North Side Construction - Detour Route

Ongoing construction on Euclid Avenue may limit the ability to access the North Side Library parking lot from the north. If you're visiting the North Side Library, you may reach the parking lot from the south by traveling on Ovid Ave. and then turning north onto 5th Ave. Please see the North Side Library page for a diagram.

Event List

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Image displayed is picture of animated, smiling children sitting on music notes.

Wiggles and Giggles

Thursday, May 15, 2025 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:

Join us at the Central Library for a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming!   

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

Join us at the Central Library for a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! 

 

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.

South Side Book Discussion: The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels

Thursday, May 15, 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! We're reading The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett this month!

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! We're reading The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett this 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.
Gift of Good Measure keychain

Glowforge Training

Thursday, May 15, 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.

ASAP Days

ASAP Thursdays: Drama Games

Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Explore creativity, build confidence, and connect with others through games, movement, and improvisation. Join Kyle Chizek at ASAP Thursdays this May for Drama Games - a fun, suppo...

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.

image of Pokemon cards that says "Kids Pokemon Card Swap Ages 7-18"

Kids Pokémon Card Swap

Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Are you looking for a place to trade your Pokémon cards? Bring your friends and come to this monthly program with any cards you want to trade.  This event is open to chil...

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

Are you looking for a place to trade your Pokémon cards? 

Bring your friends and come to this monthly program with any cards you want to trade.  This event is open to children ages 7-18. 

 

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

ARL TheraPets

Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

The ARL TheraPets are coming to East Side Library! Meet the pets and choose your favorite book to read to an animal.

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

The ARL TheraPets are coming to East Side Library! Meet the pets and choose your favorite book to read to an animal.

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.

Pajama Storytime : Fairies

Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Join us for a special Pajama Storytime all about fairies! We’ll read stories, enjoy a treat, and make fairy gardens to take home. Wear your coziest pajamas and bring a stuffie to s...

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Join us for a special Pajama Storytime all about fairies! We’ll read stories, enjoy a treat, and make fairy gardens to take home. Wear your coziest pajamas and bring a stuffie to snuggle.

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.

A promotional poster for Reading on the Margins

Reading on the Margins Book Discussion

Thursday, May 15, 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.

Abby Jimenez Venue Change

AViD Presents: Abby Jimenez

Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Off Site
Program Type:
Author Visits
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Abby Jimenez is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of laugh-out-loud, pull-at-your-heartstrings romantic fiction. Her novels have sold over 1.5 million copies and bee...

Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Author Visits
Event Details:

Abby Jimenez is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of laugh-out-loud, pull-at-your-heartstrings romantic fiction. Her novels have sold over 1.5 million copies and been translated into 28 languages.

LEGO Open Play

Friday, May 16, 2025 at 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Join us for an after-school LEGO Club where building blocks will be available for open play! Use your imagination to build your ideas or use the STEM-challenge prompts and building...

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

Join us for an after-school LEGO Club where building blocks will be available for open play! Use your imagination to build your ideas or use the STEM-challenge prompts and building guides to bring ideas to life. Drop-in anytime between 12-5pm.

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.

Children’s Program

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

The Outreach Project Logo

The Outreach Project

Friday, May 16, 2025 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults
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 re...

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.

Memory Café

Friday, May 16, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Memory Cafés provide a welcoming environment for people living with dementia and their care partners, creating a sense of community without the pressure to share in a support group...

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

Memory Cafés provide a welcoming environment for people living with dementia and their care partners, creating a sense of community without the pressure to share in a support group env

Little Explorers program

Little Explorers

Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Bring your young ones to our Little Explorers program, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play! Activities will help build early literacy skills through the fiv...

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

Bring your young ones to our Little Explorers program, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play! Activities will help build early literacy skills through the five Simple Steps: Read, Write, Sing, Play, Talk.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Image of vegetables in a paper grocery bag

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

Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 12:00pm - 1:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults
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: c...

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.
Graphic for Russian Conversation Club in English and Russian

Russian Conversation Club

Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Central Library Study Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
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 communit...

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.

Sourdough Program

Sourdough Basics

Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
Event Details:

Join us for Beginning Sourdough, a class where we explore the fundamentals of sourdough - what it is, how it works, and the many delicious things you can make with it.Steve Bryce i...

Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Educational
Required
Seats Remaining: 25
Event Details:

Join us for Beginning Sourdough, a class where we explore the fundamentals of sourdough - what it is, how it works, and the many delicious things you can make with it.

Creating Your Social Security Account

Monday, May 19, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
East Side Large Study Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Learn step-by-step how to create and manage your Social Security online account in this engaging, practical session led by Rosario Manzano. Whether you're new to the platform or ne...

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

Learn step-by-step how to create and manage your Social Security online account in this engaging, practical session led by Rosario Manzano.

ASAP Mondays : Design and Print Custom Cards

Monday, May 19, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Join Mad Todd to design and print your own custom cards and personalized paper projects! Each week, explore a new printmaking technique. Snack provided for all participants.

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

Join Mad Todd to design and print your own custom cards and personalized paper projects! Each week, explore a new printmaking technique. Snack provided for all participants.

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.

Intro to fishing with the DNR!

Monday, May 19, 2025 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

The Iowa DNR will present a basic fishing program to cover fishing tackle, tactics, and locations to help you and your family catch fish this spring.

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

The Iowa DNR will present a basic fishing program to cover fishing tackle, tactics, and locations to help you and your family catch fish this spring.

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.
Book cover of Miss Benson's Beetle with a large beetle with its wings spread and two small women.

Forest Avenue Library Book Discussion

Monday, May 19, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Stop by the Forest Avenue Library to pick up a copy of this month's title, Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachel Joyce.

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

Stop by the Forest Avenue Library to pick up a copy of this month's title, Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachel Joyce.

Family Storytime

Monday, May 19, 2025 at 6:30pm - 7:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

Join us for our evening Family Storytime at 6:30 p.m.! Kids and caregivers can join us for fun songs, stories, and acivities. You can even wear your jammies!   Best fo...

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

Join us for our evening Family Storytime at 6:30 p.m.! Kids and caregivers can join us for fun songs, stories, and acivities. You can even wear your jammies!  

Best for ages 6 and under, but all are welcome!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Intro to fly tying with the DNR

Monday, May 19, 2025 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

The Iowa DNR will present an interactive program to introduce you to the sport of tying your own fishing flies. Materials will be provided so you can experience the activity, learn...

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

The Iowa DNR will present an interactive program to introduce you to the sport of tying your own fishing flies.

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.
Graphic image of a poster for Pride

Franklin Cinema Club – Pride

Monday, May 19, 2025 at 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Movies
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

May's film selection is 2014 comedy drama Pride, starring Bill Nighy and Imelda Staunton.Discuss noteworthy films at the Franklin Cinema Club, a discussion series held the third Mo...

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

May's film selection is 2014 comedy drama Pride, starring Bill Nighy and Imelda Staunton.

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

Tuesday, May 20, 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.