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  • AViD 2026

    AViD 2026
  • Julia Quinn VIP Reception

    Julia Quinn VIP Reception Begins at 5:30 PM  April 7, 2026  Hoyt Sherman Place 1501 Woodland Avenue    VIP Tickets on Sale March 10, 2026 Des Moines Public Library Foundation Bankers Trust 25 years of AViD
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New And Upcoming

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View More - New And Upcoming

Upcoming Events

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

Library Scavenger Hunt

All Day 3/2–3/7
All Ages
East Side Children's Nook
This event is in the "All Ages" group
Mar 2
-
7
2026

Library Scavenger Hunt

All Day 3/2–3/7
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
Mar 2
-
15
2026

I Spy: Women's History Month

All Day 3/2–3/15
Children
Central Library Children’s Area
This event is in the "Children" group
Mar 2
-
15
2026

I Spy: Women's History Month

All Day 3/2–3/15
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 awe-inspiring women making history in their fields! 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
Mar 2
-
30
2026

Iowa History Month: The Unsinkable Meredith Willson Display

All Day 3/2–3/30
All Ages
This event is in the "All Ages" group
Mar 2
-
30
2026

Iowa History Month: The Unsinkable Meredith Willson Display

All Day 3/2–3/30
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Exhibits
Event Details:

Join us at the Franklin Avenue Library for The Unsinkable Meredith Willson, a traveling display from The Great American Songbook Foundation.

This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Teens" group
Mar 5 2026 Thu

ASAP Days: Watercolor Painting

4:00pm–5:00pm
Children, Teens
South Side Meeting Room
This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Teens" group
Mar 5 2026 Thu

ASAP Days: Watercolor Painting

4:00pm–5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Young artists, here's your chance to learn watercolor painting from a professional artist! Each week focuses on a new skill or technique: blending, texture, color theory, brushstroke technique, and more. Supplies and snacks provided.

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
This event is in the "All Ages" group
Mar 5 2026 Thu

CANCELLED Meet the Author: Drew Daywalt

4:00pm–5:00pm
Children, All Ages
Cancelled
This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "All Ages" group
Mar 5 2026 Thu

Cancelled

CANCELLED Meet the Author: Drew Daywalt

4:00pm–5:00pm
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Age Group: Children, All Ages
Program Type: Author Visits
Event Details:

Due to unforeseen circumstances, this event has been cancelled.  Beaverdale Books is hoping to reschedule Drew's visit for a later date, possibly at a different location.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

 

 

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DMPL Blog

Beyond The Shelves - Libraries As Third Spaces

A promotional graphic for the Des Moines Public Library podcast Beyond the Shelves. The left side has a yellow background with the podcast title in bold white and orange text and the subtitle “Libraries as third spaces.” The Des Moines Public Library logo appears below. On the right side are two smiling librarians, Sarah and Jes, with their names labeled in orange text and arrows pointing to each of them.

This month on Beyond the Shelves, Sarah and Jes unpack the idea of “third spaces” why we crave them, why they’re disappearing, and how libraries have stepped in to fill the gap. Stick around for the Book Bulletin, where they unpack everything from LGBTQ+ publishing setbacks to Shakespearean fan fict...

Read More - Beyond The Shelves - Libraries As Third Spaces

Beyond The Shelves: 2026 Reading Challenge Recommendations

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... 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

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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