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. 

Simple Steps Spot: Play-Doh Day!

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

Each Tuesday we will spotlight an activity for toddlers & preschool age children to work on a one of our 5 Simple Steps.  Drop in anytime to work on it together, and check out lots of books to read together!  Let's play with everyone

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.

Play, Grow, Learn!

10:00am - 11:30am
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: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Children ages 0-5 and their caregivers can engage in open play, come and go activities at South. Play, Grow, Learn is an opportunity to meet families with other young children and engage in the five simple steps to success - Read, Write, Sing

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Simple Steps Spot: Musical Instruments

10:00am - 11:30am
Birth-Preschool
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: 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.

Baby Rhyme Time

10:15am - 10:45am
Birth-Preschool
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Babies and their caregivers can join Miss Jennifer on Tuesdays for rhymes, songs, bounces, and a story. 

This program is recommended for caregivers and babies ages newborn to eighteen months. 

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Friends of the North Side Library

12:00pm - 1:00pm
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: Library Meeting
Event Details:

 Friends of the North Side Library Meeting.  New members always welcome.

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.

Dari or Pashto Basics with Mango

1:00pm - 2:00pm
Adults, All Ages
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Conference Room
Age Group: Adults, All Ages
Program Type: Computers & Technology, Educational
Event Details:

Would you like to learn a bit of Dari or Pashto to chat with your new neighbors, clients, or potential friends?

North Side Book Discussion

1:30pm - 2:30pm
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: Book Clubs
Event Details:

This month we will be reading and discussing The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune. Copies of the book are available at the North Side Library.

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.

Food Allergies

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

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.

Bug Me with Polk County Conservation

2:30pm - 3:30pm
Children, All Ages
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Library Lawn
Age Group: Children, All Ages
Program Type: Educational, Exhibits
Event Details:

Kids and Families! Explore the world of bugs with Polk County Conservation's "Bug Me!" program at South! Join a Polk County Naturalist as we explore the fascinating world of insects. Specimen collections will be on display including real insects.

Disclaimer(s)

Outdoor Program

This program is hosted outdoors.  

In case of inclement weather please check back here for updates. 

Creative Readers-From Book to Art!

4:00pm - 4:45pm
Children
Required
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Required
Seats Remaining: 9
Event Details:

Children will listen to The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and design a windmill . Creating and exploring with art and STEM activities. Ages 5 years old to 8 years old, but younger siblings are 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.

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 Conference Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

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

Des Moines Public Library Board Meeting

4:15pm - 5:30pm
All Ages
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Library Meeting
Event Details:

The Library Board of Trustees will meet Tuesday, March 15 at 4:15 PM at the Forest Avenue Library Meeting Room. 

Discovering Des Moines History

5:30pm - 6:30pm
Adults
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Interested in learning about the history of our great City? Or learning about your little corner of it? DMPL is offering free monthly presentations on Des Moines’ fascinating past.

Caring for Your Parents

6:00pm - 7:00pm
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: Educational, Health & Wellness
Required
Seats Remaining: 16
Event Details:

As your parents age, they may have medical conditions that alter their physical or cognitive abilities to live as independently as they did. You may need to assist them with different tasks. Where do you start when their needs change?

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.