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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Repair Cafe

Repair Café

Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 12:00pm - 3:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Do you have an item in your home in need of repair? Stop by Franklin Avenue Library's Repair Café to get help from volunteers with expertise on how to fix your item(s) or refer you...

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Event Details:

Do you have an item in your home in need of repair? Stop by Franklin Avenue Library's Repair Café to get help from volunteers with expertise on how to fix your item(s) or refer you to a local professional.

North 40th Anniversary Open House

40th Anniversary Open House

Monday, December 2, 2024 at 11:30am - 2:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

The North Side Library is turning 40! Learn about the history of the library in the Highland Park/Oak Park community and celebrate 40 years in our current building with refres...

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

The North Side Library is turning 40! 

Learn about the history of the library in the Highland Park/Oak Park community and celebrate 40 years in our current building with refreshments, 1984 Trivia, door prizes, and more.

 

Graphic image of the slide for Sounds of the Season

Sounds of the Season

Monday, December 2, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Performances
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Join us for a night of holiday-themed music featuring the Roosevelt High School Chamber Choir, under the direction of Alexander Gray, and the Da Capo A Cappella Jazz Choir, under t...

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Performances
Event Details:

Join us for a night of holiday-themed music featuring the Roosevelt High School Chamber Choir, under the direction of Alexander Gray, and the Da Capo A Cappella Jazz Choir, under the direction of Rose Dino.

Logo for Disney's Beauty and Beast with a red rose

Disney's Beauty and the Beast Sneak Preview

Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Performances
Age Group:
Children, All Ages
Event Details:

Visit the library for a special sneak preview of the Des Moines Community Playhouse production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Enjoy the performance and enter to win free tick...

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, All Ages
Program Type: Performances
Event Details:

Visit the library for a special sneak preview of the Des Moines Community Playhouse production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast.

Enjoy the performance and enter to win free tickets to the play!

 

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Película Gratuita - Mujercitas (2019) | Family Movie Showing - Little Women (2019)

Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 10:30am - 1:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Movies
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Escape the chill outside and cozy up to watch the Little Women (2019) movie with the whole family. Enjoy snacks and crafts while watching this adaptation of the classic book. ...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Movies
Event Details:

Escape the chill outside and cozy up to watch the Little Women (2019) movie with the whole family. Enjoy snacks and crafts while watching this adaptation of the classic book. 

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.

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Movie Rating

Movie is not intended for children unless accompanied by an adult.

Graphic image of puzzle pieces

Winter Puzzle Competition

Monday, December 9, 2024 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Join us for our THIRD annual puzzle competition night! We'll have different categories, including one for kids, and some delicious winter treats (sugar cookies, hot chocolate and a...

Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Gaming
Required
Seats Remaining: 28
Event Details:

Join us for our THIRD annual puzzle competition night! We'll have different categories, including one for kids, and some delicious winter treats (sugar cookies, hot chocolate and apple cider).

Don Tate Children's Author Visit with a collage of books he has written and illustrated

Children’s Author Visit: Don Tate

Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Forest Avenue Children’s Area at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Author Visits, Book Sales
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Award-winning author and illustrator Don Tate is coming to the Forest Avenue Library!Tate, a Des Moines native, is an award-winning author, and the illustrator of numerous critical...

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Author Visits, Book Sales
Event Details:

Award-winning author and illustrator Don Tate is coming to the Forest Avenue Library!

Crafternoon : Winter Paper-Chain Garland

Friday, December 13, 2024 at 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Drop-in to the Forest Ave Library to make a paper-chain garland using winter-themed decorative papers. Take your garland with you to add a lovely DIY decoration to your cozy places...

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Drop-in to the Forest Ave Library to make a paper-chain garland using winter-themed decorative papers. Take your garland with you to add a lovely DIY decoration to your cozy places at home! This craft is suitable for all ages.

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.

Taylor Swift Party

Taylor Swift Party!

Friday, December 13, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

It's been a long time coming! Swifties of all ages are invited to come together to celebrate Taylor Swift's birthday at Central Library!Make and trade friendship bracelets. We will...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Health & Wellness
Event Details:

It's been a long time coming! Swifties of all ages are invited to come together to celebrate Taylor Swift's birthday at Central Library!

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.

Asian Cooking Series

Asian Cooking with CultureALL

Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults, All Ages
Event Details:

Learn how to cook different Asian cuisines with CultureALL ambassadors! This month, Phoebe from CultureALL will teach us how to make vegetable dumplings. Dumplings are a must ...

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Adults, All Ages
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Required
Seats Remaining: 45
Event Details:

Learn how to cook different Asian cuisines with CultureALL ambassadors!

 

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.
Jingle Jazz All Ages Saturday, December 21 2 to 3 p.m. Central Library

Jingle Jazz

Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Performances
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

In partnership with DMPL, the Beaver Creek Jazz Ensemble presents a free holiday concert. The library will provide hot chocolate, coffee, and tea. Though the weather be dreary, the...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Performances
Event Details:

In partnership with DMPL, the Beaver Creek Jazz Ensemble presents a free holiday concert. The library will provide hot chocolate, coffee, and tea. Though the weather be dreary, the tunes will be cheery, and we hope to see you there! 

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.

Movie Watch Party : The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring

Thursday, December 26, 2024 at 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Movies
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

The Lord of the Rings is an action-adventure-drama-fantasy movie trilogy, based on J.R.R. Tolkien's classic novels, about a young hobbit named Frodo who is appointed the job of des...

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:

The Lord of the Rings is an action-adventure-drama-fantasy movie trilogy, based on J.R.R.

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.

Movie Rating

Movie is not intended for children unless accompanied by an adult.

Paper Bag Luminaries | Luces de Papel

Thursday, December 26, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Join us at Forest to make an easy craft that you can use to decorate your house during this winter time.Ven a Forest y crea una manualidad para decorar tu casa para este invierno.

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Join us at Forest to make an easy craft that you can use to decorate your house during this winter time.

Ven a Forest y crea una manualidad para decorar tu casa para este invierno.

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.

Movie Watch Party : The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers

Friday, December 27, 2024 at 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Movies
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

The Lord of the Rings is an action-adventure-drama-fantasy movie trilogy, based on J.R.R. Tolkien's classic novels, about a young hobbit named Frodo who is appointed the job of des...

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:

The Lord of the Rings is an action-adventure-drama-fantasy movie trilogy, based on J.R.R.

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.

Movie Rating

Movie is not intended for children unless accompanied by an adult.

Drop in Puzzles!

Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Looking for an activity to get out of the house? Drop by the East Side Library this Saturday to complete a puzzle! Puzzles are 300 pieces and will be set up in our meeting room for...

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Looking for an activity to get out of the house? Drop by the East Side Library this Saturday to complete a puzzle! Puzzles are 300 pieces and will be set up in our meeting room for you to drop in between 10am - 4pm.

Movie Watch Party : The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King

Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Movies
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

The Lord of the Rings is an action-adventure-drama-fantasy movie trilogy, based on J.R.R. Tolkien's classic novels, about a young hobbit named Frodo who is appointed the job of des...

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:

The Lord of the Rings is an action-adventure-drama-fantasy movie trilogy, based on J.R.R.

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.

Movie Rating

Movie is not intended for children unless accompanied by an adult.

Tiny Art Show Materials Pickup

12/30/2024 @ 9:00am to 01/05/2025 @ 4:00pm
Central Library Gateway Gallery at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Create a masterpiece for the Des Moines Public Library's first ever Tiny Art Show!  Pick up your free art kit at the Central Library starting December 30th.  Kits will...

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Gateway Gallery
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Required
Seats Remaining: 150
Event Details:

Create a masterpiece for the Des Moines Public Library's first ever Tiny Art Show! 

Puzzle and Game Cafe

Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 11:00am - 1:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Love playing board games or putting together puzzles? Stop by the South Side Meeting Room to play a selection of provided board games and puzzles or invite a group and bring y...

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Love playing board games or putting together puzzles? Stop by the South Side Meeting Room to play a selection of provided board games and puzzles or invite a group and bring your own! Snacks will be 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.

Board Game Café

Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Join us for a drop-in event for all ages. Come in, grab warm drink and a snack, get cozy, and choose from a variety of games or puzzles to play with friends!

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Join us for a drop-in event for all ages. Come in, grab warm drink and a snack, get cozy, and choose from a variety of games or puzzles to play with friends!

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.

Drop in: Friendship Bracelets

Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Join us for a fun and creative drop in where you can make your own beaded friendship bracelet! All materials are provided, and no experience is needed—just bring your creativity.

Library Branch: East Side Library
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Join us for a fun and creative drop in where you can make your own beaded friendship bracelet! All materials are provided, and no experience is needed—just bring your creativity.

Crafternoon : Woven Tapestry

Friday, January 17, 2025 at 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Join us for a drop-in craft project at Forest! Use the supplies and provided instructions to make a woven tapestry from yarn and a cardboard loom that you can take home. Stop by an...

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Join us for a drop-in craft project at Forest! Use the supplies and provided instructions to make a woven tapestry from yarn and a cardboard loom that you can take home. Stop by anytime between 1-5pm.

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.

Logo for Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: the Musical Sneak Preview

Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Performances
Age Group:
Children, All Ages
Event Details:

Visit the library for a special sneak preview of the Des Moines Community Playhouse production of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: the Musical based on the hugely popular series of books...

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, All Ages
Program Type: Performances
Event Details:

Visit the library for a special sneak preview of the Des Moines Community Playhouse production of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: the Musical based on the hugely popular series of books.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Board Game Café

Friday, January 24, 2025 at 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Join us for a drop-in event for all ages. Come in, grab warm drink and a snack, get cozy, and choose from a variety of games or puzzles to play with friends!

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Join us for a drop-in event for all ages. Come in, grab warm drink and a snack, get cozy, and choose from a variety of games or puzzles to play with friends!

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 Iowa Rainbow Families logo: Des Moines skyline with a rainbow in the background

Rainbow Families Game Afternoon

Sunday, January 26, 2025 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Gaming, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Calling all Rainbow Families! Let's get together for an afternoon of games! Central Library and Central Iowa Rainbow Families invite you to have fun together and meet new friend...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Gaming, Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Calling all Rainbow Families!

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.