Event List

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

Primary tabs

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

Drop-In STEM Challenge

Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

STEM Challenge

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

STEM Challenge

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.

Putt-Putt & Popsicles

Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Cool off at South Side Library with a delicious popsicle and a fun game of 9-hole mini golf courtesy of our friends at Pop-Up Games Des Moines! 

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Cool off at South Side Library with a delicious popsicle and a fun game of 9-hole mini golf courtesy of our friends at Pop-Up Games Des Moines! 

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

Owls! With Polk County Conservation

Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Event Details:

Kids and families! Come see a live owl, brought by a naturalist from Polk County Conservation! You'll also view several taxidermy mounts and learn how different adaptations of owls...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Kids and families! Come see a live owl, brought by a naturalist from Polk County Conservation! You'll also view several taxidermy mounts and learn how different adaptations of owls enable them to be good predators.

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.

This event is in the "Teens" group.

Silent(ish) Book Club

Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Teens
Event Details:

✨ Silent(ish) Book Club for Tweens/Teens ✨A book club with no reading assignments, just books and good vibes! Join our Silent(ish) Book Club! Bring any book (or grab one from our d...

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

✨ Silent(ish) Book Club for Tweens/Teens ✨

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

ASAP Thursdays

Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Join us for ASAP Thursdays at South Side Library to learn a new art from an artist every month! Snacks provided.

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

Join us for ASAP Thursdays at South Side Library to learn a new art from an artist every month! Snacks provided.

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.

Nintendo Switch Party!

Monday, July 21, 2025 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Join us for a Nintendo Switch Party! We will have games like Mario Kart 8 & Super Mario Bros. Ultimate. Feel free to bring your own Switch or share the library’s controllers.

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

Join us for a Nintendo Switch Party! We will have games like Mario Kart 8 & Super Mario Bros. Ultimate. Feel free to bring your own Switch or share the library’s controllers.

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.

School of Adventure: Learn to Play D&D

Monday, July 21, 2025 at 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational, Gaming, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Join us at the Central Library to learn the ins and outs of Dungeons and Dragons! The Dealt Hand will be here to guide participants through their School of Adventure--a one-shot ca...

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational, Gaming, Health & Wellness
Required
Seats Remaining: 20
Event Details:

Join us at the Central Library to learn the ins and outs of Dungeons and Dragons!

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.

Awesome Reptiles with Spock's Sanctuary

Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Love reptiles? Come to the library to meet the animal ambassadors from Spock's Sanctuary, Des Moines' own reptile and amphibian pet rescue! Families will learn about these amazing ...

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Love reptiles? Come to the library to meet the animal ambassadors from Spock's Sanctuary, Des Moines' own reptile and amphibian pet rescue!

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.

Tween & Teen Chef: Gourmet Grilled Cheese

Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 11:30am - 1:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Educational, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Join our Tween and Teen Chef program to sharpen your kitchen knowledge and learn how to make delicious dishes! This session, we’ll create gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches using a ...

Required
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness
Required
Seats Remaining: 20
Event Details:

Join our Tween and Teen Chef program to sharpen your kitchen knowledge and learn how to make delicious dishes!

Disclaimer(s)

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

Amphibians! With Polk County Conservation

Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Event Details:

Kids and families! Are you excited about amphibians? Find out about these smooth, wet animals that seem to magically transform from egg to adult. Join us as we learn about amphibia...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Kids and families! Are you excited about amphibians? Find out about these smooth, wet animals that seem to magically transform from egg to adult. Join us as we learn about amphibians - and meet some live ones - with a Polk County naturalist!

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.

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

ASAP Thursdays

Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Join us for ASAP Thursdays at South Side Library to learn a new art from an artist every month! Snacks provided.

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

Join us for ASAP Thursdays at South Side Library to learn a new art from an artist every month! Snacks provided.

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.

Summer Gardening Workshop

Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
Event Details:

This event is free and designed for gardening enthusiasts of all levels to:Connect with fellow gardenersLearn about local gardening resources & organizationsEnjoy educational p...

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

This event is free and designed for gardening enthusiasts of all levels to:

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

Freedom in Freeform

Friday, July 25, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Performances
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
Event Details:

Calling all poets to Freedom in Freeform. This program will provide a space for local poets to share their original works. Performances will be a first come first serve s...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Performances
Event Details:

Calling all poets to Freedom in Freeform

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.

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

Tween Book Club

Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Tweens and teens ages 10-14 can join us for a book club on the last Tuesday of the month.Register for the program here; then stop by North Side to pick up your book to read before ...

Required
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Book Clubs
Required
Seats Remaining: 6
Event Details:

Tweens and teens ages 10-14 can join us for a book club on the last Tuesday of the month.

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.

K-pop Meet-up

Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
Event Details:

Do you like all things K-pop? Come to the Central Library every month and bring your photocards to trade, invite your friends or meet and hang out with other fans! Enjoy snack...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Do you like all things K-pop? Come to the Central Library every month and bring your photocards to trade, invite your friends or meet and hang out with other fans! Enjoy snacks, other activities, and listening to music.

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 "Teens" group.

Silent(ish) Book Club

Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Teens
Event Details:

✨ Silent(ish) Book Club for Tweens/Teens ✨A book club with no reading assignments, just books and good vibes! Join our Silent(ish) Book Club! Bring any book (or grab one from our d...

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

✨ Silent(ish) Book Club for Tweens/Teens ✨

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

ASAP Thursdays

Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Join us for ASAP Thursdays at South Side Library to learn a new art from an artist every month! Snacks provided.

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

Join us for ASAP Thursdays at South Side Library to learn a new art from an artist every month! Snacks provided.

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.

Sit n' Stitch

Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 1:30pm - 3:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
Event Details:

Spend a couple hours with other crafters and work on your knit, crochet, or needle craft projects. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you. This program happens t...

Required
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Required
Seats Remaining: 20
Event Details:

Spend a couple hours with other crafters and work on your knit, crochet, or needle craft projects. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you. This program happens the first Saturday of the month.

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.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

ASAP Thursdays

Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Join us for ASAP Thursdays at South Side Library to learn a new art from an artist every month! Snacks provided.

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

Join us for ASAP Thursdays at South Side Library to learn a new art from an artist every month! Snacks provided.

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.

VolunTEENS Work Time

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Teens
Event Details:

If you're between the ages of 12-18 and looking for a fun and rewarding volunteer opportunity, give the library a try! We would love to have your help!

Library Branch: Central Library
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

If you're between the ages of 12-18 and looking for a fun and rewarding volunteer opportunity, give the library a try! We would love to have your help!

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.

ASAP Thursdays

Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Join us for ASAP Thursdays at South Side Library to learn a new art from an artist every month! Snacks provided.

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

Join us for ASAP Thursdays at South Side Library to learn a new art from an artist every month! Snacks provided.

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.

Drop-In STEM Challenge

Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

STEM Challenge

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

STEM Challenge

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.

ASAP Thursdays

Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Join us for ASAP Thursdays at South Side Library to learn a new art from an artist every month! Snacks provided.

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

Join us for ASAP Thursdays at South Side Library to learn a new art from an artist every month! Snacks provided.

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.

Tween Book Club

Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Tweens and teens ages 10-14 can join us for a book club on the last Tuesday of the month.Register for the program here; then stop by North Side to pick up your book to read before ...

Required
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Book Clubs
Required
Seats Remaining: 6
Event Details:

Tweens and teens ages 10-14 can join us for a book club on the last Tuesday of the month.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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