4th of July Closure

All locations of the Des Moines Public Library will be closed Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. All locations will reopen for regular hours on Friday, July 5.

Event List

Age Group
Age Group
Program Type
Library Branch
Ongoing Events
Registration Type

Primary tabs

This event is in the "Teens" group.

Franklin VolunTeens

Monday, September 9, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Library Meeting
Age Group:
Teens
Event Details:

Are you looking for a great place to volunteer? Become a volunteen and help with library projects and programs. Teens ages twelve to eighteen can pick up a teen volunteer applicati...

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.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Writers' Workshop 2024

Monday, September 9, 2024 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Join us for the DMPL Writer's Workshop on the first* Monday of the month from 5:30-7:30 PM. Share samples of work and receive feedback from other writers in the group. Email your s...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Join us for the DMPL Writer's Workshop on the first* Monday of the month from 5:30-7:30 PM. Share samples of work and receive feedback from other writers in the group.

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.
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.
This event is in the "Children" group.

Family Storytime: Monarch Butterfly Tagging

Monday, September 9, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:15pm
South Side Library Lawn at South Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

Kids and families can learn about the monarch butterflies in this special program at South! Join Parks and Recreation Supervisor Joel Van Roekel as he shares information&...

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Library Lawn
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Kids and families can learn about the monarch butterflies in this special program at South! Join Parks and Recreation Supervisor Joel Van Roekel as he shares information about monarch butterflies.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

This event is in the "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Forest Bathing 101: Learn about Shinrin-yoku in Japan

Monday, September 9, 2024 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
Event Details:

​​​​​​Have you heard of forest bathing?  Would you like to know more about what it is, and why it has become so popular?   Join us for a 1-hour presentation fro...

Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Educational
Required
Seats Remaining: 75
Event Details:

​​​​​​Have you heard of forest bathing?  Would you like to know more about what it is, and why it has become so popular?   Join us for a 1-hour presentation from a local forest bathing guide to learn more abou

This event is in the "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Bubble Guppies Scavenger Hunt

All Day 9/10 - 9/16
Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

The Bubble Guppies are swimming all around the library! Find them all and win a great prize! Best for ages 6+

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

The Bubble Guppies are swimming all around the library! Find them all and win a great prize! Best for ages 6+

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 9:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year is a free weekly postpartum support group for parents and their new babies. Facilitated by Blank Children's Hospital, each week will feature a guest...

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.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.

Baby Rhyme Time

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 10:00am - 10:30am
East Side Children’s Area at East Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Join us for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Children’s Area
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.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.

Play, Grow, Learn!

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 10:00am - 11:30am
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
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 chil...

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.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

One-on-One Computer Sessions

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology
Age Group:
Adults
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 assistanc...

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. 

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.

Baby Rhyme Time

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 10:15am - 11:00am
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Babies and their caregivers can join Miss Jennifer on Tuesdays for rhymes, songs, bounces, and a story followed by a short playtime. This program is recommended for caregiv...

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.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.

Baby and Toddler Rhyme Time

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 10:30am - 11:00am
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
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 a...

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.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

This program teaches participants how to decode behavioral messages, identify common behavior triggers, and learn strategies to help intervene with some of the most common behavior...

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

This program teaches participants how to decode behavioral messages, identify common behavior triggers, and learn strategies to help intervene with some of the most common behavioral challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.

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.
This event is in the "Children" group.

ASAP Tuesdays: Kid's Breakdancing

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
East Side Children’s Area at East Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

This summer, Breaking became the first competitive dancesport in history to appear at the Summer Olympics. Through ASAP Tuesdays at East Side Library, you can now try some of the b...

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

This summer, Breaking became the first competitive dancesport in history to appear at the Summer Olympics. Through ASAP Tuesdays at East Side Library, you can now try some of the basics of breakdancing, free and with your friends.

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.
This event is in the "Children" group.

Creative Readers-From Book to Art!

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Children will listen to a story and then create a masterpiece while exploring with art and STEM activities. Ages 3 to 8 years old, but younger and older siblings are welcome. &n...

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Event Details:

Children will listen to a story and then create a masterpiece while exploring with art and STEM activities. Ages 3 to 8 years old, but younger and older siblings are welcome.

 

 

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

This event is in the "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Art Club: Air Dry Clay

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Children and teens ages 8-18 can join us at North Side Library on the second Tuesday of each month for Art Club! We will kick off the school year by working with air dry clay. C...

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Children and teens ages 8-18 can join us at North Side Library on the second Tuesday of each month for Art Club!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

This event is in the "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Chess Club

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Gaming
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Join the fun at Chess Club! Learn to play or come to test your skills with other players. 

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational, Gaming
Event Details:

Join the fun at Chess Club! Learn to play or come to test your skills with other players. 

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.

This event is in the "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Game On!

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Join us at Central Library for Game On! Tweens and Teens (10-18) are welcome to enjoy snacks and play games with friends! We'll alternate between board games, card games, and games...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Join us at Central Library for Game On! Tweens and Teens (10-18) are welcome to enjoy snacks and play games with friends! We'll alternate between board games, card games, and games on the Nintendo Switch.

 

 

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.

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Books & Bites

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Off Site
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

This month's book is This Is What It Sounds Like by by Susan Rogers. Copies are available at the Central Library Circulation Desk and Pickup Window while supplies last.&n...

Required
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Required
Seats Remaining: 12
Event Details:

This month's book is This Is What It Sounds Like by by Susan Rogers.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.

Baby Rhyme Time

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 9:30am - 10:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Join us weekly for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.    

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

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.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K Davis Center

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Staff from the Evelyn K Davis Center for Working Families are ready to provide one-on-one job search and resume assistance to job seekers. A career coach can guide you through...

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology
Event Details:

Staff from the Evelyn K Davis Center for Working Families are ready to provide one-on-one job search and resume assistance to job seekers.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.

Family Storytime

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 10:15am - 10:45am
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn, Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Listen to silly stories, sing songs, dance to music, and make art! Join us at Forest Avenue Library for Family Storytime every Wednesday morning at 10:15 A.M. Family...

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn, Storytimes
Event Details:

Listen to silly stories, sing songs, dance to music, and make art! Join us at Forest Avenue Library for Family Storytime every Wednesday morning at 10:15 A.M.

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.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.

Toddler Stories, Songs and Movement

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 10:15am - 10:45am
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Join Miss Donna for this fun filled story time! Together we will enjoy stories, songs, and more, all selected to engage your active toddler. Ages 18 months to 3 years old.  ...

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Join Miss Donna for this fun filled story time! Together we will enjoy stories, songs, and more, all selected to engage your active toddler. Ages 18 months to 3 years old.

 

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Mindfulness Meditation Presented by Supportive Services for Veteran Families

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

This program will include a brief overview of where Mindfulness Meditation comes from and why we do it, followed by a 20 minute sitting practice with time for Q&A afterwar...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

This program will include a brief overview of where Mindfulness Meditation comes from and why we do it, followed by a 20 minute sitting practice with time for Q&A afterwards. Chair seating will be available.

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.

This event is in the "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Drop-in Crafternoon: Fall Paper Wreaths

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 2:00pm - 7:00pm
North Side Children’s Area at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Drop into North Side on Wednesdays to enjoy a STEM activity or craft. These activities are planned with grades K-5 in mind, but all are welcome to attend. This week, we will mak...

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Event Details:

Drop into North Side on Wednesdays to enjoy a STEM activity or craft. These activities are planned with grades K-5 in mind, but all are welcome to attend.

This week, we will make Fall wreaths using paper plates and paper leaves!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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