Adventure Pass Ending in 2025

Due to circumstances outside of our control, the Des Moines Public Library’s Iowa Adventure Pass service 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. 

Fun with Folktales Take-and-Make Bags!

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

Pick up a folktales-themed take-and-make bag at South Side Library! Each bag contains a folktale, an activity, and suggestions for great books to read after you finish. Every month we'll have a brand new bag with a brand new folktale to enjoy!

Toddler Storytime

10:00am - 10:30am
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:

Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy introductory stories, songs, music, and movement! For ages 18 months to 36 months.

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.

Children’s Program

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

Fire Safety Storytime

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:

The Des Moines Fire Department is joining us for a special storytime during Fire Prevention Week!  Hear stories, learn more about fire safety, and see a fire truck up close.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Franklin Afternoon Book Discussion

1:00pm - 2:00pm
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: Book Clubs
Event Details:

The selection for October is The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections by Eva Jurczyk.

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 Cafe 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.

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: Educational, Library Meeting
Event Details:

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

Teen Tech Mondays

6:00pm - 7:00pm
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: Teens
Program Type: Computers & Technology
Event Details:

Teens, come to the Forest Avenue Library the second Monday of every month and check out our tech center. We will have iPads with Procreate, a green screen, 3-D pens, and more! Ages 12+. 

TeenTober: Frankenstuffies Creature Lab

6:00pm - 7:00pm
Teens
Required
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Required
Seats Remaining: 2
Event Details:

Does October have you feeling like a spooky mad scientist? We have an outlet for that! Visit Central to take apart stuffies and reassemble them however you want! We've got the supplies; you just bring your creativity and your best Dr.

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.

Sesión de Elaboración de Ofrenda de Día de Muertos / Day of the Dead Ofrenda Crafting Session

6:00pm - 7:30pm
Adults
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Study Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Join the Des Moines Public Library & Latinx Immigrants of Iowa to make paper flowers and other decorations for a Day of the Dead ofrenda, which will be on display at the Central Library from October 27 through November 3.

 

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.

Watercolor Art: Fall Colors

6:00pm - 7:30pm
Adults
Required
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: Arts & Crafts, Health & Wellness
Required
Seats Remaining: 3
Event Details:

This hands-on program will focus on using watercolor techniques to capture the essence of Fall in Iowa. Beginning and intermediate artists are invited to learn the basics or refresh their skills.

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.

Family Storytime: Fire Safety Storytime

6:30pm - 7:00pm
Birth-Preschool, Children
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, Children
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Join us for a very special Family Storytime with a firefighter from the Des Moines Fire Department! Hear fire safety stories, learn fire safety tips, and view a fire engine up close! 

Ages 3 and up. 

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Learn About T-A-L-L Prairie Plants!!

6:30pm - 8:00pm
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:

Join the Parks and Recreation Environmental Education Staff for this event where you will take part in a guided imagery activity, learn how the “Roots” display was created and take a closer look at some the incredible prairie plants th