Event List

Age Group
Age Group
Program Type
Library Branch
Ongoing Events
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This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.

Toddler Stories, Songs and Movement

Wednesday, June 11, 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 "Children" group.

Polk County Conservation: Spiders

Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Join an educator from Polk County Conservation to discuss different types of spiders, such as web weavers and hunters. Students will learn how spiders hunt and catch their food. A ...

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Join an educator from Polk County Conservation to discuss different types of spiders, such as web weavers and hunters. Students will learn how spiders hunt and catch their food. A live animal will be used if available.

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.
This event is in the "Children" group.

Save the African Rhinos with Author Kelly Crull

Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Author Visits, Educational, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

Join us on safari at the Franklin Library to celebrate the launch of the acclaimed new children’s book, The Black Mambas: The World’s First All-Woman Anti-Poaching Unit, by local a...

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Author Visits, Educational, Play & Learn
Event Details:

Join us on safari at the Franklin Library to celebrate the launch of the acclaimed new children’s book, The Black Mambas: The World’s First All-Woman Anti-Poaching Unit, by local author Kelly Crull!  

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

South Side Summer Reading Celebration

Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

Celebrate Summer Reading at South Side Library! Enjoy a train ride with our friends from Choo Choo Rides 4 U and be amazed at the balloon art stylings of Professor Von Air! Do...

Library Branch: South Side Library
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn
Event Details:

Celebrate Summer Reading at South Side Library! Enjoy a train ride with our friends from Choo Choo Rides 4 U and be amazed at the balloon art stylings of Professor Von Air! 

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Inclement Weather

This program is hosted outdoors. In case of inclement weather please check back here for updates. 

This event is in the "Teens" group.

VolunTEENS Work Time

Wednesday, June 11, 2025 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.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Books That Will Change Your Life: A Nonfiction Book Club: How Far The Light Reaches

Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Join us for a monthly conversation around a life-changing nonfiction book.  Each month we will select a book that will change your perspective, give you new strategies for han...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

Join us for a monthly conversation around a life-changing nonfiction book.  Each month we will select a book that will change your perspective, give you new strategies for handling life’s challenges, or deepen your understanding of a topic.

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, June 12, 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, June 12, 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.
This event is in the "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Plant a Youth Garden!

Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
South Side Library Lawn at South Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Event Details:

Youth and their families can come to South Side Library to help us plant and design a small container garden for the summer! See how it grows and changes every time you visit!

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Library Lawn
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Youth and their families can come to South Side Library to help us plant and design a small container garden for the summer! See how it grows and changes every time you visit!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Inclement Weather

This program is hosted outdoors. In case of inclement weather please check back here for updates. 

This event is in the "Teens" group.

Silent(ish) Book Club

Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Teens
Event Details:

✨ Silent(ish) Book Club for Tweens/Teens ✨A book club with no reading assignments, just books and good vibes! Join our Silent(ish) Book Club! Bring any book (or grab one from our d...

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

✨ Silent(ish) Book Club for Tweens/Teens ✨

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.

Glowforge Training

Thursday, June 12, 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

Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Join us for ASAP Thursdays at South Side Library to learn a new art from an artist every month! Snacks provided.

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

Join us for ASAP Thursdays at South Side Library to learn a new art from an artist every month! Snacks provided.

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.

Kids Pokémon Card Swap

Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Are you looking for a place to trade your Pokémon cards? Bring your friends and come to this monthly program with any cards you want to trade.  This event is open to chil...

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Are you looking for a place to trade your Pokémon cards? 

Bring your friends and come to this monthly program with any cards you want to trade.  This event is open to children ages 6-18. 

 

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.

DMPL & Dragons: Thursday

Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Dungeons & Dragons is a role-playing game set in worlds of swords and sorcery where players use their imaginations to tell a story and create an adventure together.  We us...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Dungeons & Dragons is a role-playing game set in worlds of swords and sorcery where players use their imaginations to tell a story and create an adventure together.  We usually get together on the third Thursday of each month to play, but

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.
This event is in the "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.
This event is in the "All Ages" group.

Model Train Display with DesMoiNTrak

All Day 6/13 - 6/14
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Exhibits
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens, Adults, All Ages
Event Details:

All aboard! Trains are taking over the North Side Library this weekend! Visit the library to see a huge model train display set up by the DesMoiNTrak modular railroad club. The N s...

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens, Adults, All Ages
Program Type: Exhibits
Event Details:

All aboard! Trains are taking over the North Side Library this weekend! Visit the library to see a huge model train display set up by the DesMoiNTrak modular railroad club.

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

Instrument Petting Zoo with Des Moines Symphony

Friday, June 13, 2025 at 10:00am - 10:45am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

The Instrument Petting Zoo is visiting the Central Library! Children as young as 3 can learn about and practice playing string instruments with Des Moines Symphony's Michele Senger...

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

The Instrument Petting Zoo is visiting the Central Library! Children as young as 3 can learn about and practice playing string instruments with Des Moines Symphony's Michele Senger.

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.

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

Storytime at the Heritage Carousel

Friday, June 13, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:15am
North Side Library Outreach at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

Join Ms. Alicia at the Heritage Carousel for a special storytime for the whole family! Enjoy stories, songs, and movement together. After storytime, a craft or activity will b...

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

Join Ms. Alicia at the Heritage Carousel for a special storytime for the whole family! 

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Inclement Weather

This program is hosted outdoors. In case of inclement weather please check back here for updates. 

Off Site Event

Please note, this event does not take place at the library. Please check the Location Details for the address of the event. 

This event is in the "Children" group.

Energy Efficiency at Home: Be an Energy Detective!

Friday, June 13, 2025 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

🏠Energy Efficiency at HomeJoin Green Iowa AmeriCorps for a hands-on demonstration to explore how energy is used—and often wasted—in our homes! Using a mini cardboard house, we’ll r...

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

🏠Energy Efficiency at Home

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.

This event is in the "All Ages" group.

Crafternoon : Woven Tapestry

Friday, June 13, 2025 at 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Join us for a drop-in craft project at Forest! Use the supplies and provided instructions to make a woven tapestry from yarn and a cardboard loom that you can take home. Stop by an...

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

Join us for a drop-in craft project at Forest! Use the supplies and provided instructions to make a woven tapestry from yarn and a cardboard loom that you can take home. Stop by anytime between 12-5pm.

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.

The Outreach Project

Friday, June 13, 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 "Birth-Preschool" group.
This event is in the "Children" group.

Tippi Toes Dance Class

Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

Tippi Toes is coming back to the library!Our exciting, high energy dance classes are the perfect opportunity for kids to try something new while having a blast and burning some ene...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Tippi Toes is coming back to the library!

Our exciting, high energy dance classes are the perfect opportunity for kids to try something new while having a blast and burning some energy! Any child between the ages 2-10 can participate.

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.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

History of Juneteenth: Remember Our History, Release the Past, and Reshape Our Future

Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Juneteenth is more than a celebration; it is a pivotal chapter in American history. This presentation, themed ‘Remember Our History, Release the Past, and Reshape Our Future,’ will...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Juneteenth is more than a celebration; it is a pivotal chapter in American history.

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 "All Ages" group.

Des Moines Metro Opera Preview - The Rake's Progress

Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Performances
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Des Moines Metro Opera Preview Lecturer Joshua Borths returns for an in-depth preview of the final two operas of the opera’s 2024 season: Janacek’s vivid and playful opera, The Cun...

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Performances
Event Details:

Des Moines Metro Opera Preview Lecturer Joshua Borths returns for an in-depth preview of the final two operas of the opera’s 2024 season: Janacek’s vivid and playful opera, The Cunning Little Vixen

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Puzzle Exchange!

Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Love puzzles? Have puzzles at home that you've done and loved but won't do again?Come to the South Side Library Meeting Room and exchange your beloved puzzles for new to you ones! ...

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

Love puzzles? Have puzzles at home that you've done and loved but won't do again?

Come to the South Side Library Meeting Room and exchange your beloved puzzles for new to you ones! We're having a good old fashioned puzzle swap!

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.