Christmas Closures

All locations of the Des Moines Public Library will be closed on Tuesday, December 24, and Wednesday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday. 

Lego Build It Challenge

All Day
Children
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

What can you build with LEGOS? Drop in at South and build with LEGOS all day in the Elementary Area with the LEGO Build It Challenge! Use our LEGOS and LEGO-inspired books to build creations. All ages welcome.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Indoor Program (2021)

This program is hosted indoors.  Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.

Simple Step Play / Paso Sencillo Jugar

All Day
Birth-Preschool
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Each week starting February we will spotlight an activity for toddlers & preschool age children to work on a one of our 5 Simple Steps: Read, Write, Sing, Play and Talk.  Drop in anytime to work on it together and browse our many children

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.

Simple Steps Spot: Shape Hunt

All Day
Birth-Preschool
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: South Side Library
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Drop in at South and play/learn with your toddler or preschooler at the Simple Steps Spot!  Each week, we’ll spotlight an activity - from the 5 Simple Steps - for toddlers & preschool-age children to work on. 

Disclaimer(s)

Indoor Program (2021)

This program is hosted indoors.  Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.

Storytime To Go Bags

All Day
Birth-Preschool
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: South Side Library
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, Storytimes, Take & Make
Event Details:

Visit the South Side Library each week to pick up a different Storytime To Go Bag.  Each bag will include rhymes, songs, and book suggestions for babies and preschoolers along with literacy activities.  The storytime bags are recommended

Teen Grab Bag: Random Acts of Kindness

All Day
Teens
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Take & Make
Event Details:

Stop by the Franklin Avenue Library to pick up a Teen Grab Bag that contains supplies to perform random acts of kindness in the community. Create uplifting notes and positive messages for friends, loved ones, or yourself!

Drop-in DIY Fidgets

10:00am - 4:00pm
Children, Teens
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Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Drop-in to North Side and make your own fidget toys!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Indoor Program (2021)

This program is hosted indoors.  Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.

I Spy: Black History Month

12:00pm - 1:00pm
Children
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Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Come visit the East Side children's area for an I Spy activity, featuring Black heroes in honor of Black History Month! Find all eight and win a prize!

Franklin Afternoon Book Discussion

1:00pm - 2:00pm
Adults
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Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

February's title is The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein.

The Outreach Project

1:00pm - 3:00pm
Adults
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Gateway 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.

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.

Teens and Tweens: Valentine Perler Bead Art

2:30pm - 3:30pm
Teens
Required
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, Health & Wellness, Take & Make
Required
Seats Remaining: 5
Event Details:

Teens and Tweens! Spend your day off of school at South! Celebrate Valentine's Day by creating Perler Bead art for yourself - or your valentine - at 2:30 p.m.!

Disclaimer(s)

Indoor Program (2021)

This program is hosted indoors.  Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.

Typing Club

3:00pm - 4:00pm
Adults
Required
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: Computers & Technology
Required
Seats Remaining: 2
Event Details:

Would you like to learn how to type or improve your keyboarding skills at your own pace? The library can help! Visit the North Side Library every Monday at 3pm to practice and get one on one assistance. Laptops will be provided.

Disclaimer(s)

Indoor Program (2021)

This program is hosted indoors.  Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.

Franklin VolunTeens

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Teens
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Library Meeting
Event Details:

Are you looking for a great place to volunteer? Become a volunteen and help with library projects and programs.

Disclaimer(s)

Indoor Program (2021)

This program is hosted indoors.  Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.

Level Up!

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children, Teens
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Computers & Technology, Gaming
Event Details:

Level up your gaming skills! Use our tablets and Nintendo Switch to play Among Us, Minecraft, Roblox, and more. Ages 8+.

Conversations & Coffee

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

Do you want to practice your English skills? Looking to meet new people in your community? Join us at the East Side Library for conversation and coffee. This program is open to all English speaking skill levels.

 

Disclaimer(s)

Indoor Program (2021)

This program is hosted indoors.  Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.

DIY Hot Cocoa Bombs!

6:00pm - 7:00pm
Teens, Adults
Required
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: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Required
Seats Remaining: 1
Event Details:

Join us at Central Library to learn how to make your own delicious hot cocoa bombs! We’ll provide everything from the chocolate to the yummy fillings to the packaging. All you need to bring is yourself and your creativity!  Ages 12 and up.

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.

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.

Email Required

Please make sure you have entered a valid email address as the online event details will be sent to you prior to the event. If you have not received a confirmation email your inbox, please check your spam folder.

Indoor Program (2021)

This program is hosted indoors.  Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.