Event List

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Ongoing Events
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This event is in the "Children" group.

Poetry Walk

Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Celebrate National Poetry Month and join us for a Poetry Walk. With clipboards and notepads in hand, we will take a walk around the Library and Easttown Park noting what we see,

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational, Play & Learn
Event Details:
Celebrate National Poetry Month and join us for a Poetry Walk. With clipboards and notepads in hand, we will take a walk around the Library and Easttown Park noting what we see, hear, smell, and touch. While on our walk we will hear some poetry, a...

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.

Accompanying Adults

This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.

Outdoor Program

This program is hosted outdoors.  

In case of inclement weather please check back here for updates. 

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.
This event is in the "Children" group.

What Do You Do with an Idea? Story, Craft, and Ticket Giveaway

Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational, Play & Learn, Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

What do you do with an idea? We'll read the book by Kobi Yamada, make a craft, and one lucky family will receive four tickets to the performance based on the book at the Des Moines

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, Play & Learn, Storytimes
Event Details:
What do you do with an idea? We'll read the book by Kobi Yamada, make a craft, and one lucky family will receive four tickets to the performance based on the book at the Des Moines Civic Center on April 20! ...

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults

This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.

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 "Children" group.

Little Artists Storytime: What Do You Do With An Idea?

Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Little Artists Storytime will feature a reading of the the book What Do You Do With An Idea?, create a work of art to take home, and enter a drawing for a chance to win tickets to

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Event Details:
Little Artists Storytime will feature a reading of the the book What Do You Do With An Idea?, create a work of art to take home, and enter a drawing for a chance to win tickets to a show! Please note: this program is designed for elementary school...

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults

This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.

Children’s Program

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

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Mushroom Foraging

Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Join ISU Polk County Extension Natural Resources Program Coordinator, Gina Buelow, for a fun-filled program about mushroom foraging. Learn about what fungi are, how to identify mus

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Join ISU Polk County Extension Natural Resources Program Coordinator, Gina Buelow, for a fun-filled program about mushroom foraging. Learn about what fungi are, how to identify mushrooms, and how you can forage safely and responsibly. Get ready to de...

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 "Birth-Preschool" group.

Little Explorers

Friday, April 5, 2024 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Bring your young ones to our Little Explorers program, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different sensory activities. No Registration is Required. P

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:
Bring your young ones to our Little Explorers program, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different sensory activities. No Registration is Required. Please wear play clothes as some activities may be messy. ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Snippets: A Writers' Workshop for Short Works 2024

Friday, April 5, 2024 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Snippets: A Writers' Workshop for Shorter Works Please email your submissions to Julia at jmdunt@dmpl.org if you would like them printed out. This group will read and discuss

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 19
Event Details:
Snippets: A Writers' Workshop for Shorter Works Please email your submissions to Julia at jmdunt@dmpl.org if you would like them printed out. This group will read and discuss works out loud. Seating is limited. Registration is required. ...
This event is in the "Adults" group.

The Outreach Project

Friday, April 5, 2024 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library Cafe Gallery at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

The Des Moines Public Library is partnering with area organizations to connect people with community resources. Community advocates will provide information about community re

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Cafe Gallery
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:
The Des Moines Public Library is partnering with area organizations to connect people with community resources. Community advocates will provide information about community resources like meal sites and shelters. They may also offer support and ...

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.

Internet Basics

Friday, April 5, 2024 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology, Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

In this workshop participants will be introduced to basic terminology, functionality, and navigation of internet browsers, search engines and websites. At the end of the session

Required
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology, Educational
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 1
Event Details:
In this workshop participants will be introduced to basic terminology, functionality, and navigation of internet browsers, search engines and websites. At the end of the session, learners will be able to: Understand the basics of web browser...
This event is in the "Children" group.

Kid's Craft Day: Paper Bird Houses

All Day
South Side Children’s Area at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn, Take & Make
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Drop in at South for Kid's Craft Day in the Children's Area! For kids ages 5-12. Crafts will be available all day while supplies last. 

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn, Take & Make
Event Details:
Drop in at South for Kid's Craft Day in the Children's Area! For kids ages 5-12. Crafts will be available all day while supplies last.  ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

This event is in the "Adults" group.

AARP Tax Preparation Assistance

Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 10:00am - 3:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

AARP will be at the library every *Wednesday and Saturday from February 3rd through April 13th to assist the public with their taxes. On Wednesday, 02/07 and 02/14, appointments ar

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
AARP will be at the library every *Wednesday and Saturday from February 3rd through April 13th to assist the public with their taxes. On Wednesday, 02/07 and 02/14, appointments are limited to 11:30-3:30. All other appointments are between 10:00-3:30...
This event is in the "Children" group.

All Things Weather

Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Spring is here and the weather outside is delightful! Bring the family and enjoy activities, crafts, and a scavenger hunt related to the weather in the children's area from 10 AM t

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Spring is here and the weather outside is delightful! Bring the family and enjoy activities, crafts, and a scavenger hunt related to the weather in the children's area from 10 AM to 4 PM. ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

This event is in the "Children" group.

Art Cart Saturdays

Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
East Side Children’s Area at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Stop in the library to do some fun arts and crafts with our Art Cart! 

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:
Stop in the library to do some fun arts and crafts with our Art Cart!  ...

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.

Accompanying Adults

This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.

This event is in the "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Sit n' Stitch

Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 1:30pm - 3:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
Event Details:

Spend a few hours with other crafters and work on your knit, crochet, or needle craft projects. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you. Pleasant company is provided t

Required
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 17
Event Details:
Spend a few hours with other crafters and work on your knit, crochet, or needle craft projects. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you. Pleasant company is provided to share ideas and inspiration! This program happens the first Satur...

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 "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Crafternoon

Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
Event Details:

Spend a few hours with other crafters and work on your knit, crochet, or other craft projects. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you. Pleasant company is provided to

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:
Spend a few hours with other crafters and work on your knit, crochet, or other craft projects. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you. Pleasant company is provided to share ideas and inspiration! Please note: No formal instruction is...

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 "Children" group.

I Spy: Arab American Heritage Month

All Day 4/7 - 4/20
Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Join us at Central as we celebrate the heritage and contributions of Arab American authors! Find all of the pictures in the Youth area and learn about some great people ... you mig

Library Branch: Central Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:
Join us at Central as we celebrate the heritage and contributions of Arab American authors! Find all of the pictures in the Youth area and learn about some great people ... you might even find a book you'd like to read! Find them all to get a prize! ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

This event is in the "Adults" group.

DMPL & Dragons: Sunday

Sunday, April 7, 2024 at 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Adults
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 us

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Gaming
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 8
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. &nb...

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.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.
This event is in the "Children" group.

Fun with Folktales Take-and-Make Bags!

All Day
South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational, Play & Learn, Take & Make
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

Pick up a folktales-themed take-and-make bag at South Side Library! Each bag contains a folktale, an activity, and suggestions for great books to read after you finish. Every month

Library Branch: South Side Library
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, Play & Learn, Take & Make
Event Details:
Pick up a folktales-themed take-and-make bag at South Side Library! Each bag contains a folktale, an activity, and suggestions for great books to read after you finish. Every month we'll have a brand new bag with a brand new folktale to enjoy! Whi...
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.

Toddler Storytime

Monday, April 8, 2024 at 10:00am - 10:30am
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy introductory stories, songs, music, and movement! For ages 18 months to 36 months.

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:
Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy introductory stories, songs, music, and movement! For ages 18 months to 36 months. ...

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.

Accompanying Adults

This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.

Children’s Program

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

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.

Preschool Storytime

Monday, April 8, 2024 at 10:15am - 10:45am
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Join Miss Jennifer for Preschool Storytime on Monday mornings at 10:15 a.m.  There will be stories, rhymes, music, and more. This storytime is recommended for ages three to

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:
Join Miss Jennifer for Preschool Storytime on Monday mornings at 10:15 a.m.  There will be stories, rhymes, music, and more. This storytime is recommended for ages three to five, but all children are welcome to attend.   The Frankl...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Franklin Afternoon Book Discussion

Monday, April 8, 2024 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

April's selection is Calling for a Blanket Dance by Oscar Hokeah. The Franklin Afternoon Book Discussion is a regularly scheduled book club meeting on the second Monday of the m

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:
April's selection is Calling for a Blanket Dance by Oscar Hokeah. The Franklin Afternoon Book Discussion is a regularly scheduled book club meeting on the second Monday of the month. Titles are selected from various genres and copies of the next m...
This event is in the "Adults" group.

The Outreach Project

Monday, April 8, 2024 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library Cafe Gallery at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

The Des Moines Public Library is partnering with area organizations to connect people with community resources. Community advocates will provide information about community re

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Cafe Gallery
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:
The Des Moines Public Library is partnering with area organizations to connect people with community resources. Community advocates will provide information about community resources like meal sites and shelters. They may also offer support and ...

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 "Teens" group.

Franklin VolunTeens

Monday, April 8, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Library Meeting
Age Group:
Teens
Event Details:

We are no longer accepting teen volunteer applications for the 2023-2024 school year. Summer Volunteering: Teens ages 12-18 can pick up a volunteer application starting Monday,

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Educational, Library Meeting
Event Details:
We are no longer accepting teen volunteer applications for the 2023-2024 school year. Summer Volunteering: Teens ages 12-18 can pick up a volunteer application starting Monday, April 1 at the Franklin Library youth desk. Applications must be turne...
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.
This event is in the "Children" group.

Family Storytime: "What Do You Do with an Idea?"

Monday, April 8, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

During this special Family Storytime, we'll read the book What do you do with an idea? by Kobi Yamada, and families can enter a drawing to receive four tickets to the per

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:
During this special Family Storytime, we'll read the book What do you do with an idea? by Kobi Yamada, and families can enter a drawing to receive four tickets to the performance based on the book at the Des Moines Civic Center on Apri...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

This event is in the "Children" group.

Sports Icons Scavenger Hunt

All Day 4/9 - 4/13
Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Put your game face on because this week at the library we are hosting some of the GOATs of the sports world! Record-setting icons like Michael Jordan and Serena Williams are hiding

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:
Put your game face on because this week at the library we are hosting some of the GOATs of the sports world! Record-setting icons like Michael Jordan and Serena Williams are hiding throughout the library! Help us find them all and win a slam-dunk of ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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