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

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Corn necklace made from pipe cleaners and pony beads.

Drop-in Craft: Corn Necklace

All Day 11/18 - 11/27
Central Library Children’s Area at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Did you enjoy corn this summer? What about popcorn while watching a movie? The corn we eat today was first discovered and grown by Native Americans. Through trade and sharing growi...

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

Did you enjoy corn this summer? What about popcorn while watching a movie? The corn we eat today was first discovered and grown by Native Americans.

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.

Dinovember Take & Make

All Day 11/25 - 11/27
East Side Children’s Area at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Take & Make
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Celebrate Dinovember with a month-long Take and Make adventure at the library! Pick up your Dinovember kit filled with fun, dino-themed activities that will keep young paleontologi...

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

Celebrate Dinovember with a month-long Take and Make adventure at the library! Pick up your Dinovember kit filled with fun, dino-themed activities that will keep young paleontologists busy all month long.

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.
ASAP Days

ASAP Mondays: Fiber Art

Monday, November 25, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Fiber art uses materials like fabric, yarn, thread, and techniques like weaving, stitching, and tying to make cool projects! At ASAP Mondays with Megan Clausen, we will make a diff...

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

Fiber art uses materials like fabric, yarn, thread, and techniques like weaving, stitching, and tying to make cool projects! At ASAP Mondays with Megan Clausen, we will make a different fiber art project each week. Snack provided.

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.

Latin Thunder with book "Niño Wrestles the World"

Creative Readers with Latin Thunder, A Mexican Luchador(wrestler)

Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Join a special storytime featuring Latin Thunder, a Mexican Luchador(wrestler), for a reading of Niño Wrestles the World followed by a time for fan pics and autographs, a...

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

Join a special storytime featuring Latin Thunder, a Mexican Luchador(wrestler), for a reading of Niño Wrestles the World followed by a time for fan pics and autographs, and a craft!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Sewing for Beginners

Sewing for Beginners

Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Join us as we learn the basics of sewing in this beginner class. By the end of the six weeks participants will be comfortable with sewing machines and be able to mend and make alte...

Required
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Required
Seats Remaining: 0
Event Details:

Join us as we learn the basics of sewing in this beginner class. By the end of the six weeks participants will be comfortable with sewing machines and be able to mend and make alterations to clothing. 

Art Cart

Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at 10:00am - 7:00pm
North Side Children’s Area at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Drop-in to North Side to use our art cart. Bring your creativity and enjoy a cart full of arts and crafts supplies!

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Event Details:

Drop-in to North Side to use our art cart. Bring your creativity and enjoy a cart full of arts and crafts supplies!

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, November 27, 2024 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.

Novel November Write-In

Novel November Write-In

Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 10:30am - 4:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Skip the scramble for outlets at coffee bars and come to the library to connect with your fellow writers or to write individually! Feel free to stay all day or just stop by fo...

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Required
Seats Remaining: 48
Event Details:

Skip the scramble for outlets at coffee bars and come to the library to connect with your fellow writers or to write individually! Feel free to stay all day or just stop by for a quick visit.

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.

Repair Cafe

Repair Café

Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 12:00pm - 3:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Do you have an item in your home in need of repair? Stop by Franklin Avenue Library's Repair Café to get help from volunteers with expertise on how to fix your item(s) or refer you...

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

Do you have an item in your home in need of repair? Stop by Franklin Avenue Library's Repair Café to get help from volunteers with expertise on how to fix your item(s) or refer you to a local professional.

Ornament-Making 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

 

ASAP DAYS

ASAP Mondays: Still Life Drawing

Monday, December 2, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

If you’re a kid who likes to draw (or wants to learn or improve your skills), this class is for you! In these three weeks we will use charcoal, colored pencils, white pencils, and ...

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

If you’re a kid who likes to draw (or wants to learn or improve your skills), this class is for you! In these three weeks we will use charcoal, colored pencils, white pencils, and graphite drawing pencils to practice drawing.

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 Tuesdays Cookie Decorating

ASAP Tuesdays: Cookie & Cupcake Decoration

Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Art helps us practice patience and focus; but how about applying those skills to make something yummy?In these three weeks, we will decorate treats with a professional baker, learn...

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

Art helps us practice patience and focus; but how about applying those skills to make something yummy?

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.

Painted clothespins on a grey painted wooden background

Manualidades para adultos: Pinza de cantante de villancicos | Crafting for Adults: Clothespin Carolers

Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Do you love to craft? Come paint a clothespin caroler or bring your current project and make some progress! Registration recommended.¿Te encanta hacer manualidades? ¡Ven a pin...

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Required
Seats Remaining: 1
Event Details:

Do you love to craft? Come paint a clothespin caroler or bring your current project and make some progress! 

Registration recommended.

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.

Creative Readers with author Victor Santos reading what makes us human with craft to follow

Creative Readers-From Book to Art!

Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Children will listen to a story and then create a masterpiece while exploring with art and STEM activities. Ages 3+.

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

Children will listen to a story and then create a masterpiece while exploring with art and STEM activities. Ages 3+.

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, December 4, 2024 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.

Drop-in STEM Challenge: Lego Challenges

Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 2:00pm - 7:00pm
North Side Children’s Area at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Build with Lego at North Side! Complete one of our challenges or express your creativity and build something of your own!

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Event Details:

Build with Lego at North Side! Complete one of our challenges or express your creativity and build something of your own!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Photo of calligraphy supplies saying "Calligraphy: Wednesday December 4, 11, and 18. 3:30-4:30 PM. North Side Library.

ASAP Wednesdays: Calligraphy

Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

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...

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

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 and is a fun way to express creativity.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Winter Watercolor

Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Join us for a winter watercolored evening with Lisa Christensen!

Required
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Required
Seats Remaining: 0
Event Details:

Join us for a winter watercolored evening with Lisa Christensen!

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.
Gift of Good Measure keychain

Glowforge Training

Thursday, December 5, 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: 0
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.

Mosaics

ASAP Thursdays: Mosaics!

Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

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...

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

A mosaic is a picture produced by arranging small pieces of stone, tile, or other material.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Text says "Craftopia Upcycle Edition Thursday, December 5 from 4-6pm Central Library" surrounded by colorful tie dye designs and recycling arrows.

Craftopia: Upcycle Edition!

Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Come join us at the Central Library for this special edition of Craftopia! You will get the opportunity to make upcycled rag wreaths, t-shirt tie bags, coasters, etc. and practice ...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn
Event Details:

Come join us at the Central Library for this special edition of Craftopia! You will get the opportunity to make upcycled rag wreaths, t-shirt tie bags, coasters, etc. and practice upcycling techniques in what is often seen as a season of waste.

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.

photo of a decorated gingerbread house

Gingerbread House Decorating

Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 5:00pm - 6:15pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Event Details:

We will provide all of the materials to make an amazing gingerbread house fit for an elf. Each family that registers will receive one house to decorate together.To register for thi...

Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Required
Seats Remaining: 0
Event Details:

We will provide all of the materials to make an amazing gingerbread house fit for an elf. Each family that registers will receive one house to decorate together.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.
Art club with images of art supplies

Art Club : Faith Ringgold

Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
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.

gingerbread house with decorations

Gingerbread House Decorating

Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Event Details:

We will provide all of the materials to make an amazing gingerbread house fit for an elf. Each family that registers will receive one house to decorate together.To register for thi...

Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Required
Seats Remaining: 2
Event Details:

We will provide all of the materials to make an amazing gingerbread house fit for an elf. Each family that registers will receive one house to decorate together.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.