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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red text on a green background that says Parachute Science with a red parachute

Science Wednesdays: Parachute Science

Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Have you ever wondered how parachutes work?  Learn about the science behind them and then create your own miniature version to test out and take home. Science Wednesdays is...

Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational
Required
Seats Remaining: 21
Event Details:

Have you ever wondered how parachutes work?  Learn about the science behind them and then create your own miniature version to test out and take home.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

VolunTeen Information Session

Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Teens
Event Details:

Attend orientation and become a South Side Library VolunTeen! You'll earn volunteer hours by helping out with library programs and projects! Please come prepared with your availabi...

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

Attend orientation and become a South Side Library VolunTeen! You'll earn volunteer hours by helping out with library programs and projects! Please come prepared with your availability. 

Gift of Good Measure keychain

Glowforge Training

Thursday, January 9, 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.

STEAM Cart Challenge: Wiggle Pens

Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

We are rolling out the STEAM Cart this month to create your very own wiggle pens! Using simple electronics and engineering skills, participants will build pens that wobble and wigg...

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

We are rolling out the STEAM Cart this month to create your very own wiggle pens! Using simple electronics and engineering skills, participants will build pens that wobble and wiggle across the paper, creating fun and unexpected designs.

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.

Beginning Ukulele

Thursday, January 9, 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.

Mini-Me Paper Doll 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

 

Franklin VolunTeens

Monday, January 13, 2025 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.

SILT

Sustainable Iowa Land Trust

Monday, January 13, 2025 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
Event Details:

Katie Das, Des Moines Regional Coordinator with Sustainable Iowa Land Trust (SILT), will share information on SILT's vision to rebuild Iowa’s diversified landscape to include farms...

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

Katie Das, Des Moines Regional Coordinator with Sustainable Iowa Land Trust (SILT), will share information on SILT's vision to rebuild Iowa’s diversified landscape to include farms of all sizes, production methods and crops, includ

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

Tuesday, January 14, 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.

Chess Club

Chess Club

Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Gaming
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Join the fun at Chess Club! Chess is one of the world's most popular games and is played by millions of people worldwide. Learn to play or come to test your skills with other playe...

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

Join the fun at Chess Club! Chess is one of the world's most popular games and is played by millions of people worldwide. Learn to play or come to test your skills with other players.

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 STEM Challenge: Marble Mazes

Wednesday, January 15, 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:

Create a marble maze! Drop in to North Side and use a variety of materials to make a maze for a marble inside of a small cardboard box.

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

Create a marble maze! Drop in to North Side and use a variety of materials to make a maze for a marble inside of a small cardboard box.

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 15, 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.

VolunTeen Drop-In Hour

Wednesday, January 15, 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.

Gift of Good Measure keychain

Glowforge Training

Thursday, January 16, 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 16, 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.

The Right To Read

Right to Read

Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
Event Details:

Join Des Moines Public Schools for a screening of The Right to Read, a documentary on the literacy crisis and the Science of Reading. A public forum will follow, offering a ch...

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

Join Des Moines Public Schools for a screening of The Right to Read, a documentary on the literacy crisis and the Science of Reading.

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

Tuesday, January 21, 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.

Reading Buddies with ARL TheraPets!

Tuesday, January 21, 2025 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 Crafternoon: Melted Snowman

Wednesday, January 22, 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:

Get crafty at North Side! Drop in to create a melted snowman on cardstock.

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

Get crafty at North Side! Drop in to create a melted snowman on cardstock.

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 22, 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.

Read to a Pet with ARL TheraPets

Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Educational, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Join us at South Side Library to learn about and read to a therapy pet. Youth and their caregivers will have the opportunity to ask questions, practice reading, and, of course, pet...

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Join us at South Side Library to learn about and read to a therapy pet.

Disclaimer(s)

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, January 23, 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 23, 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.

Open Book - CultureAll

CultureAll: Open Book program

Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
Event Details:

CultureAll's Open Book is a community project that creates connections and builds social cohesion through story sharing where People are “Books” and You are a “Reader.” During this...

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

CultureAll's Open Book is a community project that creates connections and builds social cohesion through story sharing where People are “Books” and You are a “Reader.” During this 1.5 hour session, participants wi