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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Play, Grow, Learn!

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 10:00am - 11:30am
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Children ages 0-5 and their caregivers can engage in open play, come and go activities at South.  Play, Grow, Learn is an opportunity to meet families with other young chil...

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

Children ages 0-5 and their caregivers can engage in open play, come and go activities at South. 

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Tuesdays in April and May 10am - 12pm

One-on-One Computer Sessions

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

For those looking for basic computer help come to the Forest Avenue Library. We will provide individual assistance with creating an email, polishing a resume, typing a document, or...

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology
Event Details:

For those looking for basic computer help come to the Forest Avenue Library. We will provide individual assistance with creating an email, polishing a resume, typing a document, or applying for a job.

Friends of the North Side Library

Tuesday, May 20, 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 "the wager"

North Side Book Discussion

Tuesday, May 20, 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 The Wager by David Grann. 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 The Wager by David Grann

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.
ASAP Days generic

ASAP Tuesdays: Air Dry Clay

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

This month's artist: Amanda RhodesGet hands-on with air-dry clay and create fun projects to take home! Make pinch pots, coil pots, personalized tiles, mini monsters or abstract scu...

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

This month's artist: Amanda Rhodes

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.

Reading Buddies with ARL TheraPets!

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational, Health & Wellness, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

When you're learning to read, practicing out loud can be daunting! Visit Central Library to practice reading with an ARL TheraPet. Engaging with animals is a great way to boos...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness, Play & Learn
Event Details:

When you're learning to read, practicing out loud can be daunting! Visit Central Library to practice reading with an ARL TheraPet. Engaging with animals is a great way to boost confidence and reduce anxiety around learning to read.

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.

Sensory Play Hour

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

Come to South Side for an hour of sensory exploration! From cool textures to fun activities, kids can have a great time learning while doing what they do best: playing! The pr...

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

Come to South Side for an hour of sensory exploration!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Plant. Grow. Fly. with Parks & Rec

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Learn about butterflies and plants with Joel from Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department! This program will involve learning about what pollinators need so they can surviv...

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

Learn about butterflies and plants with Joel from Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department! This program will involve learning about what pollinators need so they can survive and why they are so important to people.

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.
Illustrated hands painting and making other art around the words: Community Craft Night

Community Craft Night: Button-Making

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Spend an hour making something new while enjoying the company of other local crafters. In May, use the library's button-maker to create pins with your own hand-drawn designs. All m...

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

Spend an hour making something new while enjoying the company of other local crafters. In May, use the library's button-maker to create pins with your own hand-drawn designs.

Image for "Job Seekers"

Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K Davis Center

Wednesday, May 21, 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.

Graphic of a child reading books. The text reads "Family Storytime, Wednesdays 10:15 am, Forest Ave Library"

Family Storytime

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 10:15am - 10:45am
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn, Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Listen to silly stories, sing songs, dance to music, and make art! Join Miss Emily for Family Storytime every Wednesday morning at 10:15 AM. Designed for children ages 0–5, this st...

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn, Storytimes
Event Details:

Listen to silly stories, sing songs, dance to music, and make art! Join Miss Emily for Family Storytime every Wednesday morning at 10:15 AM. Designed for children ages 0–5, this storytime welcomes all ages to join in the fun.

 

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.

ASAP Wednesdays: Cardboard Creations

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens
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...

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.

VolunTeen Drop-In Hour

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Teens
Event Details:

Earn volunteer hours by helping out with library programs and projects! Teens ages 12 to 18 can drop in any Wednesday we are open and volunteer for one hour. You must bring a vo...

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

Earn volunteer hours by helping out with library programs and projects! Teens ages 12 to 18 can drop in any Wednesday we are open and volunteer for one hour.

Friends of Forest Meeting

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Forest Avenue Conference Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Library Meeting
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Join the Friends of the Forest Avenue Library for the monthly meeting at Forest Avenue Library! The meeting will be from 4:30-6:00pm. 

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

Join the Friends of the Forest Avenue Library for the monthly meeting at Forest Avenue Library! The meeting will be from 4:30-6:00pm. 

Craft Night: Macrame Air Plant Holder

Craft Night: Macrame Air Plant Holder

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Join us at the Forest Avenue Library for Craft Night! This month you will make a macrame air plant holder. While you make your craft, we will have a special guest from the Greater ...

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

Join us at the Forest Avenue Library for Craft Night! This month you will make a macrame air plant holder.

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.

Preschool Storytime

Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 10:00am - 10:30am
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
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!  

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!

 

Gift of Good Measure keychain

Glowforge Training

Thursday, May 22, 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 22, 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.

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

DMPL & Dragons: Thursday

Thursday, May 22, 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.

The Outreach Project Logo

The Outreach Project

Friday, May 23, 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.

Crafternoon : Leaf Impressions Clay Dish

Friday, May 23, 2025 at 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Join us for a drop-in craft project at Forest! Use the supplies and provided instructions to make leaf impression clay dishes. Stop by anytime between 1-5pm. Ages 6+.

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

Join us for a drop-in craft project at Forest! Use the supplies and provided instructions to make leaf impression clay dishes. Stop by anytime between 1-5pm. Ages 6+.

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.

Freedom in Freeform

Friday, May 23, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Performances
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
Event Details:

Calling all poets to Freedom in Freeform. This program will provide a space for local poets to share their original works. Performances will be a first come first serve s...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Performances
Event Details:

Calling all poets to Freedom in Freeform. 

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.

Image of vegetables in a paper grocery bag

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

Saturday, May 24, 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 24, 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.