Christmas Closures

All locations of the Des Moines Public Library will be closed on Tuesday, December 24, and Wednesday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday. 

Event List

Age Group
Age Group
Program Type
Library Branch
Ongoing Events
Registration Type

Primary tabs

This event is in the "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Switch Gaming

Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Kids and teens ages 8-18 can enjoy Switch games on the big screen at North Side! We will meet on the first and third Tuesday of the month.

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

Kids and teens ages 8-18 can enjoy Switch games on the big screen at North Side! We will meet on the first and third Tuesday of the month.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Astrology for Beginners

Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

*Registration will open on January 4thIn this introduction to astrology, participants will get an overview of the houses, signs and planets that are represented in the birth chart....

Required
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Required
Seats Remaining: 25
Event Details:

*Registration will open on January 4th

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.
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.

Baby Rhyme Time

Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 9:30am - 10:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Join us weekly for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.    

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Join us weekly for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.

 

 

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K Davis Center

Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Staff from the Evelyn K Davis Center for Working Families are ready to provide one-on-one job search and resume assistance to job seekers. A career coach can guide you through...

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology
Event Details:

Staff from the Evelyn K Davis Center for Working Families are ready to provide one-on-one job search and resume assistance to job seekers.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

AARP Tax Preparation Assistance

Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

AARP will be at the East Side Library every *Wednesday and *Saturday from February 1st through April 12th to assist the public with their taxes. On Saturday, 02/15, no appoint...

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

AARP will be at the East Side Library every *Wednesday and *Saturday from February 1st through April 12th to assist the public with their taxes. 

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.

Family Storytime

Wednesday, February 5, 2025 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.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.

Toddler Stories, Songs and Movement

Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 10:15am - 10:45am
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Join Miss Donna for this fun filled story time! Together we will enjoy stories, songs, and more, all selected to engage your active toddler. Ages 18 months to 3 years old.  ...

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Join Miss Donna for this fun filled story time! Together we will enjoy stories, songs, and more, all selected to engage your active toddler. Ages 18 months to 3 years old.

 

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Buy.Eat.Live Healthy with ISU Extension

Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 1:30pm - 3:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

*Registration for this program will open on December 1st*Join ISU Extension for this 8 week course that supports individuals and families in making healthy choices on a tight groce...

Required
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Required
Seats Remaining: 10
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.

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.
This event is in the "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Drop-in Crafternoon: Heart Art

Wednesday, February 5, 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:

Make heart art at North Side! Drop-in and enjoy Valentine's Day themed crafts!Drop-ins are planned with children in grades K-5 in mind, but all are welcome to attend.

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

Make heart art at North Side! Drop-in and enjoy Valentine's Day themed crafts!

Drop-ins are planned with children in grades K-5 in mind, but all are welcome to attend.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

This event is in the "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

ASAP Wednesdays: Nature Art

Wednesday, February 5, 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:

Get creative with nature in this fun class led by ASAP Teaching Artist Victoria Story. Make a work of art using sensory items like moss, dried flowers, sticks, and seeds. Design an...

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

Get creative with nature in this fun class led by ASAP Teaching Artist Victoria Story. Make a work of art using sensory items like moss, dried flowers, sticks, and seeds.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

This event is in the "Children" group.

Science Wednesdays: The Science of Sound

Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

How do we hear different sounds?  Learn about the science behind sound and create a device that lets you see sound vibrations.Science Wednesdays is a chance for kids ages six ...

Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational
Required
Seats Remaining: 24
Event Details:

How do we hear different sounds?  Learn about the science behind sound and create a device that lets you see sound vibrations.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

This event is in the "Teens" group.

VolunTeen Drop-In Hour

Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Teens
Event Details:

Earn volunteer hours by helping out with library programs and projects! Teens ages 12 to 18 can drop in any Wednesday we are open and volunteer for one hour. You must bring a vo...

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Earn volunteer hours by helping out with library programs and projects! Teens ages 12 to 18 can drop in any Wednesday we are open and volunteer for one hour.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.

Preschool Storytime

Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 10:00am - 10:30am
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers can join us Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. for a 30-minute storytime with stories, music, and fun activities!  

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers can join us Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. for a 30-minute storytime with stories, music, and fun activities!

 

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.

Wiggles and Giggles

Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 10:15am - 10:45am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn, Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Join us at the Central Library for a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming!   

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn, Storytimes
Event Details:

Join us at the Central Library for a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! 

 

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.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.

Preschool Storytime

Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:00am
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

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

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

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

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.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Glowforge Training

Thursday, February 6, 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.

This event is in the "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

ASAP Thursdays: Drawing Comics!

Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Calling all fans of graphic novels and comic books: Come work with ASAP Teaching Artist Katey Giblin to develop your own characters, learn basics of sequential art, and constr...

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

Calling all fans of graphic novels and comic books: Come work with ASAP Teaching Artist Katey Giblin to 

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

This event is in the "Children" group.

Book Bites: Pumpkin Cornbread Muffins

Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

📚 Book: We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell🍴 Recipe: Pumpkin Cornbread Muffins Join us as we celebrate gratitude and Cherokee culture! We’ll read We Are Grateful: Ot...

Required
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Required
Seats Remaining: 15
Event Details:

📚 Book: We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell
🍴 Recipe: Pumpkin Cornbread Muffins
 

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.

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Homebuyer Education

Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Are you ready to make the jump to homeownership, but just don’t know where to start or how the process works?HOME, Inc is here for you! We will be holding a free 2-hour class going...

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

Are you ready to make the jump to homeownership, but just don’t know where to start or how the process works?

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.

This event is in the "Children" group.

Art Club

Thursday, February 6, 2025 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.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.

Little Explorers

Friday, February 7, 2025 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue 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: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
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.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Snippets: A Writers' Workshop for Short Works 2025

Friday, February 7, 2025 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 3 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 ...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
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.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

The Outreach Project

Friday, February 7, 2025 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.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

AARP Tax Preparation Assistance

Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

AARP will be at the East Side Library every *Wednesday and *Saturday from February 1st through April 12th to assist the public with their taxes. On Saturday, 02/15, no appoint...

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

AARP will be at the East Side Library every *Wednesday and *Saturday from February 1st through April 12th to assist the public with their taxes.