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

Filters
Age Group

Memorial Day

All Day 5/25 - 5/26
Central Library, East Side Library, Forest Avenue Library, Franklin Avenue Library, North Side Library, South Side Library, Off Site, DMPL Systemwide

All locations will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.

Closing
Branches:
Central Library, East Side Library, Forest Avenue Library, Franklin Avenue Library, North Side Library, South Side Library, Off Site, DMPL Systemwide
Description:

All locations will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.

Mapping Exclusion Logo

African American Museum of Iowa's Mapping Exclusion: Redlining in Iowa Exhibit

All Day 5/27 - 5/30
Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Exhibits
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Join us at the Franklin Avenue Library for Mapping Exclusion: Redlining in Iowa. This exhibit from the African American Museum of Iowa explores the impact of housing discrimination...

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Exhibits
Event Details:

Join us at the Franklin Avenue Library for Mapping Exclusion: Redlining in Iowa. This exhibit from the African American Museum of Iowa explores the impact of housing discrimination and segregation in the state of Iowa.

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

Tuesday, May 27, 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.

Play, Grow, Learn!

Tuesday, May 27, 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.

One-on-One Computer Sessions

Tuesday, May 27, 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.

ASAP Days generic

ASAP Tuesdays: Air Dry Clay

Tuesday, May 27, 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.

Level Up Switch party with mario kart image

Level Up: Switch Party!

Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Join other gamers and test your skills on the Nintendo Switch! We will have Smash Bros and Mario Kart on the big screen for tournament play with new friends or bring your own Switc...

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

Join other gamers and test your skills on the Nintendo Switch! We will have Smash Bros and Mario Kart on the big screen for tournament play with new friends or bring your own Switch to play on your own.

Ages 6 years and up!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

South VolunTeens

Summer VolunTeen Orientation

Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Teens
Event Details:

Teens! Do you need volunteer hours over the summer? Students ages 12-18 may volunteer at the South Side Library this summer. All students must submit a VolunTeens Application an...

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

Teens! Do you need volunteer hours over the summer? Students ages 12-18 may volunteer at the South Side Library this summer.

K-pop Meet-up

Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Central Library Study Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
Event Details:

Do you like all things K-pop? Come to the Central Library every month and bring your photocards to trade, invite your friends or meet and hang out with other fans! Enjoy snack...

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

Do you like all things K-pop? Come to the Central Library every month and bring your photocards to trade, invite your friends or meet and hang out with other fans! Enjoy snacks, other activities, and listening to music.

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.

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
Event Details:

Come celebrate the Belin String Quartet’s 25th anniversary season with a free outdoor concert on the lawn of the Central Library.  The Belin Quartet will perform a 45-minute p...

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

Come celebrate the Belin String Quartet’s 25th anniversary season with a free outdoor concert on the lawn of the Central Library.  The Belin Quartet will perform a 45-minute program that will feature music that spans from classical

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. 

Image for "Job Seekers"

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
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 28, 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 28, 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.

South VolunTeens

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
Event Details:

Teens! Do you need volunteer hours over the summer? Students ages 12-18 may volunteer at the South Side Library this summer. All students must submit a VolunTeens Application an...

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

Teens! Do you need volunteer hours over the summer? Students ages 12-18 may volunteer at the South Side Library this summer.

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
Event Details:

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

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational, Gaming
Required
Seats Remaining: 7
Event Details:

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

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
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 29, 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 29, 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.

Board Game Café

Friday, May 30, 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.

The Outreach Project Logo

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
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.

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
Event Details:

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

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.
Image of vegetables in a paper grocery bag

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
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.

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
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!Visit w...

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.

Graphic for Russian Conversation Club in English and Russian

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
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.