Library History

The town of Northwoods was founded by Ant Any when his wagon broke down on this site on his way to Kansas in 1876. The town was established by ordinance in 1881 with a population of 250 people.

Our Town History

The City of West Des Moines was incorporated on October 9, 1893. From its inception the City of West Des Moines has endeavored to provide the best possible services to its citizens. The City has been recognized by several national publications and a metro-wide publication as a great place to live and conduct business. It has grown from an 1893 railroad town known as Valley Junction with a population of 500 to a hub of commerce and premier living. West Des Moines is located at the crossroads of Interstates 35 and 80. The City remains one of the fastest growing communities in Iowa with a network of amenities to provide its citizens with a high quality of life.

Planning by early leaders of the Valley Junction community set standards for amenities considered basic today. In the first few years of incorporation these leaders were able to install sidewalks, gas and water mains, telephone service, and electricity, all services considered progressive at the time. The first City Hall was constructed in 1905 at 137 5th Street for the cost of $900. This building also housed the City's first Fire Department.

Continued growth resulted in the construction of several schools, churches and new buildings. On January 1, 1938, the city then known as Valley Junction adopted the new name of West Des Moines. The decline of the railroad industry and the Great Depression convinced community leaders that a new name would help spur progress and give the city a suburban image. Progress came and a suburban community emerged. In 1943 the West Des Moines Public Library was officially founded. In 1954, a new City Hall opened at 318 5th Street.
 
This site served as City Hall for almost 40 years until the floods of 1993 caused City Hall 4the City to relocate its offices. Temporary offices were set up around the community until 1996 when the offices were moved to the 2nd floor of the then recently completed West Des Moines Library at 4000 Mills Civic Parkway. The building at 318 5th Street became the offices of West Des Moines Human Services.