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. 

Insects! With Polk County Conservation

10:00am - 11:00am
Birth-Preschool, Children
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, Children
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Kids and Families! Explore the world of bugs with a Polk County Conservation naturalist! We will even take a look at some live insects! 

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.

Touch-a-Truck: Street Sweeper & Dump Truck

10:00am - 11:00am
Children
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Library Lawn
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational, Storytimes
Event Details:

Kids and caregivers!

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.

LEGO Fridays

10:00am - 4:00pm
Children
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Beat the boredom during the summer by visiting the library and using your imagination to create amazing things with our LEGOs.

Storytime at the Heritage Carousel

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

Join Ms. Alicia at the Heritage Carousel for a special storytime for the whole family!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Inclement Weather

This program is hosted outdoors. In case of inclement weather please check back here for updates. 

Off Site Event

Please note, this event does not take place at the library. Please check the Location Details for the address of the event. 

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.

Free Friday Flicks at Franklin – C'mon C'mon

1:30pm - 3:45pm
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: Movies
Event Details:

When his sister asks him to look after her son, a radio journalist embarks on a cross-country trip with his energetic nephew to show him life away from Los Angeles. Joaquin Phoenix is the star of director Mike Mills' 2021 drama.

Zoo to You with the Blank Park Zoo

2:00pm - 3:00pm
Birth-Preschool, Children
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, Children
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Come to East Side Library to learn about our city zoo and conservation from a Blank Park Zoo educator. You might also get to meet an ambassador animal from the zoo!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

ARL TheraPets

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children
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
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

The ARL TheraPets are coming to Forest! Come meet the pets and pick your favorite book to read to an animal. 

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.

Children’s Program

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

A Very Special Books That Will Change Your Life: A Nonfiction Book Club: Not Too Late

5:00pm - 7:30pm
Adults
Required
Offsite Event
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Outreach
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Required
Seats Remaining: 3
Event Details:

Join us for a monthly conversation around a life-changing nonfiction book.  Each month we’ll select a book that will change your perspective, give you new strategies for handling life’s challenges, or deepen your understanding of a topic.

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.