Adventure Pass Ending in 2025

Due to circumstances outside of our control, the Des Moines Public Library’s Iowa Adventure Pass service will no longer be available in 2025. Any reservation already made for 2025 will be honored, but we encourage anyone with a current reservation to print those passes immediately. Customers can make new reservations for passes that must be used by December 31, 2024. We hope to reintroduce the service at a later time, and we apologize for the inconvenience. 

Forest Avenue Library

Forest Avenue Library exterior shot

Location Details

Address:
1326 Forest Ave
Des Moines, IA, 50314

Directions:
Google Maps

Marli Head Shot

Marli Jefferson
Manager
MNJefferson@dmpl.org

Phone:
(515) 248-6265

Book a Forest Avenue Library meeting room

In-Person Services
  • 10:00 AM-8:00 PM Monday-Thursday
  • 10:00 AM-6:00 PM Friday
  • 10:00 AM-5:00 PM Saturday
  • Closed Sunday
 

The Forest Avenue Library features an extensive Foreign Language collection, including materials in Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese, and Karen. The library also provides computers to access language learning materials, including Mango.

Children will be delighted with Rosie's Forest, the library’s early literacy center, which includes artwork done by Sticks and a wide variety of early literacy stations where children can come to learn and play.

Located in a vibrant neighborhood, the Forest Avenue Library welcomes community groups and individuals to use our meeting spaces and take advantage of everything the library has to offer.

Upcoming Events

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

Native American Heritage Month Scavenger Hunt

All Day 11/19 - 11/27
Children, Teens
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Let's honor Native American Heritage Month by learning about some of the incredible Native American and Indigenous Americans who have had an impact on our history and culture! Find them all and win an amazing prize! Best for ages 6+

This event is in the "All Ages" group.

Movie Watch Party: Paddington 2

4:00pm - 6:00pm
All Ages
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:

Experience this whimsical and heartwarming adventure starring the beloved Paddington Bear! Join us for popcorn and a fun activity while we watch Paddington 2. Rated PG.

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

ASAP Mondays: Fiber Art

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children, Teens
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Fiber art uses materials like fabric, yarn, thread, and techniques like weaving, stitching, and tying to make cool projects! At ASAP Mondays with Megan Clausen, we will make a different fiber art project each week. Snack provided.

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.

Forest Avenue Library Book Discussion: The House of Eve

6:00pm - 6:45pm
Adults
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

Stop by the Forest Avenue Library to pick up a copy of this month's title, The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson. 

This event is in the "Children" group.

Level Up: Switch Party!

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Join other gamers and test your skills on the Nintendo Switch! We will have Smash Bros and Mario Kart on the big screen for tournament play with new friends or bring your own Switch to play on your own.

Ages 6 years and up!

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.

Sewing for Beginners

6:00pm - 7:00pm
Adults
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 0
Event Details:

Join us as we learn the basics of sewing in this beginner class. By the end of the six weeks participants will be comfortable with sewing machines and be able to mend and make alterations to clothing. 

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

Family Storytime

10:15am - 10:45am
Birth-Preschool
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn, Storytimes
Event Details:

Listen to silly stories, sing songs, dance to music, and make art! Join us at Forest Avenue Library for Family Storytime every Wednesday morning at 10:15 A.M.

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.