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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Gift of Good Measure keychain

Glowforge Training

Thursday, November 7, 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: Mosaics!

Thursday, November 7, 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.

Creative Cupcakes

Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Teens
Event Details:

Come show off your creativity at Central Library as we decorate cupcakes! We will provide a variety of toppings for you to create your cupcake masterpiece. Each participant will de...

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Required
Seats Remaining: 20
Event Details:

Come show off your creativity at Central Library as we decorate cupcakes! We will provide a variety of toppings for you to create your cupcake masterpiece.

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.
Art Club

Art Club : Alma Thomas

Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
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.

Google Suite Workshop

Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology, Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Join us for the Google Suite workshop! We will run through the basics of how to use services like Gmail, Google Docs, Sheets, Slides and more. Patrons are welcome to bring their ow...

Required
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology, Educational
Required
Seats Remaining: 6
Event Details:

Join us for the Google Suite workshop! We will run through the basics of how to use services like Gmail, Google Docs, Sheets, Slides and more.

Darrin Crow

Introductory Workshop on Storytelling for Kids and Teens: Superheroes!

Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Superhero Storytellers! Grab your cape and super suit- it's super hero time! Come explore stories of superheroes from around the world and across time, and craft your own superhero...

Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Required
Seats Remaining: 75
Event Details:

Superhero Storytellers! Grab your cape and super suit- it's super hero time! Come explore stories of superheroes from around the world and across time, and craft your own superhero story.

Snippets

Snippets: A Writers' Workshop for Short Works 2024

Friday, November 8, 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.

LEGO Fridays

Friday, November 8, 2024 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Beat the boredom during the summer by visiting the library and using your imagination to create amazing things with our LEGOs.

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

Beat the boredom during the summer by visiting the library and using your imagination to create amazing things with our LEGOs.

The Outreach Project Logo

The Outreach Project

Friday, November 8, 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.

Dino-Mite Saturdays

Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
East Side Children’s Area at East Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Join us every Saturday in November for a roaring good time at our Dino-Mite Saturdays! Bring your little ones to the library for a hands-on, imaginative play experience using our g...

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

Join us every Saturday in November for a roaring good time at our Dino-Mite Saturdays! Bring your little ones to the library for a hands-on, imaginative play experience using our giant foam dinosaur bones.

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.

image of book cover of Last Stop on Market Street

Last Stop on Market Street Sneak Preview

Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Performances
Age Group:
Children, All Ages
Event Details:

Visit the library for a special sneak preview of the Des Moines Community Playhouse production of Last Stop on Market Street, based on the award-winning book by Matt de la Peñ...

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

Visit the library for a special sneak preview of the Des Moines Community Playhouse production of Last Stop on Market Street, based on the award-winning book by Matt de la Peña. 

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

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

Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 12:30pm - 2:00pm
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.
Thank You Letters

Community Crafting - Thank You Project letters

Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
Event Details:

We'll create letters of gratitude for those in our lives who have impacted us and helped us grow and/or change. 

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

We'll create letters of gratitude for those in our lives who have impacted us and helped us grow and/or change. 

Book Hedgehog

Take and Make: Book Hedgehogs

All Day 11/11 - 11/13
Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Take & Make
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Stop by the Forest Avenue Library and pick up materials to create a book hedgehog. While supplies last.

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Take & Make
Event Details:

Stop by the Forest Avenue Library and pick up materials to create a book hedgehog. While supplies last.

Dinovember Take & Make

All Day 11/11 - 11/16
East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Take & Make
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Celebrate Dinovember with a month-long Take and Make adventure at the library! Pick up your Dinovember kit filled with fun, dino-themed activities that will keep young paleontologi...

Library Branch: East Side Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Take & Make
Event Details:

Celebrate Dinovember with a month-long Take and Make adventure at the library! Pick up your Dinovember kit filled with fun, dino-themed activities that will keep young paleontologists busy all month long.

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.

Toddler Storytime

Monday, November 11, 2024 at 10:00am - 10:30am
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy introductory stories, songs, music, and movement! For ages 18 months to 36 months.

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

Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy introductory stories, songs, music, and movement! For ages 18 months to 36 months.

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.

orange and black text that says "Preschool Storytime" with a yellow bird

Preschool Storytime

Monday, November 11, 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 Jennifer for Preschool Storytime on Monday mornings at 10:15 a.m.  There will be stories, rhymes, music, and more. This storytime is recommended for ages three to...

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

Join Miss Jennifer for Preschool Storytime on Monday mornings at 10:15 a.m.  There will be stories, rhymes, music, and more.

This storytime is recommended for ages three to five, but all children are welcome to attend.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Graphic image of the book cover for Small Mercies

Franklin Afternoon Book Discussion

Monday, November 11, 2024 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

November's selection is Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane. The Franklin Afternoon Book Discussion is a regularly scheduled book club .meeting on the second Monday of the month...

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

November's selection is Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane.

ASAP Mondays: Fiber Art

Monday, November 11, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Fiber art uses materials like fabric, yarn, thread, and techniques like weaving, stitching, and tying to make cool projects! At ASAP Mondays with Megan Clausen, we will make a diff...

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

Fiber art uses materials like fabric, yarn, thread, and techniques like weaving, stitching, and tying to make cool projects! At ASAP Mondays with Megan Clausen, we will make a different fiber art project each week. Snack provided.

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.

Franklin VolunTeens

Monday, November 11, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Library Meeting
Age Group:
Teens
Event Details:

Are you looking for a great place to volunteer? Become a volunteen and help with library projects and programs. Teens ages twelve to eighteen can pick up a teen volunteer applicati...

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Educational, Library Meeting
Event Details:

Are you looking for a great place to volunteer? Become a volunteen and help with library projects and programs.

FormLabs Form 3 Resin 3D Printer Training Class

Monday, November 11, 2024 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Central Library Tech Central at Central Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Would you like to use Tech Central's new FormLabs Form 3 resin 3D printer?  Take this required training to learn how!  Participants will learn how to use FormLabs free Pr...

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Tech Central
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology
Required
Seats Remaining: 8
Event Details:

Would you like to use Tech Central's new FormLabs Form 3 resin 3D printer?  Take this required training to learn how!  Participants will learn how to use FormLabs free PreForm software to prepare their 3D prints for printing at the libra

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.

Family Storytime

Monday, November 11, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

Join us for our evening Family Storytime at 6:30 p.m.! Kids and caregivers can join us for fun songs, stories and crafts. You can even wear your jammies!  All Ages Welcome!

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

Join us for our evening Family Storytime at 6:30 p.m.! Kids and caregivers can join us for fun songs, stories and crafts. You can even wear your jammies!  All Ages Welcome!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Iowa Latino Film Festival

Monday, November 11, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Movies
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

The Iowa Latino Film festival salutes Mexican-American veterans from the Des Moines metro with a screening of the documentary short Heroes Around the Corner on Veterans Day.&n...

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational, Movies
Event Details:

The Iowa Latino Film festival salutes Mexican-American veterans from the Des Moines metro with a screening of the documentary short Heroes Around the Corner on Veterans Day. Vince Valdez, the film's producer, will talk about the

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 9:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Imagination Station 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 Imagination Station
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.