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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Family Storytime

Monday, September 29, 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.

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

Tuesday, September 30, 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, September 30, 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.

Level Up Switch party with mario kart image

Level Up: Switch Party!

Tuesday, September 30, 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.

Baby Rhyme Time

Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 9:30am - 10:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Join us weekly for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.    

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

Join us weekly for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.

 

 

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

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

Family Storytime

Wednesday, October 1, 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 us at Forest Avenue Library for Family Storytime every Wednesday morning at 10:15 A.M. Family...

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 us at Forest Avenue Library for Family Storytime every Wednesday morning at 10:15 A.M.

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.

Preschool Storytime

Thursday, October 2, 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!

 

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

Wiggles and Giggles

Thursday, October 2, 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.

ASAP Thursdays

Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Join ASAP and a special artist every Thursday to do fun art and learn new skills!

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

Join ASAP and a special artist every Thursday to do fun art and learn new skills!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Art Club

Art Club

Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Art Club will occur on the first Thursday of each month. It will feature picture books and a related art project each month. We will learn about artists, art concepts, and topics t...

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

Art Club will occur on the first Thursday of each month. It will feature picture books and a related art project each month. We will learn about artists, art concepts, and topics that will give us inspiration to make our own art.

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, October 3, 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.
Image of "Sit n' Stitch"

Sit n' Stitch

Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 1:30pm - 3:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
Event Details:

Spend a couple hours with other crafters and work on your knit, crochet, or needle craft projects. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you. This program happens t...

Required
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Required
Seats Remaining: 20
Event Details:

Spend a couple hours with other crafters and work on your knit, crochet, or needle craft projects. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you. This program happens the first Saturday of the 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.
DMPL & Dragons graphic with an adventurer leaping towards a dragon

DMPL & Dragons: Sunday

Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 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 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.

Writers Workshop

Writers' Workshop 2025

Monday, October 6, 2025 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Join us for the DMPL Writer's Workshop on the first* Monday of the month from 5:30-7:30 PM. Share samples of work and receive feedback from other writers in the group. Email your s...

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

Join us for the DMPL Writer's Workshop on the first* Monday of the month from 5:30-7:30 PM. Share samples of work and receive feedback from other writers in the group.

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.

Family Storytime

Monday, October 6, 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.

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

Tuesday, October 7, 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, October 7, 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.

Baby Rhyme Time

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 9:30am - 10:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Join us weekly for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.    

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

Join us weekly for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.

 

 

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

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

Family Storytime

Wednesday, October 8, 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 us at Forest Avenue Library for Family Storytime every Wednesday morning at 10:15 A.M. Family...

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 us at Forest Avenue Library for Family Storytime every Wednesday morning at 10:15 A.M.

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.

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Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Central Library Outreach at Central Library
Program Type:
Library Meeting
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

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Offsite Event
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Outreach
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Library Meeting
Event Details:

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VolunTEENS Work Time

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Teens
Event Details:

If you're between the ages of 12-18 and looking for a fun and rewarding volunteer opportunity, give the library a try! We would love to have your help!

Library Branch: Central Library
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

If you're between the ages of 12-18 and looking for a fun and rewarding volunteer opportunity, give the library a try! We would love to have your help!

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.

Preschool Storytime

Thursday, October 9, 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!

 

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

Wiggles and Giggles

Thursday, October 9, 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.

ASAP Thursdays

Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Join ASAP and a special artist every Thursday to do fun art and learn new skills!

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

Join ASAP and a special artist every Thursday to do fun art and learn new skills!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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