Public Library of Des Moines facts for kids
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Des Moines Public Library
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | Locust St., Des Moines, Iowa |
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| Built | 1903 |
| Architect | Gutterson & Smith |
| Architectural style | Beaux Arts |
| Part of | Civic Center Historic District (ID88001168) |
| NRHP reference No. | 77000550 |
| Added to NRHP | July 25, 1977 |
The Des Moines Public Library is a historic building in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, United States. It was built in 1903 and was once a busy library. Today, this beautiful building is home to the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates. This is where the World Food Prize celebrates people who help make sure everyone has enough food.
Contents
History of the Building
The idea for a public library in Des Moines started way back in 1866. A group called the Des Moines Library Association began in a church basement. At first, people gave money and charities helped support it.
Becoming a City Library
By 1882, the library needed more help. The city of Des Moines took over its services. In 1898, the city bought land near the Des Moines River for $35,000. The first stone for the library building was placed in 1900. The library officially opened its doors in October 1903.
Important Moments at the Library
In the 1920s, the library also became home to the Cumming School of Art. A very important document, the Library Bill of Rights, was created here in 1938. This bill was made to protect free speech and fight against unfairness. It made sure everyone had the right to read different ideas.
The library also grew to include special sections. A "Boys and Girls Department" opened in 1937, and a "Music Department" started in the 1950s.
A New Home for the Library
By the 1990s, the old library building was too small. It also needed more modern technology. A new library was designed by architect David Chipperfield. The new Des Moines Public Library opened on April 8, 2006.
The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
After the library moved, The World Food Prize organization bought the historic building. They renamed it the Norman E. Borlaug World Food Prize Hall of Laureates. This name honors Norman Borlaug, who was from Cresco, Iowa. He started the World Food Prize to celebrate people who make big differences in feeding the world.
The building was renovated to become a special place. It now serves as a museum about achievements in farming and food. It's also a place for the World Food Prize International Symposium, where people talk about important food issues. Plus, it hosts the Global Youth Institute and has displays about hunger and food security.
Building Design
Des Moines architects Gutterson & Smith designed this building. It was built in the Beaux Arts style. This style often uses grand, classical designs. The building was made from salmon pink limestone from Minnesota.
The Library's Mural
Inside, on the ground floor, there is a large mural painted by Des Moines artist Harry Donald Jones. This mural was part of a special government project called the Works Progress Administration. It covers about 1,091 square feet (101 square meters). The mural shows the history of Des Moines, from ancient times to the 1900s.
The building originally had a fountain and stone steps outside. These were removed in 1955.
