Adventure Pass Changes in 2025

Due to software issues affecting all libraries using the service, the Des Moines Public Library’s Iowa Adventure Pass program will no longer be available 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 make new reservations for passes that must be used by December 31, 2024. We hope to reintroduce the service at a later time, and we apologize for the inconvenience. 

Event List

Filters
Age Group

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

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 we...

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.

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.

Drop in Puzzles!

Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Looking for an activity to get out of the house? Drop by the East Side Library this Saturday to complete a puzzle! Puzzles are 300 pieces and will be set up in our meeting room for...

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

Looking for an activity to get out of the house? Drop by the East Side Library this Saturday to complete a puzzle! Puzzles are 300 pieces and will be set up in our meeting room for you to drop in between 10am - 4pm.

Movie Watch Party : The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King

Saturday, December 28, 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.

Scavenger Hunt: New Year's Around the World

All Day
East Side Children’s Area at East Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Join us for a week-long scavenger hunt exploring New Year's traditions from around the world! Search the library for clues and learn fun facts about how different cultures celebrat...

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

Join us for a week-long scavenger hunt exploring New Year's traditions from around the world! Search the library for clues and learn fun facts about how different cultures celebrate the new year!

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.

Tiny Art Show Materials Pickup

12/30/2024 @ 9:00am to 01/05/2025 @ 4:00pm
Central Library Gateway Gallery at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Create a masterpiece for the Des Moines Public Library's first ever Tiny Art Show!  Pick up your free art kit at the Central Library starting December 30th.  Kits will...

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Gateway Gallery
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Required
Seats Remaining: 150
Event Details:

Create a masterpiece for the Des Moines Public Library's first ever Tiny Art Show! 

Nintendo Switch Party!

Monday, December 30, 2024 at 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Join us for a Nintendo Switch Party! We will have games like Mario Kart 8 & Super Mario Bros. Ultimate. Feel free to bring your own Switch or share the library’s controllers.

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Join us for a Nintendo Switch Party! We will have games like Mario Kart 8 & Super Mario Bros. Ultimate. Feel free to bring your own Switch or share the library’s controllers.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

FormLabs Form 3 Resin 3D Printer Training Class

Monday, December 30, 2024 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Central Library Tech Central at Central Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Would you like to use Tech Central's new FormLabs Form 3 resin 3D printer?  Take this required training to learn how!  Participants will learn how to use FormLabs free Pr...

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Tech Central
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology
Required
Seats Remaining: 3
Event Details:

Would you like to use Tech Central's new FormLabs Form 3 resin 3D printer?  Take this required training to learn how!  Participants will learn how to use FormLabs free PreForm software to prepare their 3D prints for printing at the libra

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.

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

Tuesday, December 31, 2024 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.

New Year's Eve Goodie Bags

Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at 9:00am - 5:00pm
Central Library Children’s Area at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Celebrate the upcoming year by grabbing a New Year's goodie bag at the Central youth desk! One per child, while supplies last.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Health & Wellness, Play & Learn
Event Details:

Celebrate the upcoming year by grabbing a New Year's goodie bag at the Central youth desk! One per child, while supplies last.

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.

Children’s Program

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

Play, Grow, Learn!

Tuesday, December 31, 2024 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.

Noon Year's Eve Party

Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

Celebrate New Year's Eve at the North Side Library! Enjoy snacks, crafts, and sensory activities for the whole family while we count down to noon.

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Celebrate New Year's Eve at the North Side Library! Enjoy snacks, crafts, and sensory activities for the whole family while we count down to noon.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

A globe with buildings from around the world and text reading "Noon Years Eve"

Noon-Years Eve: Around the World Celebrations

Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at 11:30am - 12:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Celebrate Noon Year’s Eve at the library!Inspired by New Year's traditions from around the globe. We will recreate some New Year's traditions, crafts, and dances. Join us for a cou...

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Celebrate Noon Year’s Eve at the library!

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.

Closed for New Year's Eve

Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at 5:00pm - 11:45pm
East Side Library, Forest Avenue Library, Franklin Avenue Library, North Side Library, South Side Library, Off Site, DMPL Systemwide

All buildings close at 5 PM on New Year's Eve.

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

All buildings close at 5 PM on New Year's Eve.

New Years Day

All Day
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 New Years Day.

Closing
Branches:
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 New Years Day.

I Spy: Winter

All Day 1/2 - 1/5
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.

Gift of Good Measure keychain

Glowforge Training

Thursday, January 2, 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.

Teen Vision Board with Pizza

Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Take & Make
Age Group:
Teens
Event Details:

Kick off the new year with a creative and inspiring Teen Vision Board Workshop! Join us as we set goals and dream big by designing personal vision boards. Whether you want to focus...

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Take & Make
Event Details:

Kick off the new year with a creative and inspiring Teen Vision Board Workshop! Join us as we set goals and dream big by designing personal vision boards.

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.