Adventure Pass Ending in 2025

Due to circumstances outside of our control, the Des Moines Public Library’s Iowa Adventure Pass service 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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Graphic featuring a photo of outer space and a photo of our presenter, Dan Hoy

Our Solar System: Four Billion Miles of Wow!

Friday, December 13, 2024 at 11:00am - 11:45am
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

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...

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

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, followed by an opportunity to see, touch, and hold meteorites.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

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: 5
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.

Solstice 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

 

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

Tuesday, December 17, 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.

Reading Buddies with ARL TheraPets!

Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational, Health & Wellness, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

When you're learning to read, practicing out loud can be daunting! Visit Central Library to practice reading with an ARL TheraPet. Engaging with animals is a great way to boos...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness, Play & Learn
Event Details:

When you're learning to read, practicing out loud can be daunting! Visit Central Library to practice reading with an ARL TheraPet. Engaging with animals is a great way to boost confidence and reduce anxiety around learning to read.

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.

Drop-in STEM Challenge: Ice Fishing

Wednesday, December 18, 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:

Drop in to the North Side Library for an icy science experiment! How many ice cubes can you get to stick to a piece of string?

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 the North Side Library for an icy science experiment! How many ice cubes can you get to stick to a piece of string?

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 18, 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.

Patchwork provides clothing alterations, costume building, and sewing lessons.

The Art of Expression: Sewing for the Holidays

Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Teens
Event Details:

On December 18, learn hand sewing basics: measuring, threading a needle, seam ripping, and hand stitching, and complete a project with your new skill set! We will be sewing pi...

Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Required
Seats Remaining: 9
Event Details:

On December 18, learn hand sewing basics: measuring, threading a needle, seam ripping, and hand stitching, and complete a project with your new skill set! We will be sewing pillows and kits will be provided.

Picture of hands holding chocolate chip shortbread with the name of the program overlaid

Shortbread with Pie Bird Pies

Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Learn how to make fan-favorite triple chocolate shortbread with Pie Bird Pies! Each attendee will be able to try their famous shortbread, as well as leave with recipes and a list o...

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Required
Seats Remaining: 30
Event Details:

Learn how to make fan-favorite triple chocolate shortbread with Pie Bird Pies!

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.

Food Allergies

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

Glowforge Training

Thursday, December 19, 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: 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.

FAFSA Application Workshop

FAFSA Application Workshop #1

Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology, Educational
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
Event Details:

Please join us for the FAFSA Assistance workshop. FAFSA is the free student application for student aid. Navigating this process can be difficult, so there will be 2 volunteers ass...

Required
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology, Educational
Required
Seats Remaining: 1
Event Details:

Please join us for the FAFSA Assistance workshop. FAFSA is the free student application for student aid. Navigating this process can be difficult, so there will be 2 volunteers assisting in completing the FAFSA Application.

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.
FAFSA Application Workshop

FAFSA Application Workshop #2

Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology, Educational
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
Event Details:

Please join us for the FAFSA Assistance workshop. FAFSA is the free student application for student aid. Navigating this process can be difficult, so there will be 2 volunteers ass...

Required
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology, Educational
Required
Seats Remaining: 2
Event Details:

Please join us for the FAFSA Assistance workshop. FAFSA is the free student application for student aid. Navigating this process can be difficult, so there will be 2 volunteers assisting in completing the FAFSA Application.

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.
FASFA Workshop December 19

FAFSA Application Workshop #3

Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology, Educational
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
Event Details:

Please join us for the FAFSA Assistance workshop. FAFSA is the free student application for student aid. Navigating this process can be difficult, so there will be 2 volunteers ass...

Required
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology, Educational
Required
Seats Remaining: 2
Event Details:

Please join us for the FAFSA Assistance workshop. FAFSA is the free student application for student aid. Navigating this process can be difficult, so there will be 2 volunteers assisting in completing the FAFSA Application.

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.

Festive Holiday Garland 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

 

Gift of Good Measure keychain

Glowforge Training

Thursday, December 26, 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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

Beginning Ukulele

Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Educational, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

*Registration for this program will open on December 1st*Get started on the ukulele and quickly learn to play familiar tunes while having fun! Play your own ukulele or borrow one o...

Required
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness
Required
Seats Remaining: 20
Event Details:

*Registration for this program will open on December 1st*

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.

Email Required

Please make sure you have entered a valid email address as the online event details will be sent to you prior to the event. If you have not received a confirmation email your inbox, please check your spam folder.

Weep Wail Write

Weep, Wail, Write

Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Develop skills for processing grief during this 1.5-hour writing workshop. During this program, led by Claudine Cheatem, participants will learn how to process their grief through ...

Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Required
Seats Remaining: 20
Event Details:

Develop skills for processing grief during this 1.5-hour writing workshop. During this program, led by Claudine Cheatem, participants will learn how to process their grief through poetry and journaling.

Writers Workshop

Writers' Workshop 2025

Monday, January 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.

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

Tuesday, January 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.

Drop-in Crafternoon: Beaded Snowflakes

Wednesday, January 8, 2025 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:

Drop-in to North Side and make a snowflake out of pipe cleaners and beads! 

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 and make a snowflake out of pipe cleaners and beads! 

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

ASAP Wednesdays: Paper Art

Wednesday, January 8, 2025 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 a variety of paper projects at the North Side Library with ASAP bilingual Teaching Artist Lunita. Lunita will show us how to make paper projects like mini-piñatas and...

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

Learn to make a variety of paper projects at the North Side Library with ASAP bilingual Teaching Artist Lunita.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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