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Upcoming Events

This event is in the "All Ages" group
Feb 1
-
28
2026

Pokédex Scavenger Hunt

All Day 2/1–2/28
All Ages
This event is in the "All Ages" group
Feb 1
-
28
2026

Pokédex Scavenger Hunt

All Day 2/1–2/28
Library Branch: DMPL Systemwide
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Become a Pokémon master at the Des Moines Public Library! We’re celebrating the 30th anniversary of Pokémon with a systemwide scavenger hunt. 

Disclaimer(s)

Accessibility

The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.
This event is in the "Adults" group
Feb 1 2026 Sun

DMPL & Dragons: Sunday

12:30pm–3:30pm
Adults
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
This event is in the "Adults" group
Feb 1 2026 Sun

DMPL & Dragons: Sunday

12:30pm–3:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Dungeons & Dragons is a role-playing game set in worlds of swords and sorcery where players use their imaginations to tell a story and create an adventure together.  We usually get together on the first Sunday of each month to play. 

Disclaimer(s)

Accessibility

The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.

Central Parking

Free library parking is available in Central's underground parking garage for two hours per visit. Parking around the library is metered at various costs from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

 

This event is in the "All Ages" group
Feb 2
-
7
2026

Library Scavenger Hunt

All Day 2/2–2/7
All Ages
East Side Children's Nook
This event is in the "All Ages" group
Feb 2
-
7
2026

Library Scavenger Hunt

All Day 2/2–2/7
East Side Children's Nook
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Children's Nook
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Find all of the hidden pictures for a prize! 

This event is in the "Children" group
Feb 2
-
15
2026

I Spy: Black History Month - Inventors

All Day 2/2–2/15
Children
Central Library Children’s Area
This event is in the "Children" group
Feb 2
-
15
2026

I Spy: Black History Month - Inventors

All Day 2/2–2/15
Central Library Children’s Area
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Visit the Central children's area to learn about some of the incredible Black inventors who advanced their fields and made historic discoveries that we still benefit from today. Find all the hidden pictures to win a prize!

 

Disclaimer(s)

Central Parking

Free library parking is available in Central's underground parking garage for two hours per visit. Parking around the library is metered at various costs from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

 

Children’s Program

Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.

This event is in the "All Ages" group
Feb 2
-
27
2026

Black History Month: Ella Sings the Songbook Display

All Day 2/2–2/27
All Ages
This event is in the "All Ages" group
Feb 2
-
27
2026

Black History Month: Ella Sings the Songbook Display

All Day 2/2–2/27
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Exhibits
Event Details:

Join us at the Franklin Avenue Library for Ella Sings the Songbook, a traveling display from The Great American Songbook Foundation.

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DMPL Blog

Beyond The Shelves: 2026 Reading Challenge Recommendations

An image of the Beyond the Shelves podcast logo with two librarians smiling, this episode is titled "2026 Reading Challenge Reveal" and displays the reading challenge bingo logo underneath.

In this episode of Beyond the Shelves, Sarah and Jes discuss the 2026 reading challenge, recommend books to complete your bingo board, and in the book bulletin, talk about the hit series Heated Rivalry on HBO. 








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Read More - Beyond The Shelves: 2026 Reading Challenge Recommendations

Beyond The Shelves: Best Books of 2025

In this episode, Sarah and Jes discuss the best books of the year, great books to give as gifts, the most checked out items at DMPL, and the librarian... Read More - Beyond The Shelves: Best Books of 2025

Des Moines Public Library Names Melissa McCollum as New Library Director

The Des Moines Public Library is pleased to announce that Melissa McCollum has been named the library's next library director. McCollum will begin her... Read More - Des Moines Public Library Names Melissa McCollum as New Library Director

View All Posts - DMPL Blog

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The Des Moines Public Library is a department of the City of Des Moines.

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