Adventure Pass temporarily shut down in 2025

Due to software issues affecting all libraries using the service, the Iowa Adventure Pass program will temporarily shut down in 2025. Any reservation already made for 2025 will be honored, but we encourage anyone with a current reservation to print those passes immediately. Customers can still make new reservations for passes that must be used by December 31, 2024. The service will return at a later time. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Weather update for 12/14/2024

All locations of the Des Moines Public Library will be open normal hours Saturday, December 14, and all locations will serve as emergency warming shelters during open hours. 

Event List

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

DMPL & Dragons: Thursday

Thursday, December 19, 2024 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.

FASFA Workshop December 19

FAFSA Application Workshop #3

Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology, Educational
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
Event Details:

Please join us for the FAFSA Assistance workshop. FAFSA is the free student application for student aid. Navigating this process can be difficult, so there will be 2 volunteers ass...

Required
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology, Educational
Required
Seats Remaining: 2
Event Details:

Please join us for the FAFSA Assistance workshop. FAFSA is the free student application for student aid. Navigating this process can be difficult, so there will be 2 volunteers assisting in completing the FAFSA Application.

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.
Winter Solstice Storytime

Pajama Storytime: Winter Solstice

Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Celebrate Winter Solstice at this special Pajama Storytime! Wear your coziest pajamas, bring a stuffie to snuggle, and listen to stories about the shortest day of the year while si...

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

Celebrate Winter Solstice at this special Pajama Storytime! Wear your coziest pajamas, bring a stuffie to snuggle, and listen to stories about the shortest day of the year while sipping on hot chocolate.

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.

LEGO Fridays

Friday, December 20, 2024 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Beat the boredom on Fridays by visiting the library and using your imagination to create amazing things with our LEGOs.

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

Beat the boredom on Fridays by visiting the library and using your imagination to create amazing things with our LEGOs.

The Outreach Project Logo

The Outreach Project

Friday, December 20, 2024 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.

Movie Watch Party : Wish

Friday, December 20, 2024 at 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Movies
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

A young woman named Asha possesses wild wishes for happiness. After making a wish on a starry night, Asha is surprised when Star, a ball of cosmic energy, comes down to accompany h...

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

A young woman named Asha possesses wild wishes for happiness. After making a wish on a starry night, Asha is surprised when Star, a ball of cosmic energy, comes down to accompany her.

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.

Art Cart Saturdays

Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
East Side Children’s Area at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Stop in the library for fun arts and crafts with our Art Cart! While supplies last. Adult supervision is required. 

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

Stop in the library for fun arts and crafts with our Art Cart! While supplies last. Adult supervision is required. 

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.

Jingle Jazz All Ages Saturday, December 21 2 to 3 p.m. Central Library

Jingle Jazz

Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Performances
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

In partnership with DMPL, the Beaver Creek Jazz Ensemble presents a free holiday concert. The library will provide hot chocolate, coffee, and tea. Though the weather be dreary, the...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Performances
Event Details:

In partnership with DMPL, the Beaver Creek Jazz Ensemble presents a free holiday concert. The library will provide hot chocolate, coffee, and tea. Though the weather be dreary, the tunes will be cheery, and we hope to see you there! 

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.

Festive Holiday Garland Take-and-Make Bag!

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

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

 

Binary Bracelets

Monday, December 23, 2024 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Binary Code is how computers communicate with each other! Learn how to code your name and different messages in binary and make a bracelet to show it off! This fun craft combi...

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

Binary Code is how computers communicate with each other! Learn how to code your name and different messages in binary and make a bracelet to show it off! This fun craft combines tech and creativity.

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.

Christmas

All Day 12/24 - 12/25
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 for Christmas.

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 for Christmas.

Winter Wonderland Scavenger Hunt!

All Day 12/26 - 12/28
South Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
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!

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!

I Spy: Winter

All Day 12/26 - 12/31
Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Find all of the winter themed pictures in the youth area to get a prize.

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

Find all of the winter themed pictures in the youth area to get a prize.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Characters from the Lord of the Rings movies with the logo in foreground.

Movie Watch Party : The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring

Thursday, December 26, 2024 at 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Movies
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

The Lord of the Rings is an action-adventure-drama-fantasy movie trilogy, based on J.R.R. Tolkien's classic novels, about a young hobbit named Frodo who is appointed the job of des...

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

The Lord of the Rings is an action-adventure-drama-fantasy movie trilogy, based on J.R.R.

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.

Movie Rating

Movie is not intended for children unless accompanied by an adult.

STEAM Cart Challenge: Marshmallow Igloos

Thursday, December 26, 2024 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Challenge yourself to build the sturdiest igloo using marshmallows and our STEAM cart supplies! Work on problem-solving and engineering skills with this fun, wintry activity.

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

Challenge yourself to build the sturdiest igloo using marshmallows and our STEAM cart supplies! Work on problem-solving and engineering skills with this fun, wintry activity.

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.

Gift of Good Measure keychain

Glowforge Training

Thursday, December 26, 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: 3
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.

Paper Bag Luminaries | Luces de Papel

Thursday, December 26, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Join us at Forest to make an easy craft that you can use to decorate your house during this winter time.Ven a Forest y crea una manualidad para decorar tu casa para este invierno.

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

Join us at Forest to make an easy craft that you can use to decorate your house during this winter time.

Ven a Forest y crea una manualidad para decorar tu casa para este invierno.

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.

STEAM Cart Challenge: Marshmallow Igloos

Thursday, December 26, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Challenge yourself to build the sturdiest igloo using marshmallows and our STEAM cart supplies! Work on problem-solving and engineering skills with this fun, wintry activity.

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

Challenge yourself to build the sturdiest igloo using marshmallows and our STEAM cart supplies! Work on problem-solving and engineering skills with this fun, wintry activity.

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.

Dog Man Celebration!

Dog Man Celebration!

Friday, December 27, 2024 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Drop in and celebrate our favorite half-man, half-dog crime fighting hero with games, crafts and other fabulous fun at our Dog man celebration in the children's area. All ages are ...

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

Drop in and celebrate our favorite half-man, half-dog crime fighting hero with games, crafts and other fabulous fun at our Dog man celebration in the children's area. All ages are welcome! 

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

All about owls with Polk County Conservation December 27 East Side Library 11 AM

All about Owls with Polk County Conservation

Friday, December 27, 2024 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Hear all about owls and the adaptations that make them good predators! We will also get to meet a live owl.This program is geared towards children in grades 3-8, but all are welcom...

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Hear all about owls and the adaptations that make them good predators! We will also get to meet a live owl.

This program is geared towards children in grades 3-8, but all are welcome to attend.

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.

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, December 27, 2024 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.
Characters from the Lord of the Rings movies with the logo in foreground.

Movie Watch Party : The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers

Friday, December 27, 2024 at 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Movies
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

The Lord of the Rings is an action-adventure-drama-fantasy movie trilogy, based on J.R.R. Tolkien's classic novels, about a young hobbit named Frodo who is appointed the job of des...

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

The Lord of the Rings is an action-adventure-drama-fantasy movie trilogy, based on J.R.R.

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.

Movie Rating

Movie is not intended for children unless accompanied by an adult.

Little Explorers program

Little Explorers

Saturday, December 28, 2024 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 with different sensory activities. No Registration is Required. P...

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 with different sensory activities. No Registration is Required. Please wear play clothes as some activities may be messy.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Art Cart Saturdays

Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
East Side Children’s Area at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Stop in the library for fun arts and crafts with our Art Cart! While supplies last. Adult supervision is required. 

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

Stop in the library for fun arts and crafts with our Art Cart! While supplies last. Adult supervision is required. 

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.