Holiday closures this week

All locations of the Des Moines Public Library will be closed Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 for Thanksgiving. Normal hours resume on Saturday, November 30.

Adventure Pass Changes in 2025

Due to software issues affecting all libraries using the service, the Des Moines Public Library’s Iowa Adventure Pass program 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. 

DMPL Community Fridges

Franklin fridge

The Des Moines Public Library is proud to now be the site of three community refrigerators and pantries. Details and donation guidelines for each:

 

The Central Library Community Fridge is located in the breezeway of the north entrance off of Grand Avenue. It is open to the public for donations and pickups Monday-Sunday during the library's open hours.

Donation Guidelines

  • Fresh produce, bread, pasta, grains, and non-expired dairy products
  • Pre-packaged or individually wrapped items
  • Standard pantry items are accepted: rice, dry beans, canned goods, oatmeal, pasta, etc.
  • No frozen items
  • Sign-in is not required to donate or pick up food.

The Franklin Community Fridge is located inside the east entrance of Franklin Avenue Library, 5000 Franklin Avenue. It is open to the public (for donations and pickups) Monday through Sunday during the library's open hours.

Donation Guidelines
Monday through Sunday during operating hours

  • Perishables: fresh produce, eggs, meat, prepacked meals, and dairy products
  • Non-perishables: bread, grains, dry beans, canned goods, cereal & oatmeal, pasta, flour, and other standard pantry items
  • Sign-in is not required to donate or pick up food

The South Side Library Fridge is now located inside South Side Library, 1111 SW Porter Ave. It is open to the public Monday through Saturday during the library's open hours.

Donation Guidelines:

  • Standard pantry items are accepted: rice, dry beans, canned goods, oatmeal, pasta, etc.
  • Freezer items such as frozen vegetables, fruits, and meals are also accepted.
  • Donations accepted Monday through Friday during operating hours