘Magic Men Mysteries,’ by Elly Griffiths

Music credits: "Young, Tough and Terrible" by The Losers / CC BY-NC

Forest Avenue Children’s Librarian Erica Eis talks about her favorite picture books with winter themes! She also talks about the importance of storytime, finding books your child is interested in, and ways to encourage them to continue reading, no matter their skill level.

Music credits: "Young, Tough and Terrible" by The Losers / CC BY-NC

Librarians Kevin and Kate tell us about lesser-known books that you should consider for your book club this next year. They also talk about what makes for a good book club discussion!

Music credits: "Young, Tough and Terrible" by The Losers / CC BY-NC

Long-time Des Moines sports personality Larry Cotlar joins the podcast! Cotlar chats about some of the highlights of his lengthy sports media career, which has spanned more than three decades. He explains how things have changed, for good and bad, and then gives us a preview of his upcoming program at the Franklin Avenue Library. Cotlar will be at Franklin on Tuesday, November 7, at 6:30 PM to discuss the upcoming men’s college basketball season for each of the Division I programs in the state (Iowa, Iowa State, UNI, and Drake).

Music credits: "Young, Tough and Terrible" by The Losers / CC BY-NC

Paranormal investigator Chad Lewis joins the show to talk about the wild and spooky things that he’s seen throughout his career. From hunting for the Tata Duende in Central America to looking for spooky sights throughout the Midwest, Chad has lots of experience with the supernatural. He’ll be presenting two programs in Des Moines: he’ll be at the Franklin Avenue Library on Tuesday, October 24, at 6:30 PM, and at the South Side Library on Wednesday, October 25, at 6:30 PM.

Music credits: "Young, Tough and Terrible" by The Losers / CC BY-NC