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. 

Juneteenth Scavenger Hunt

All Day
Children, Teens
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: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Kids! Come to Forest and learn about Juneteenth with our Juneteenth Scavenger Hunt. Find the images around the library and win a small prize. Best for ages 6+

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

9:00am - 11:00am
Adults
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year is a free weekly postpartum support group for parents and their new babies.

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.

Baby Rhyme Time

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:

Join us 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.

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. 

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

One-on-One Computer Sessions

10:00am - 12:00pm
Adults
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology
Event Details:

Need help creating an email account? Polishing a resume or applying for a job? Come to the Forest Avenue Library on Tuesdays from 10:00AM-12PM and get individual computer assistance. First-come, first-served. 

Baby Rhyme Time

10:15am - 11:00am
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 followed by a short playtime.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Baby and Toddler Rhyme Time

10:30am - 11:00am
Birth-Preschool
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Babies, toddlers, and their caregivers can join us on Tuesdays for rhymes, songs, lap bounces, and a story.

This program is recommended for children from birth to 24 months of age.

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.

Touch-a-Truck: Street Sweeper!

1:00pm - 1:45pm
Children
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
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Kids and caregivers! Come to the South Side Library's parking lot to see and touch a garbage and recycling truck!

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. 

North Side Book Discussion

2:00pm - 3:00pm
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: Book Clubs
Event Details:

This month we will be reading and discussing The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson. 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.

The Life and Times of Stars with Dan Hoy

3:00pm - 3:45pm
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, Educational
Required
Seats Remaining: 2
Event Details:

Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador volunteer Dan Hoy and explore the fascinating world of stars. Learn about our own local star, the Sun, as well as the various sizes and colors of stars in our galaxy.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Sensory Play Hour: Outdoor Fun!

4:00pm - 5:00pm
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: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Come to South Side for an hour of sensory exploration! From cool textures to fun activities, kids can have a great time learning while doing what they do best: playing! This month we'll be doing sensory exploration outside!

 

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. 

Reading Buddies with ARL TheraPets!

4:30pm - 5:30pm
Children
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness, Play & Learn
Event Details:

Do you love animals? Then visit Central Library to practice reading with and learn about an ARL TheraPet! Engaging with animals is a great way to boost confidence and reduce anxiety around learning to read!

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.

Cancelled

CANCELED: Bicycle Rodeo with DSM Bicycle Collective

5:30pm - 7:00pm
Children
Required
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: Health & Wellness, Storytimes
Event Details:

RESCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 13! 

What is a Bicycle Rodeo? It is an interactive obstacle course where kids can learn about bicycle safety and have a lot of fun!

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.

Outdoor Program

This program is hosted outdoors.  

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