Every week enjoy a different take home craft for our littlest readers. From paper bag puppets to process-based art, these bags will help kids combine learning and play using the five simple steps of literacy: read, wri
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.
*Join us for a special storytime to meet therapy pigeon Ozzy and his owner Sandy! We will ready silly stories and learn about birds*
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.
Drop by our children's area to build with LEGOs. Show a staff member your creation for a sticker!
Disclaimer(s)
Children’s Program
Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
Join us weekly for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.
Disclaimer(s)
Children’s Program
Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
Families of preschoolers and toddlers are invited to Miss Donna's storytime, filled with music, stories, and fun! Younger siblings are also welcome to attend
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.
Storytime Disclaimer (2021)
Masks are encouraged for attendees 2 years and older. Please observe social distancing when possible and visit us another day if you or your child are not feeling well.
Make an appointment to receive tax assistance at the East Side Library.
AARP will be at the library every Wednesday and Saturday from February through April 15 to assist the public with their taxes.
Listen to silly stories, meet adorable puppet friends and move to fun songs! Join Miss Becky at Forest Avenue Library for Family Storytime at 10:00 A.M.!
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.
Join us for a special presentation from our friends at Polk County Conservation on Animal Tracks. Become an “animal detective” as we discuss what kind of clues animals leave behind.
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.
It’s never too late to feel comfortable with a computer. Every Wednesday at the Central Library, staff will answer your questions about computer basics like using a mouse, typing, email, document creation and more.
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.
Teens! Come play an online escape room!
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.Looking for something fun to do over spring break? Come to the library to make several different toys and games you can play with at home while you wait to go back to school.
Please register for this program.
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.
Central Library's VolunTeen team will meet to do projects that help the library and the community! All volunteers must fill out an application and waiver before volunteering at the library. Ages 12-18.
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.
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.
Join us this Spring Break for an Encanto Sing Along! We will watch Disney's Encanto while we do crafts and sing along to our favorite songs.
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.
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.
Aprenda a usar la computadora, navegar la red, y usar varios servicios y programas digitales. Para gente adulta (edades 18+). No necesita apartar lugar. Se requiere seguir las sugerencias del CDC para prevenir el contagio de COVID-19.
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.
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.
Enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes for the whole family! Afterwards, we will enjoy a craft or open play together.
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.
Storytime Disclaimer (2021)
Masks are encouraged for attendees 2 years and older. Please observe social distancing when possible and visit us another day if you or your child are not feeling well.