Event List

Age Group
Age Group
Program Type
Library Branch
Ongoing Events
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This event is in the "Children" group.

Fall Fun Scavenger Hunt!

All Day 9/30 - 10/12
South Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Kids! Visit South and try our Scavenger Hunt! Drop in and search the library for all of the items on the sheet and win a prize!

Library Branch: South Side Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Kids! Visit South and try our Scavenger Hunt! Drop in and search the library for all of the items on the sheet and win a prize!

This event is in the "Children" group.

I Spy: Latinx Heritage Month

All Day 10/1 - 10/13
Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Come to Central and travel through history with our Latinx Heritage Month Scavenger Hunt! Find all the photos to learn about different Latinx countries and also pick out a great pr...

Library Branch: Central Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Come to Central and travel through history with our Latinx Heritage Month Scavenger Hunt! Find all the photos to learn about different Latinx countries and also pick out a great prize!

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.

Ghosts in Disguise Challenge

All Day 10/7 - 10/12
East Side Children’s Area at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Stop by the Children's Area and pick up a "Ghosts in Disguise Challenge"  Here is the challenge: This ghost is looking for a spook-tacular new look, and we need your help! ...

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

Stop by the Children's Area and pick up a "Ghosts in Disguise Challenge" 

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.

Trains Scavenger Hunt

All Day 10/7 - 10/13
Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Find all of the pictures hiding in the children's area to receive a prize.

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Find all of the pictures hiding in the children's area to receive a prize.

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

Addams Family Scavenger Hunt

All Day 10/8 - 10/14
Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Are you ready to get creepy and kooky? The Addams family is paying a visit to the library this week! Find all the mysterious and spooky members of the family and win an all-togethe...

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

Are you ready to get creepy and kooky? The Addams family is paying a visit to the library this week! Find all the mysterious and spooky members of the family and win an all-together "ooky" prize! Best for ages 6+

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

Drop-in Crafternoon: Art Cart

Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 12:00pm - 7:00pm
North Side Children’s Area at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Drop-in to North Side every Wednesday to enjoy a STEM activity or a craft! This week, we will have our art cart out. Bring your creativity and enjoy a cart full of arts and craf...

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

Drop-in to North Side every Wednesday to enjoy a STEM activity or a craft!

This week, we will have our art cart out. Bring your creativity and enjoy a cart full of arts and crafts supplies!

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, October 9, 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.

ASAP Wednesdays: Fiber Art

Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Fiber art uses materials like fabric, yarn, and thread with techniques like weaving, stitching, and tying to make cool projects! At ASAP Wednesdays with Kat Hutchison, we will make...

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

Fiber art uses materials like fabric, yarn, and thread with techniques like weaving, stitching, and tying to make cool projects!

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.

Pumpkin Party!

Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 3:30pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Come to South Side to get into the fall spirit with a pumpkin party! Pick a pumpkin to paint from our pretend pumpkin patch, play fun games, and enjoy a yummy treat!  Best ...

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

Come to South Side to get into the fall spirit with a pumpkin party! Pick a pumpkin to paint from our pretend pumpkin patch, play fun games, and enjoy a yummy treat! 

Best for ages 6 and up, but all 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.

Art in the Library: Dragon Eggs

Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Design and make your very own sparkly dragon egg to take home. Art in the Library is for children ages 6-12 and requires preregistration.     The Franklin L...

Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Required
Seats Remaining: 0
Event Details:

Design and make your very own sparkly dragon egg to take home.

Art in the Library is for children ages 6-12 and requires preregistration.  

 

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, October 9, 2024 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 "Birth-Preschool" group.

Wiggles and Giggles: Special Guest Firefighters!

Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 10:15am - 10:45am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn, Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

The Des Moines Fire Department is joining us for a special storytime during Fire Prevention Week!  Hear stories, learn more about fire safety, and see a fire truck up close. ...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn, Storytimes
Event Details:

The Des Moines Fire Department is joining us for a special storytime during Fire Prevention Week!  Hear stories, learn more about fire safety, and see a fire truck up close.

 

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.
This event is in the "Children" group.

Fire Safety Storytime

Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 10:30am - 11:00am
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

The Des Moines Fire Department is joining us for a special storytime during Fire Prevention Week!  Hear stories, learn more about fire safety, and see a fire truck up close. ...

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

The Des Moines Fire Department is joining us for a special storytime during Fire Prevention Week!  Hear stories, learn more about fire safety, and see a fire truck up close.

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 "Children" group.

Flight Test: Paper Airplanes

Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Come to Central Library and see how many ways you can make a paper airplane. You can test out each paper airplane on our runway and see which of your airplanes can fly the farthest...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn
Event Details:

Come to Central Library and see how many ways you can make a paper airplane. You can test out each paper airplane on our runway and see which of your airplanes can fly the farthest!

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.

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.

Glowforge Training

Thursday, October 10, 2024 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: 2
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.

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

ASAP Thursdays: Paper Art!

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

This month for ASAP Thursdays at South Side Library, bilingual Teaching Artist Lunita will teach us how to do a variety of fun projects made with paper, from mini-piñatas to cool p...

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

This month for ASAP Thursdays at South Side Library, bilingual Teaching Artist Lunita will teach us how to do a variety of fun projects made with paper, from mini-piñatas to cool personal planners and more!

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.

Gardening with Native Plants Meet-Up

Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 5:30pm - 7:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Connect with others interested in environmentally friendly gardens. The focus is on native plants which foster and nourish wildlife. Come to learn and to share your favorite garden...

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

Connect with others interested in environmentally friendly gardens. The focus is on native plants which foster and nourish wildlife.

This event is in the "Teens" group.

Reverse Tie-Dye

Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Teens
Event Details:

Join us for a creative night of reverse tie-dye at the library! Learn how to transform dark clothing into unique, eye-catching designs using simple techniques and materials. Please...

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

Join us for a creative night of reverse tie-dye at the library! Learn how to transform dark clothing into unique, eye-catching designs using simple techniques and materials.

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.

Outdoor Program

This program is hosted outdoors.  

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

This event is in the "All Ages" group.

Taller de Elaboración de Ofrenda de Día de Muertos / Day of the Dead Ofrenda Crafting Session

Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Join the Des Moines Public Library & Latinx Immigrants of Iowa to make paper flowers and other decorations for a Day of the Dead ofrenda, which will be on display at the Centra...

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

Join the Des Moines Public Library & Latinx Immigrants of Iowa to make paper flowers and other decorations for a Day of the Dead ofrenda, which will be on display at the Central Library from October 29 through November 3.

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.

Craft Club: Friendship Bracelets

Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Join Craft Club and explore your creativity and skill by learning a new craft each month. We will learn knitting, crochet, sewing, bookbinding, jewelry making and beading, paper ar...

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

Join Craft Club and explore your creativity and skill by learning a new craft each month. We will learn knitting, crochet, sewing, bookbinding, jewelry making and beading, paper arts, pottery, printmaking, fiber arts and so much more!

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Funeral Homes But Were Afraid to Ask

Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Curious about the secrets of the funeral industry? Join us for a lively evening at South Side Library, where we're teaming up with Hamilton's Funeral Home to lift the veil on this ...

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

Curious about the secrets of the funeral industry? Join us for a lively evening at South Side Library, where we're teaming up with Hamilton's Funeral Home to lift the veil on this fascinating world!

Get ready to:

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 "Adults" group.

Reading on the Margins Book Discussion

Thursday, October 10, 2024 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.

This event is in the "Children" group.

LEGO Building Challenge

Friday, October 11, 2024 at 9:00am - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Come and get creative with the LEGOs® provided to design a building that could become part of our Des Moines Skyline. All ages are welcome, and you'll find us located in the childr...

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

Come and get creative with the LEGOs® provided to design a building that could become part of our Des Moines Skyline. All ages are welcome, and you'll find us located in the children's area. Can't wait to see what you come up with!

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.

Snippets: A Writers' Workshop for Short Works 2024

Friday, October 11, 2024 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1 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 ...

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Required
Seats Remaining: 18
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.