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. 

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Snippets: A Writers' Workshop for Short Works 2024

Friday, December 6, 2024 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Snippets: A Writers' Workshop for Shorter Works Please email your submissions to Julia at jmdunt@dmpl.org if you would like them printed out. This group will read and discuss ...

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Required
Seats Remaining: 20
Event Details:

Snippets: A Writers' Workshop for Shorter Works Please email your submissions to Julia at jmdunt@dmpl.org if you would like them printed out. This group will read and discuss works out loud.

Kid's Craft Day: Popsicle Stick Snowflakes!

All Day
South Side Children’s Area at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn, Take & Make
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Drop in at South for Kid's Craft Day in the Children's Area! For kids ages 5-12. Crafts will be available all day while supplies last. 

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

Drop in at South for Kid's Craft Day in the Children's Area! For kids ages 5-12. Crafts will be available all day while supplies last. 

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 7, 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.

Película Gratuita - Mujercitas (2019) | Family Movie Showing - Little Women (2019)

Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 10:30am - 1:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Movies
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Escape the chill outside and cozy up to watch the Little Women (2019) movie with the whole family. Enjoy snacks and crafts while watching this adaptation of the classic book. ...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Movies
Event Details:

Escape the chill outside and cozy up to watch the Little Women (2019) movie with the whole family. Enjoy snacks and crafts while watching this adaptation of the classic book. 

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.

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.

Food Allergies

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

Movie Rating

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

Sit n' Stitch First Saturday of the Month 1:30 to 3:30 pm North Side Library

Sit n' Stitch

Saturday, December 7, 2024 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 few hours with other crafters and work on your knit, crochet, or needle craft projects. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you. Pleasant company is provided t...

Required
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Required
Seats Remaining: 19
Event Details:

Spend a few hours with other crafters and work on your knit, crochet, or needle craft projects. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you. Pleasant company is provided to share ideas and inspiration!

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: Still Life Drawing

Monday, December 9, 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 Decoration

Tuesday, December 10, 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, ...

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.

Cocoa, Cookies and Canvas! Creative Readers-From Book to Art!

Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room 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 Meeting Room
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.

Art Club: Crochet a Scarf

Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Crafty tweens and teens ages 8-18 can join us on the 2nd Tuesday of each month for Art Club! This month, learn some of the crochet basics that you can use to make a scarf! We wi...

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

Crafty tweens and teens ages 8-18 can join us on the 2nd Tuesday of each month for Art Club!

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 11, 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 Crafternoon: Paper Gingerbread Houses

Wednesday, December 11, 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:

Make a gingerbread house out of cardstock! Drop-in to North Side to decorate and build a paper gingerbread house.

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

Make a gingerbread house out of cardstock! Drop-in to North Side to decorate and build a paper gingerbread house.

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 11, 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.

DIY Cookie Decorating

DIY Cookie Decorating

Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

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...

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

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 are!

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, December 12, 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 12, 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.

colored pencils, graphing paper with designs, text reads "Pixel Art Creations"

Pixel Art Creations

Thursday, December 12, 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:

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...

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

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 masterpieces.

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.

Art Cart

Friday, December 13, 2024 at 10:00am - 5:00pm
North Side Children’s Area at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Event Details:

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

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

Get creative at North Side and enjoy our cart 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.

Crafternoon : Winter Paper-Chain Garland

Friday, December 13, 2024 at 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

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...

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

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 at home! This craft is suitable for all ages.

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 Crafternoon: Perler Beads!

Friday, December 13, 2024 at 1:00pm - 6:00pm
East Side Children’s Area at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

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

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

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

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Taylor Swift Party

Taylor Swift Party!

Friday, December 13, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

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...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Health & Wellness
Event Details:

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!

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.

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.

Art Cart Saturdays

Saturday, December 14, 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.

Art Cart-Horse Ornament Craft

Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

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...

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

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 and take home with you. All ages.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

a painted miniature of a female warrior

Fantasy Miniature Painting Workshop

Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Gaming
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

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...

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 2
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Gaming
Required
Seats Remaining: 19
Event Details:

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.

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.

Program title "Sewing for Beginners" with thread, buttons, tape measure, and other sewing tools

Sewing for Beginners

Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 1:30pm - 3:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

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 ...

Required
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Required
Seats Remaining: 3
Event Details:

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 to try out machine sewing as well.