Central Library Pickup Window - Change in Hours

Effective Sunday, September 1, the Central Library pickup window will have new hours. It will be open from 12-6 PM, Monday-Friday. 

Labor Day Closure

All locations of the Des Moines Public Library will be closed Monday, September 2 for Labor Day. All buildings will open for regular hours on Tuesday, September 3.

Event List

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Fire Safety Storytime

Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 10:00am - 10:45am
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

The Des Moines Fire Department is joining us for a special storytime during Fire Prevention Week!  Hear stories, learn more about fire safety, and see a fire truck up close. ...

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

The Des Moines Fire Department is joining us for a special storytime during Fire Prevention Week!  Hear stories, learn more about fire safety, and see a fire truck up close.

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.

Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K Davis Center

Wednesday, October 9, 2024 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.

Toddler Stories, Songs and Movement

Wednesday, October 9, 2024 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.

Fire Safety Storytime

Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 10:15am - 11:00am
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

The Des Moines Fire Department is joining us for a special storytime during Fire Prevention Week!  Hear stories, learn more about fire safety, and see a fire truck up close. ...

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

The Des Moines Fire Department is joining us for a special storytime during Fire Prevention Week!  Hear stories, learn more about fire safety, and see a fire truck up close.

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: Art Cart

Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 12:00pm - 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 every Wednesday to enjoy a STEM activity or a craft! This week, we will have our art cart out. Bring your creativity and enjoy a cart full of arts and craf...

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 every Wednesday to enjoy a STEM activity or a craft!

This week, we will have our art cart out. 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.

ASAP Wednesdays: Fiber Art

Wednesday, October 9, 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:

Fiber art uses materials like fabric, yarn, and thread with techniques like weaving, stitching, and tying to make cool projects! At ASAP Wednesdays with Kat Hutchison, we will make...

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

Fiber art uses materials like fabric, yarn, and thread with techniques like weaving, stitching, and tying to make cool projects!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Pumpkin Party!

Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 3:30pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Come to South Side to get into the fall spirit with a pumpkin party! Paint pumpkins, play games, and enjoy a yummy treat!

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

Come to South Side to get into the fall spirit with a pumpkin party! Paint pumpkins, play games, and enjoy a yummy treat!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Art in the Library: Dragon Eggs

Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Design and make your very own sparkly dragon egg to take home. Art in the Library is for children ages 6-12 and requires preregistration.     The Franklin L...

Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Required
Seats Remaining: 23
Event Details:

Design and make your very own sparkly dragon egg to take home.

Art in the Library is for children ages 6-12 and requires preregistration.  

 

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

VolunTEENS Work Time

Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Teens
Event Details:

If you're between the ages of 12-18 and looking for a fun and rewarding volunteer opportunity, give the library a try! We would love to have your help!

Library Branch: Central Library
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

If you're between the ages of 12-18 and looking for a fun and rewarding volunteer opportunity, give the library a try! We would love to have your help!

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.

Image displayed is picture of animated, smiling children sitting on music notes.

Wiggles and Giggles: Special Guest Firefighters!

Thursday, October 10, 2024 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:

The Des Moines Fire Department is joining us for a special storytime during Fire Prevention Week!  Hear stories, learn more about fire safety, and see a fire truck up close. ...

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

The Des Moines Fire Department is joining us for a special storytime during Fire Prevention Week!  Hear stories, learn more about fire safety, and see a fire truck up close.

 

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.

Fire Safety Storytime

Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 10:30am - 11:00am
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

The Des Moines Fire Department is joining us for a special storytime during Fire Prevention Week!  Hear stories, learn more about fire safety, and see a fire truck up close. ...

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

The Des Moines Fire Department is joining us for a special storytime during Fire Prevention Week!  Hear stories, learn more about fire safety, and see a fire truck up close.

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.

Flight Test: Paper Airplanes

Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Come to Central Library and see how many ways you can make a paper airplane. You can test out each paper airplane on our runway and see which of your airplanes can fly the farthest...

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

Come to Central Library and see how many ways you can make a paper airplane. You can test out each paper airplane on our runway and see which of your airplanes can fly the farthest!

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.

Gift of Good Measure keychain

Glowforge Training

Thursday, October 10, 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.

ASAP Thursdays: Paper Art!

Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

This month for ASAP Thursdays at South Side Library, bilingual Teaching Artist Lunita will teach us how to do a variety of fun projects made with paper, from mini-piñatas to cool p...

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

This month for ASAP Thursdays at South Side Library, bilingual Teaching Artist Lunita will teach us how to do a variety of fun projects made with paper, from mini-piñatas to cool personal planners and more!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Field of flowers

Gardening with Native Plants Meet-Up

Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 5:30pm - 7:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Connect with others interested in environmentally friendly gardens. The focus is on native plants which foster and nourish wildlife. Come to learn and to share your favorite garden...

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

Connect with others interested in environmentally friendly gardens. The focus is on native plants which foster and nourish wildlife.

Reverse Tie-Dye

Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Teens
Event Details:

Join us for a creative night of reverse tie-dye at the library! Learn how to transform dark clothing into unique, eye-catching designs using simple techniques and materials. Please...

Required
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Required
Seats Remaining: 20
Event Details:

Join us for a creative night of reverse tie-dye at the library! Learn how to transform dark clothing into unique, eye-catching designs using simple techniques and materials.

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.

Outdoor Program

This program is hosted outdoors.  

In case of inclement weather please check back here for updates. 

Craft Club

Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Join Craft Club and explore your creativity and skill by learning a new craft each month. We will learn knitting, crochet, sewing, bookbinding, jewelry making and beading, paper ar...

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

Join Craft Club and explore your creativity and skill by learning a new craft each month. We will learn knitting, crochet, sewing, bookbinding, jewelry making and beading, paper arts, pottery, printmaking, fiber arts and so much more!

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Funeral Homes But Were Afraid to Ask

Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Join South Side Library and Hamilton’s Funeral Home for an evening of learning. Discover what it is like to work in the funeral industry, the ins and outs of planning a funeral, an...

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

Join South Side Library and Hamilton’s Funeral Home for an evening of learning.

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.
An image of the promotional poster for Reading on the Margins.

Reading on the Margins Book Discussion

Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Join us once a month to discuss books by underrepresented authors. Our goal is to amplify these voices and experiences while discussing social issues in the context of fiction and ...

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

Join us once a month to discuss books by underrepresented authors. Our goal is to amplify these voices and experiences while discussing social issues in the context of fiction and non-fiction books.

LEGO Building Challenge

LEGO Building Challenge

Friday, October 11, 2024 at 9:00am - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Come and get creative with the LEGO® provided to design a building that could become part of our Des Moines Skyline. All ages are welcome, and you'll find us located in the childre...

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

Come and get creative with the LEGO® provided to design a building that could become part of our Des Moines Skyline. All ages are welcome, and you'll find us located in the children's area. Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Snippets

Snippets: A Writers' Workshop for Short Works 2024

Friday, October 11, 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: 19
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.

Mini Pumpkin Painting

Friday, October 11, 2024 at 10:30am - 12:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Event Details:

School's out! Drop-in to North Side and paint a mini pumpkin to take home.  While Supplies Last

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

School's out! Drop-in to North Side and paint a mini pumpkin to take home. 

While Supplies Last

Disclaimer(s)

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, October 11, 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.

Compre. Coma. Viva Saludable (Buy. Eat. Live Healthy)

Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 10:30am - 12:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Aprenda a hacer recetas fáciles, nutritivas y baratas con una instructora de Iowa State University - Extension.  Durante esta clase de 8 semanas, aprenderá a: Ahorrar diner...

Required
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Required
Seats Remaining: 12
Event Details:

Aprenda a hacer recetas fáciles, nutritivas y baratas con una instructora de Iowa State University - Extension.  Durante esta clase de 8 semanas, aprenderá a:

Ahorrar dinero: comprar y gastar menos en sus alimentos.

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.