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. 

Fall Into Spring Book Sale

9:00am - 7:30pm
All Ages
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: Central Library
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Book Sales
Event Details:

Shop Central's book sale and back room for great deals on books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, and other fun items! 

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.

Preschool Storytime

10:00am - 10:30am
Birth-Preschool
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

 Join Miss Janee for stories, rhymes, songs, movement, and occasional crafts/activities that build literacy and kindergarten-readiness skills. Ages three to five.

Play, Grow, Learn!

10:15am - 12:00pm
Birth-Preschool
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Play, Grow, Learn! is an opportunity for you to use the Imagination Station to explore early literacy tips and books, play with others, and develop early literacy skills using Forest Avenue Library's space and toys.

Preschool Storytime

10:30am - 11:15am
Birth-Preschool
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Join us for stories, songs, fingerplays and movement that build literacy skills for ages three to six years old.

Storytime

10:30am - 11:15am
Birth-Preschool
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

On Thursdays, children and their caregivers can enjoy stories, rhymes, fingerplays, and songs together, followed by a period of free play or drawing.

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.

Power Play

10:30am - 11:30am
Birth-Preschool
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn, Storytimes
Event Details:

Adults and children play together in an environment set up to promote all areas of development through open ended active play focused on the 5 Simple Steps to Success strategies of read, write, sing, play and talk.  Join us for 60 minutes of

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.

Children’s Program

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

South Side Book Discussion

1:00pm - 2:00pm
Adults
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

Join us to discuss the book Educated by Tara Westover. Copies are available at the previous book discussion and the Information Desk thereafter (while supplies last).

Disclaimer(s)

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

City of Des Moines - Benchmarking DSM Training

1:00pm - 3:00pm
Adults
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Tech Central
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

On June 3, 2019, the Des Moines City Council passed the Energy and Water Benchmarking Ordinance requiring building owners of buildings 25,000 sq.

Play, Grow, Learn!

1:00pm - 3:00pm
Birth-Preschool, Children
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Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Rosie's Rocket
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Join us at the Franklin Library for open play and more! Meet families with other young children, check out our awesome picture books, and engage in the five simple steps to success - Read, Write, Sing, Play, and Talk!

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.

Job Seekers

2:00pm - 3:00pm
Adults
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Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology, Educational
Event Details:

Looking for a new job? Join us for help with job-related topics. Each week we will focus on one topic with time for questions and personalized help.

First Thursday: Job Searching with Google

Second Thursday: Job Applications

Rainbow Meetup!

5:00pm - 7:30pm
All Ages
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Celebrate LGBTQ+ with an all-ages meet-up to connect with LGBTQ folks and allies! Learn about upcoming events, listen to music by Queer artists, and check out LGBTQ Books by Queer authors and about Queer characters.

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.

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Make a Motion! Find Out More About Parliamentary Procedures

6:00pm - 7:00pm
Adults
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

What you always wanted to know about parliamentary procedures, but were afraid to ask. Bring your questions about parliamentary procedures for your business meetings.

DSM Counts: The 2020 Census and You / DSM Cuenta: El censo de 2020 y usted

6:30pm - 7:30pm
Adults
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

The US Census Bureau in conjunction with the Des Moines Complete Count Committee is hosting a series of events where community members can learn about the history and the importance of the Decennial Census.

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.