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. 

Event List

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Reading on the Margins Book Discussion

Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Join us once a month to discuss books by underrepresented authors. Our goal is to amplify these voices and experiences while discussing social issues in the context of fiction and ...

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

Join us once a month to discuss books by underrepresented authors. Our goal is to amplify these voices and experiences while discussing social issues in the context of fiction and non-fiction books.

Snippets

Snippets: A Writers' Workshop for Short Works 2025

Friday, January 10, 2025 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Snippets: A Writers' Workshop for Shorter Works Please email your submissions to Julia at jmdunt@dmpl.org if you would like them printed out. This group will read and discuss ...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Snippets: A Writers' Workshop for Shorter Works Please email your submissions to Julia at jmdunt@dmpl.org if you would like them printed out. This group will read and discuss works out loud.

Take and Make: Surprise Take and Make!

All Day 1/13 - 1/15
Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Take & Make
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Stop by the Forest Avenue Library and pick up materials for a surprise take and make activity. While supplies last.

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Take & Make
Event Details:

Stop by the Forest Avenue Library and pick up materials for a surprise take and make activity. While supplies last.

Graphic image of the book cover for A Woman Is No Man

Franklin Afternoon Book Discussion

Monday, January 13, 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

January's selection is A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum. The Franklin Afternoon Book Discussion is a regularly scheduled book club meeting on the second Monday of the month. T...

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

January's selection is A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum.

Book Discussion

Monday, January 13, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Join us on the 2nd Monday of every month for our book club. Enjoy good books, great discussions, and meet fellow book lovers. Snacks and coffee are provided! This month our bo...

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

Join us on the 2nd Monday of every month for our book club. Enjoy good books, great discussions, and meet fellow book lovers. Snacks and coffee are provided! 

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.
SILT

Sustainable Iowa Land Trust

Monday, January 13, 2025 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
Event Details:

Katie Das, Des Moines Regional Coordinator with Sustainable Iowa Land Trust (SILT), will share information on SILT's vision to rebuild Iowa’s diversified landscape to include farms...

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

Katie Das, Des Moines Regional Coordinator with Sustainable Iowa Land Trust (SILT), will share information on SILT's vision to rebuild Iowa’s diversified landscape to include farms of all sizes, production methods and crops, includ

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 9:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Family Room 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 Family Room
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.

Image for "Job Seekers"

Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K Davis Center

Wednesday, January 15, 2025 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.

Buy.Eat.Live Healthy with ISU Extension

Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 1:30pm - 3:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

*Registration for this program will open on December 1st*Join ISU Extension for this 8 week course that supports individuals and families in making healthy choices on a tight groce...

Required
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Required
Seats Remaining: 10
Event Details:

*Registration for this program will open on December 1st*

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.

South Side Book Discussion

Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Join us for South Side's Monthly Book Discussion!

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

Join us for South Side's Monthly Book Discussion!

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.
Gift of Good Measure keychain

Glowforge Training

Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Central Library Tech Central at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Learn how to use the Glowforge Plus Laser Engraver at Tech Central! This program takes the place of the 1 on 1 Glowforge tutorial, so you will be fully qualified to book and use th...

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Tech Central
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational
Required
Seats Remaining: 4
Event Details:

Learn how to use the Glowforge Plus Laser Engraver at Tech Central! This program takes the place of the 1 on 1 Glowforge tutorial, so you will be fully qualified to book and use the Glowforge on your own after this program. 

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.

DMPL & Dragons logo with d8, d10, two spellbooks and a dragon

DMPL & Dragons: Thursday

Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Dungeons & Dragons is a role-playing game set in worlds of swords and sorcery where players use their imaginations to tell a story and create an adventure together.  We us...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Dungeons & Dragons is a role-playing game set in worlds of swords and sorcery where players use their imaginations to tell a story and create an adventure together.  We usually get together on the third Thursday of each month to play, but

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.

Beginning Ukulele

Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Educational, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

*Registration for this program will open on December 1st*Get started on the ukulele and quickly learn to play familiar tunes while having fun! Play your own ukulele or borrow one o...

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

*Registration for this program will open on December 1st*

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.

Email Required

Please make sure you have entered a valid email address as the online event details will be sent to you prior to the event. If you have not received a confirmation email your inbox, please check your spam folder.

The Right To Read

Right to Read

Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
Event Details:

Join Des Moines Public Schools for a screening of The Right to Read, a documentary on the literacy crisis and the Science of Reading. A public forum will follow, offering a ch...

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

Join Des Moines Public Schools for a screening of The Right to Read, a documentary on the literacy crisis and the Science of Reading.

Image of "Memory Cafe"

Memory Café

Friday, January 17, 2025 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Memory Cafés provide a welcoming social gathering for people living with dementia and their care partners, focusing on person-centered care for those living with dementia. We'll be...

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

Memory Cafés provide a welcoming social gathering for people living with dementia and their care partners, focusing on person-centered care for those living with dementia.

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.

Friends of the Franklin Avenue Library-Membership Meeting

Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 11:30am - 12:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Library Meeting
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Please join the Friends of the Franklin Avenue Library for our quarterly membership meeting. If you are looking for a wonderful way to support the Franklin Avenue Libr...

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

Please join the Friends of the Franklin Avenue Library for our quarterly membership meeting.

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 9:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Family Room 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 Family Room
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.

Friends of the North Side Library

Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 1:00pm - 1:45pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Library Meeting
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

 Friends of the North Side Library Meeting.  New members always welcome.

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

 Friends of the North Side Library Meeting.  New members always welcome.

Image for "Nosy Neighbors"

North Side Book Discussion

Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

This month we will be reading and discussing Nosy Neighbors by Freya Sampson. Copies of the book are available at the North Side Library.  

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 Nosy N

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.
Image for "Job Seekers"

Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K Davis Center

Wednesday, January 22, 2025 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.

man meditating outside in tall grass

Mindfulness Meditation Presented by Supportive Services for Veteran Families

Wednesday, January 22, 2025 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.

Buy.Eat.Live Healthy with ISU Extension

Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 1:30pm - 3:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

*Registration for this program will open on December 1st*Join ISU Extension for this 8 week course that supports individuals and families in making healthy choices on a tight groce...

Required
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Required
Seats Remaining: 10
Event Details:

*Registration for this program will open on December 1st*

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.
Demon Slayer image

Demon Slayer Escape Room Session 1

Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 5:15pm - 6:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Enter the world of Demon Slayer and test your cunning in this new escape room adventure! You and your friends have accidentally wandered into a house full of demons. Though you ...

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Gaming
Required
Seats Remaining: 6
Event Details:

Enter the world of Demon Slayer and test your cunning in this new escape room adventure!

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.

Demon Slayer image

Demon Slayer Escape Room Session 2

Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Enter the world of Demon Slayer and test your cunning in this new escape room adventure! You and your friends have accidentally wandered into a house full of demons. Though you ...

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Gaming
Required
Seats Remaining: 8
Event Details:

Enter the world of Demon Slayer and test your cunning in this new escape room adventure!

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.