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

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

Primary tabs

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

Baby Rhyme Time

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 10:00am - 10:30am
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

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

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

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

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

Play, Grow, Learn!

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 10:00am - 11:30am
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Children ages 0-5 and their caregivers can engage in open play, come and go activities at South.  Play, Grow, Learn is an opportunity to meet families with other young chil...

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

Children ages 0-5 and their caregivers can engage in open play, come and go activities at South. 

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.

One-on-One Computer Sessions

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Need help creating an email account? Polishing a resume or applying for a job? Come to the Forest Avenue Library on Tuesdays from 10:00AM-12PM and get individual computer assistanc...

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology
Event Details:

Need help creating an email account? Polishing a resume or applying for a job? Come to the Forest Avenue Library on Tuesdays from 10:00AM-12PM and get individual computer assistance. First-come, first-served. 

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

Baby Rhyme Time

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 10:15am - 11:00am
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Babies and their caregivers can join Miss Jennifer on Tuesdays for rhymes, songs, bounces, and a story followed by a short playtime. This program is recommended for caregiv...

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

Babies and their caregivers can join Miss Jennifer on Tuesdays for rhymes, songs, bounces, and a story followed by a short playtime.

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.

Baby and Toddler Rhyme Time

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 10:30am - 11:00am
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Babies, toddlers, and their caregivers can join us on Tuesdays for rhymes, songs, lap bounces, and a story. This program is recommended for children from birth to 24 months of a...

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

Babies, toddlers, and their caregivers can join us on Tuesdays for rhymes, songs, lap bounces, and a story.

This program is recommended for children from birth to 24 months of age.

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.

Supporting Independence

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

This class focuses on helping the person living with dementia take part in daily activities, providing the right amount of support and balancing safety and independence while manag...

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

This class focuses on helping the person living with dementia take part in daily activities, providing the right amount of support and balancing safety and independence while managing expectations.

 

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 "Children" group.

ASAP Tuesdays: Kids Yoga

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

ASAP Tuesdays at East Side Library this month features Kids Yoga with Ben Spellman. Enjoy an hour of good vibes, stretching, controlled relaxing, and building strength and concentr...

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

ASAP Tuesdays at East Side Library this month features Kids Yoga with Ben Spellman. Enjoy an hour of good vibes, stretching, controlled relaxing, and building strength and concentration through challenging poses.

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 "Children" group.

Creative Readers-From Book to Art!

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Children will listen to a story and then create a masterpiece while exploring with art and STEM activities. Ages 3+.

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Event Details:

Children will listen to a story and then create a masterpiece while exploring with art and STEM activities. Ages 3+.

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.

Art Club: Air Dry Clay

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Children and teens can join us at the North Side Library on the 2nd Tuesday of each month for Art Club! This month, we will be using air dry clay!

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

Children and teens can join us at the North Side Library on the 2nd Tuesday of each month for Art Club!

This month, we will be using air dry clay!

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.

Chess Club

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 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.

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

Game On!

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Join us at Central Library for Game On! Tweens and Teens (10-18) are welcome to enjoy snacks and play games with friends! We'll alternate between board games, card games, and games...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Join us at Central Library for Game On! Tweens and Teens (10-18) are welcome to enjoy snacks and play games with friends! We'll alternate between board games, card games, and games on the Nintendo Switch.

 

 

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.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Sewing for Beginners

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Join us as we learn the basics of sewing in this beginner class. By the end of the six weeks participants will be comfortable with sewing machines and be able to mend and make alte...

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

Join us as we learn the basics of sewing in this beginner class. By the end of the six weeks participants will be comfortable with sewing machines and be able to mend and make alterations to clothing. 



 

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Books & Bites

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Off Site
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

This month's book is Big in Sweden by Sally Franson. Copies are available at the Central Library Circulation Desk and Pickup Window while supplies last. If you wish to pi...

Required
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Required
Seats Remaining: 12
Event Details:

This month's book is Big in Sweden by Sally Franson.

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

Baby Rhyme Time

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 9:30am - 10:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1 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
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, November 13, 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.

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

Family Storytime

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 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, November 13, 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.

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

Drop-in Crafternoon: Perler Beads

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 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:

Drop in to North Side each week to enjoy a STEM activity or craft! This week, we will be using perler beads! Create a design and we will iron it for you to take home.

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 each week to enjoy a STEM activity or craft!

This week, we will be using perler beads! Create a design and we will iron it for you to take home.

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: Mosaics

Wednesday, November 13, 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:

A mosaic is a picture produced by arranging small pieces of stone, tile, or other material. At ASAP Wednesdays this month at the North Side Library, we will learn to make our own m...

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

This event is in the "Children" group.

Art in the Library: Paper Lanterns

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Create a lantern out of paper and popsicle sticks. Art in the Library is for children ages 6-12 and requires preregistration.     The Franklin Library is lo...

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

Create a lantern out of paper and popsicle sticks.

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

 

The Franklin Library is located on DART Route #5.

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.

VolunTEENS Work Time

Wednesday, November 13, 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.

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

Youth Sewing Basics

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Come to South Side Library to learn how to sew with presenter Kaitlyn Munro! You'll learn how to use tools like thimbles, needles, and threaders and how to basic stitch! Best for a...

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

Come to South Side Library to learn how to sew with presenter Kaitlyn Munro! You'll learn how to use tools like thimbles, needles, and threaders and how to basic stitch! Best for ages 8+

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.
This event is in the "All Ages" group.

Walk-In Mending Services

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 5:30pm - 7:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Adults, All Ages
Event Details:

Do you have a loose hem or a hole in the elbow of your favorite shirt? Bring it to South Side Library to have it mended by sewing expert Kaitlyn Munro! She'll be available for walk...

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Event Details:

Do you have a loose hem or a hole in the elbow of your favorite shirt? Bring it to South Side Library to have it mended by sewing expert Kaitlyn Munro! She'll be available for walk-in appointments from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Books That Will Change Your Life: A Nonfiction Book Club: The Art and Science of Connection

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1 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’ll select a book that will change your perspective, give you new strategies for handl...

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Required
Seats Remaining: 6
Event Details:

Join us for a monthly conversation around a life-changing nonfiction book.  Each month we’ll 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.