Event List

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Age Group
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Ongoing Events
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This event is in the "All Ages" group.

CMA presents the Belin String Quartet in a free outdoor concert

Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 5:30pm - 6:15pm
Central Library Lawn at Central Library
Program Type:
Performances
Age Group:
All Ages

Celebrate the Belin String Quartet’s 25th anniversary season with a free outdoor concert on the lawn of the Central Library. Enjoy a 45-minute program featuring music that spans from classical to modern.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Lawn
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Performances
Event Details:

Celebrate the Belin String Quartet’s 25th anniversary season with a free outdoor concert on the lawn of the Central Library. Enjoy a 45-minute program featuring music that spans from classical to modern.

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.

Inclement Weather

This program is hosted outdoors. In case of inclement weather please check back here for updates. 

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K Davis Center

Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology
Age Group:
Adults

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.

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

ASAP Wednesdays: Cardboard Creations

Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Unleash your creativity and turn plain old cardboard into something extraordinary! Each week, you'll take on a new challenge, transforming everyday materials into imaginative works of art.

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

Unleash your creativity and turn plain old cardboard into something extraordinary! Each week, you'll take on a new challenge, transforming everyday materials into imaginative works of art.

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.

Summer VolunTeen Orientation

Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Teens

Teens - earn volunteer hours this summer at South Side Library! Students ages 12-18 may apply to volunteer by submitting a VolunTeens Application and waiver, signed by a parent/guardian.

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

Teens - earn volunteer hours this summer at South Side Library! Students ages 12-18 may apply to volunteer by submitting a VolunTeens Application and waiver, signed by a parent/guardian.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Frankenstein Escape Room

Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational, Gaming
Age Group:
Adults

The truth of Dr. Frankenstein's crimes is slowly coming to light. Your detective team has been contracted to find the evidence necessary to convict him.

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

The truth of Dr. Frankenstein's crimes is slowly coming to light. Your detective team has been contracted to find the evidence necessary to convict him.

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

Preschool Storytime

Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 10:00am - 10:30am
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers can join us Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. for a 30-minute storytime with stories, music, and fun activities!

 

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

Children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers can join us Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. for a 30-minute storytime with stories, music, and fun activities!

 

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Drop-In Tech Help

Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library Success Center at Central Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology
Age Group:
Adults

Need help with a phone, laptop, or tablet, or another electronic device? Drop-in to the Central Library at 2PM on Thursdays and our staff will work with you to figure things out.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Success Center
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology
Event Details:

Need help with a phone, laptop, or tablet, or another electronic device? Drop-in to the Central Library at 2PM on Thursdays and our staff will work with you to figure things out.

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.

Glowforge Training

Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Central Library Tech Central at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational
Age Group:
Adults

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. 

Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Tech Central
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational
Registration Required
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: Drama Games

Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Explore creativity, build confidence, and connect with others through games, movement, and improvisation.

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

Explore creativity, build confidence, and connect with others through games, movement, and improvisation.

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.

The Outreach Project

Friday, May 30, 2025 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults

The Des Moines Public Library is partnering with area organizations to connect people with community resources. Community advocates will provide information about community resources like meal sites and shelters.

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

The Des Moines Public Library is partnering with area organizations to connect people with community resources. Community advocates will provide information about community resources like meal sites and shelters.

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.

Medicare Savings Made Simple

Friday, May 30, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults

Join Rosario Manzano for an insightful session on Medicare Savings Programs, focusing on Elderly Waivers and the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program.

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

Join Rosario Manzano for an insightful session on Medicare Savings Programs, focusing on Elderly Waivers and the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program.

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.

Compre. Coma. Viva Saludable (Buy. Eat. Live Healthy)

Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 12:00pm - 1:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults

Aprenda a hacer recetas fáciles, nutritivas y baratas con una instructora de Iowa State University - Extension.  Durante esta clase de 8 semanas, aprenderá a:

Ahorrar dinero: comprar y gastar menos en sus alimentos.

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

Aprenda a hacer recetas fáciles, nutritivas y baratas con una instructora de Iowa State University - Extension.  Durante esta clase de 8 semanas, aprenderá a:

Ahorrar dinero: comprar y gastar menos en sus alimentos.

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 "Adults" group.

Grown-Up Book Fair

Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Book Sales
Age Group:
Adults

Remember those awesome book fairs from your days in school?  Re-capture that fun and magic as an adult at the Des Moines Public Library's first ever Grown-Up Book Fair!

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Sales
Event Details:

Remember those awesome book fairs from your days in school?  Re-capture that fun and magic as an adult at the Des Moines Public Library's first ever Grown-Up Book Fair!

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 "Adults" group.

Russian Conversation Club

Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Central Library Study Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults

This conversation club is both for native speakers and those wanting to learn Russian. Topics of conversation are meant to be light. Get to know other members of your community, or assist those wanting to learn Russian.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Study Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

This conversation club is both for native speakers and those wanting to learn Russian. Topics of conversation are meant to be light. Get to know other members of your community, or assist those wanting to learn Russian.

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 "All Ages" group.

Des Moines Metro Opera Preview - The Flying Dutchman

Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Performances
Age Group:
All Ages

Des Moines Metro Opera opens its 2025 season with the return of Richard Wagner’s epic ghost story, The Flying Dutchman. Join DMMO Preview Lecturer, Joshua Borths, for an in-depth look

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

Des Moines Metro Opera opens its 2025 season with the return of Richard Wagner’s epic ghost story, The Flying Dutchman. Join DMMO Preview Lecturer, Joshua Borths, for an in-depth look

This event is in the "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.
This event is in the "All Ages" group.

History of Juneteenth: Remember Our History, Release the Past, and Reshape Our Future

Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens, Adults, All Ages

Juneteenth is more than a celebration; it is a pivotal chapter in American history.

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

Juneteenth is more than a celebration; it is a pivotal chapter in American history.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

DMPL & Dragons: Sunday

Sunday, June 1, 2025 at 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Adults

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 first Sunday of each month to play. 

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 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 first Sunday of each month to play. 

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

Pride Month Banner Take-and-Make Bag!

All Day
South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational, Play & Learn, Take & Make
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children

Bring the fun home with you when you pick up a special South Side Library take-and-make craft bag!

While Supplies Last

 

Library Branch: South Side Library
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, Play & Learn, Take & Make
Event Details:

Bring the fun home with you when you pick up a special South Side Library take-and-make craft bag!

While Supplies Last

 

This event is in the "Children" group.

Take & Make: Build Our Community Project

All Day 6/2 - 6/7
East Side Children’s Area at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children

🌎🏡 What does your home look like? Let’s build a community together! Join our Take & Make: Build Our Community project!

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

🌎🏡 What does your home look like? Let’s build a community together! Join our Take & Make: Build Our Community project!

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.

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 "All Ages" group.

DIY Mini Pride Floats!

All Day 6/2 - 6/14
DMPL Systemwide
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Take & Make
Age Group:
All Ages

Celebrate Pride Month by creating your own mini parade float!

Library Branch: DMPL Systemwide
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Take & Make
Event Details:

Celebrate Pride Month by creating your own mini parade float!

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

Iowa Snakes Scavenger Hunt!

All Day 6/2 - 6/14
South Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens

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: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

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 "Birth-Preschool" group.

Preschool Storytime

Monday, June 2, 2025 at 10:00am - 10:30am
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Preschoolers and their caregivers can enjoy stories, rhymes, music, and learn school readiness skills. Afterwards, we will enjoy free-play together.

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

Preschoolers and their caregivers can enjoy stories, rhymes, music, and learn school readiness skills. Afterwards, we will enjoy free-play together.

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

Toddler Storytime

Monday, June 2, 2025 at 10:00am - 10:30am
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy introductory stories, songs, music, and movement! For ages 18 months to 36 months.

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

Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy introductory stories, songs, music, and movement! For ages 18 months to 36 months.

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 "Birth-Preschool" group.

Little Explorers

Monday, June 2, 2025 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

PLEASE NOTE: NOW ON THE FIRST MONDY OF THE MONTH! Bring your young ones to our Little Explorers program, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different sensory activities. No Registration is Required.

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

PLEASE NOTE: NOW ON THE FIRST MONDY OF THE MONTH! Bring your young ones to our Little Explorers program, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different sensory activities. No Registration is Required.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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