Event List

Learn to make beautiful letters with ASAP at the North Side Library! Calligraphy is the art of lettering, like fancy writing. Practicing calligraphy helps develop fine motor skills...

Visit South Side to decorate your own sugar cookies! From colorful frosting to fun toppings, we'll provide everything you need to design delicious cookie creations as unique as you...

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!

Curious about cooking? Sharpen your kitchen knowledge at our Teen Chef program and learn how to make a variety of delicious foods.  On December 11, learn to make popcorn wi...

Broaden your perspective, find new strategies for handling life’s challenges, or deepen your understanding of a topic when you join us for a monthly conversation around a life-chan...

Join us at the Central Library for a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! The storytime will take place in the meeting room to allow for social distancing. &nbs...

Preschoolers and their caregivers can enjoy stories, rhymes, music, and learn school readiness skills. Afterwards, we will enjoy free-play together.

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...

A mosaic is a picture produced by arranging small pieces of stone, tile, or other material. At ASAP Thursdays this month at South Side Library, we will learn to make our own mosaic...

Connect with others interested in environmentally friendly gardens. The focus is on native plants which foster and nourish wildlife. Come to learn and to share your favorite garden...

Discover pixel art in this fun and creative workshop! Learn how to design simple characters and scenes, using grids, paper, and stickers to build colorful physical and digital mast...

Reading on the Margins Holiday Snack Potluck. 

Award-winning author and illustrator Don Tate is coming to the Forest Avenue Library!Tate, a Des Moines native, is an award-winning author, and the illustrator of numerous critical...

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

Get creative at North Side and enjoy our cart of arts and crafts supplies!

Learn some of the amazing facts about our local neighborhood in space with NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Dan Hoy. This will be a 30-minute journey from the Sun to Pluto, followe...

Drop-in to the Forest Ave Library to make a paper-chain garland using winter-themed decorative papers. Take your garland with you to add a lovely DIY decoration to your cozy places...

The Des Moines Public Library is partnering with area organizations to connect people with community resources. Community advocates will provide information about community re...

Come to the library and create a design with perler beads and we will iron it for you to take home!

It's been a long time coming! Swifties of all ages are invited to come together to celebrate Taylor Swift's birthday at Central Library!Make and trade friendship bracelets. We will...

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

Celebrate national Horse Day with us in the children's area! Come and join in the joy of honoring these magnificent creatures by creating your very own horse ornament to cherish an...

Paint a miniature figurine for Dungeons & Dragons or another fantasy role-playing game.   You may bring your own miniature to paint, or select one that we provide.  T...

Get comfortable with the basics of sewing in this workshop for beginners. Costume designer Kaitlyn Munro will teach participants the essential skills for sewing by hand, with time ...