IDB Library

🚀 Blast Off to STEM Fest 2026! 🌌✨

Join the Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled and the South Central STEM Hub for an afternoon of hands-on space exploration! While we are proud to serve as Iowa’s Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, this event is truly created for everyone—inviting visitors of all ages and backgrounds to explore space through touch, sound, sight, and community art, proving just how universal the wonder of space really is!

📅 Saturday, October 24 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

📍 524 Fourth St, Des Moines, IA

Event Highlights:
🗺️ Interactive Quest: Visit 16 exhibitor tables, collect beads, and build a take-home space keepsake!

🛠️ NASA JPL Mission Control: Build and test a model spacecraft control panel.

🤖 Robotics & Tactile Coding: Navigate a robot maze using 3D-printed Braille code blocks.

🎨 Tactile Space Art: Design textured constellation maps with artist Jill Wells.

📸 Star Wars Photo Ops: Meet roaming characters and snap photos at galaxy photo walls!

You’re Invited: Many Faces of BARD

Today, Thursday, October 8th, at 6:00 p.m. (CST) the Patron Engagement Section of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) will hold its monthly virtual program called The Many Faces of BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) on Zoom....

You're Invited: Many Faces of BARD - Iowa Library for the Blind Today, Thursday, October 8th, at 6:00 p.m. (CST) the Patron Engagement Section of the National ... Read more

🚀 Build Your Own Space Telescope! 🌌

Step into the shoes of an aerospace engineer at October’s Makerspace Monday! To celebrate our Experience the Cosmos exhibit, join guest presenter Lindy Trout and the Science Center of Iowa for a hands-on workshop.

What to Expect:

🛠️ Assemble precision, laser-cut models of the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes to take home.

🧠 Get expert guidance and ask your deep-space questions.

🍪 Enjoy tasty "Spacy Treats"!

📅 Monday, October 12, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM
📍 In-Person: Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (524 4th Street, Des Moines)

💻 Virtual: Via Zoom (link provided upon registration)

🎟️ Cost: FREE!

👉 Register here: https://iowadeptblind.wufoo.com/forms/r1xxnhnx00burvq/

Monthly Book Review from Deena

Check out these book reviews from Deena. Deena was a member of the Library’s Patron Service Team who is retired. ...

Monthly Book Review from Deena - Iowa Library for the Blind Check out these book reviews from Deena. Deena was a member of the Library’s Patron Service ... Read more

Weekly Dose of Braille

Small Capitals and Roman Numerals The Weekly Dose of Braille is created by our Youth Services Librarian and Braille Transcriber, Denise Bean, with the help of our Instructional Materials team....

Weekly Dose of Braille - Iowa Library for the Blind Small Capitals and Roman Numerals The Weekly Dose of Braille is created by our Youth ... Read more

What a stellar launch! ✨ On Saturday, Oct. 3, we held a Grand Opening event for Experience the Cosmos: The James Webb Space Telescope Traveling Tactile Exhibit, and visitors of all ages joined us to explore space through touch, sound, sight, and community art. While we are proud to serve as Iowa’s library for the blind and print disabled, this exhibit was truly created for everyone!

Here’s a quick look at opening day highlights:

🎨 "Felt the Stars" Workshop: Local artist Jill Wells guided guests in crafting tactile wool felt star ornaments to take home.

🌌 3D Tactile Galaxies & Starry Tent: Visitors traced intricate details of nebulae and galaxies on 3D display tables and relaxed under our indoor constellation tent.

👕 Commemorative T-Shirts: Show your support with an official "Reach for the Stars" shirt! Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Shop Here: https://www.ignition.ink/iowa-library-for-the-blind-print-disabled

🚀 Visit Us Through Dec. 21!

The exhibit is free and open to everyone through December 21, 2026.

👉 Learn more, check exhibit hours here: iowalibrary.blog/experience-the-cosmos

Library News 1.0: October 2026

Greetings Readers! Welcome to the first October edition of Library News. As we settle into the heart of fall, we’re excited to share new programs, resources, and opportunities designed to keep you reading, learning, and connected....

Library News 1.0: October 2026 - Iowa Library for the Blind Greetings Readers! Welcome to the first October edition of Library News. As we settle into ... Read more

Every career success story starts with access to information! 📚💼

This National Disability Employment Awareness Month ( ), as we celebrate the achievements and skills of blind and low vision Iowans, we’re proud to provide the foundational tools that make lifelong learning and career growth possible.

From braille and audiobooks to accessible instructional resources and post-secondary support, access to information removes barriers to independence.

Discover how our collection and programs empower readers of all ages across Iowa: https://iowalibrary.blog

It’s officially National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)! 🎉

This October, we’re celebrating the value, talent, and contributions of blind and low vision Iowans. We’re excited to spotlight some of our amazing clients and share their stories of success, independence, and employment.

Learn more about NDEAM: https://blind.iowa.gov/press-release/2026-10-02/ndeam-2026

Tomorrow is the day! 🚀

If you haven't marked your calendar yet, the Experience the Cosmos: Tactile Exhibit Grand Opening is happening tomorrow, Saturday, October 3, from 9 AM to 1 PM right here in Des Moines!

Come explore hands-on James Webb Space Telescope exhibits, interactive activity stations, and a special feature with artist Jill Wells. Plus, scroll down to check out details for STEM Fest 2026 coming up later this month! 🪐✨

📍 Where: Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (524 Fourth St, Des Moines)
🎟️ Cost: FREE admission & free on-site parking!

Check out the original post below for all the details, or plan your visit at https://iowalibrary.blog/experience-the-cosmos/!

IMC FAQ Friday: Requesting Worksheets

Each Friday the Instructional Materials Center Team will provide answers to questions asked by educators throughout the week in the IMC FAQ Friday post....

IMC FAQ Friday: Requesting Worksheets - Iowa Library for the Blind Each Friday the Instructional Materials Center Team will provide answers to questions asked by educators ... Read more