I stopped in here because a friend recommended it. It's a small library that makes up for it's size…read moreand age with the enthusiastic and helpful librarians. They offer tons of classes and resources, enough to match the bigger libraries in the metro. The librarians are helpful, knowledgeable and ardent supporters of this little library.

The grimes library is not big or fancy but they have a great selection of books and the staff are…read moreextremely helpful and accomodating. This library also has a multitude of community programs for toddlers - adults. Definately check out their programs. My 9 year old signed up to read to a therapy dog and it was an amazing experience. The therapy dog and owner were sweetest as can be! My son loved reading to the dog and I loved that he was excited to read. While there the staff also helped us find some sport books for my son and were just really great about chatting and answering questions. This is going to be a go to place for us when looking for something to do.

Great selection of books, movies and dvds to look through. Helpful staff and great hours.read more

When I first moved to the Des Moines metro I lived in the Sherman Hill area and then pretty much…read moremoved to the West side of town. But Des Moines is a pretty small city so I've spent my share of time on the North, South, and East sides too... I had a friend who needed notary services and we were trying to figure out a good place to meet up along with another party. The East Side Library came up as a possible spot. We agreed on a time. I grabbed my ledger, stamp, and a couple of pens and headed in that direction. I'd never been here before. The parking area is pretty good. It's a decent sized lot right off of Hubbell. Not near as big as West Des Moines or Urbandale... But suitable for this facility. The library itself didn't seem near as busy as some of the others in the metro. We quietly grabbed a table. I had a few minutes to look around and check things out as we were waiting for the last of our group to arrive. The East Side Library has that typical library feel to it. It reaks of organization which is unusual to me... I normally live my life in a slightly organized chaos... Lol It looked like they had a pretty good selection of books. Rosie's Ocean...their themed children's area. A fireplace nook for quiet casual reading. Computers and wifi. They appeared to have several meeting rooms available for use. After a few minutes with everyone at the table... Our business was conducted. Notarizations were completed etc. And we were on our way home. While not exactly the biggest libary in the metro... I was impressed by what I saw here! If you live in this area or are just passing through... Stop in and check the East Side Library out!

i have grown up in indianola iowa and have always loved this library. it's kind and welcoming sense…read morewhen you walk through the doors is wonderful. they do so many events for kids and are so inclusive. would definitely recommend for something to do!

We enjoy participating in the many different kids' activities sponsored by the Indianola Public…read moreLibrary--from "talk like a pirate" story time, to the fire week presentation complete with fire trucks, to the Dr. Seuss celebration, and more. The recently remodeled children's section is a great benefit to the library. My son enjoys taking home the themed book bags, which include an assortment of books on topics like construction equipment, fire trucks, etc. The bjg play table with Duplos is always a hit and much appreciated on a rainy day. This is a cozy library with plenty to offer families, and people of all ages. The drive-up dropbox for books (available 24/7!) is super convenient. If you can't find the particular book you want in the library, chances are you can get it down the street at Simpson College as the catalogues are linked and your library card is good there.

I've been going here since I've retired and it's a great place for seniors. I would recommend…read morejoining if you have interest in social activities with other adults they have some wonderful pool tables a small computer room and a large multi-purpose room which has activities like bridge in other card games plus a wonderful nutritious daily lunch. They also have a craft room and do crafts and they also have a small workout area. they also have a small TV and movie watching area. They also have some exercise classes designed for seniors and some services for Seniors like tax help. They have a really nice caring stsff and lots of choices for people who want to remain active in their senior years. The centers large multi-purpose room for some community meetings in evening I know that the Audubon society meets there the local Sierra club meets there, and several other community groups meet there. If you live in the Beaverdale area or the nearby Merle Hay area is very convenient to come to and has bus transportation in the front. It's also right next to the Franklin library which is a plus.

Came here for school once. There isn't a lot to look at if you're not spending a good deal of time…read morehere with a group. It's not really a normal "museum" experience, but still neat that it is still standing.

So easy to get our water started up and to put in a request to build a fence. Just a simple form…read moreand that was it. The staff was super nice and very helpful at getting you pointed in the right direction. The office is easy to find right off of 1st and Ankeny boulevard. It's kind of behind the gas station and Palmers Deli.

Beautiful outdoor park that you spend a good 30+ minutes walking around to admire the art. It was a…read moregreat place to walk through between locations on a hot Saturday.

Whenever I travel I make it a habit to visit sculpture parks and public art installations…read morethroughout the area I'm in. Overall I really enjoy our local parks here in the Des Moines metro including the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park. I think it ranks right up there with parks in some of the major metropolitan areas throughout the United States. That being said... I have to take issue with one piece... Gymnast III. Can we stop pretending that it doesn't look like what it really looks like? Lol It's described as it "captures the basic strength of a bending and stretching athlete..." I was on a school trip with my young daughter when the guide steered our kids away from a nearby nude female bust that used to stand near the Gymnast III statue. We passed by that statue...and headed right over to this one. I whispered to one of the other chaperones... "Really? Away from that one to this one...?" She quietly asked me what I meant. I told her "Just wait... As we walk around it... Let me know when you see it." A few seconds later she grabbed my arm tightly... "Oh my God!" she said in a hushed voice. But with enough emphasis I knew she was seeing it too... We both had a good laugh as the tour guide went on with her explanation of the piece to the children in the group. Both hoping none of the kids would see "it"... I didn't need those questions that day. I'm all about art. And I'm a big fan of the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park. It's a bright spot in the middle of downtown! But I can't help but feel like this piece is part of a HUGE inside joke... I wonder if the sculptor (William Tucker) said... I'm going to create this huge bronze phallic piece! I'm not going to call it what it is though. I'm going to call it Gymnast III and attach a PC interpretation explaining it... And sell it for A LOT of money! Then after the money is in the account...I'm going to sit back and laugh my butt off... Because I know what it really is!" And maybe it's not. Could just be my imagination or my inner 13 year old... BUT from the side it sure looks like one... Tucker also described some of his works as a "prolonged anatomy lesson." Again...really? I think he knew what it looked like too. Lol A popular spot for tourists and photographers. A showpiece many festivals are centered around. Opened in 2009 the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park sits on 4.4 acres. It contains around 30 installations. The parking around it is metered. You will find the Gymnast III statue on the North side of the park. About halfway down right along Grand Ave. Circle around it... Look at it from every angle. Take it all in... And then you tell me what you think...!