Christmas Closures

All locations of the Des Moines Public Library will be closed on Tuesday, December 24, and Wednesday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday. 

Event List

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

Primary tabs

This event is in the "Children" group.

Polk County Conservation: Animals in Iowa

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

What kind of animals live in Iowa? What kind of animals used to live in Iowa? Join a Polk County Conservation educator to discover the answers to these questions and more. 

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

What kind of animals live in Iowa? What kind of animals used to live in Iowa? Join a Polk County Conservation educator to discover the answers to these questions and more. 

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.

Sewing Basics: Adventure Bags!

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 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 Library to learn how to sew with presenter Kaitlyn Munro! You'll learn how to use tools like thimbles, needles, and threaders to make an adventure bag! Best...

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
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 to make an adventure bag! 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 "Teens" group.

VolunTeen Drop-In Hour

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
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 volunt...

Library Branch: South Side Library
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.

This event is in the "Teens" group.

Teen Chef: Spring Break Pancakes

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Teens
Event Details:

Curious about cooking? Sharpen your kitchen knowledge at our Teen Chef program and learn how to make a variety of delicious foods. Join us over spring break for a pancake supp...

Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness
Required
Seats Remaining: 20
Event Details:

Curious about cooking? Sharpen your kitchen knowledge at our Teen Chef program and learn how to make a variety of delicious foods. 

Join us over spring break for a pancake supper with all your favorite toppings!

Disclaimer(s)

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.

Craft Night: Diamond Painting Magnets

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Craft Night at the Forest Avenue Library is a great place to spend time with friends, meet new people, and enjoy a fun activity. Each month will focus on a new craft, and supplies ...

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

Craft Night at the Forest Avenue Library is a great place to spend time with friends, meet new people, and enjoy a fun activity. Each month will focus on a new craft, and supplies will be provided.

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.

Preschool Storytime

Thursday, March 20, 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.
This event is in the "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Art Cart

Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 10:00am - 7:00pm
North Side Children’s Area at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Event Details:

Get creative at North Side! Drop-in and enjoy our cart full of arts and crafts supplies!

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

Get creative at North Side! Drop-in and enjoy our 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.

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

Wiggles and Giggles

Thursday, March 20, 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.

Preschool Storytime

Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:00am
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Preschoolers and their caregivers can enjoy stories, rhymes, music, and learn school readiness skills. Afterwards, we will enjoy free-play together.

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

Preschoolers and their caregivers can enjoy stories, rhymes, music, and learn school readiness skills. Afterwards, we will enjoy free-play together.

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.

South Side Book Discussion: The Ministry of Time

Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Join us for South Side's Monthly Book Discussion! Our March book is The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley.

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

Join us for South Side's Monthly Book Discussion! Our March book is The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley.

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

Exotic Animals with Professor Bechtel

Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children, All Ages
Event Details:

🦎Join us for an exciting adventure into the wild world of exotic animals! Professor Bechtel, teaches at Wartbug College and is bringing his fascinating creatures to the library, in...

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

🦎Join us for an exciting adventure into the wild world of exotic animals! Professor Bechtel, teaches at Wartbug College and is bringing his fascinating creatures to the library, including the star of the show—an axolotl!

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 "Adults" group.

Glowforge Training

Thursday, March 20, 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: Wire Sculpture

Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Have you ever made a person out of wire? ASAP will show you how! In this class we will make several 3D original works of art using WIRE as our line to draw in space. Snack provided...

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

Have you ever made a person out of wire? ASAP will show you how! In this class we will make several 3D original works of art using WIRE as our line to draw in space. Snack provided for all participants.

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.

EPIC Graphic Novel Book Club

Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

 Are you a graphic novel fan? Join us for our EPIC Graphic Novel BOOK CLUB for ages 7-11. We will briefly chat about this month's book, and work on a fun activi...

Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Book Clubs
Required
Seats Remaining: 15
Event Details:

 

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, March 20, 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 "Children" group.

IlluminART Bookmarks

Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

The "A" in STEAM stands for ART!Combine creativity and technology to craft your own light-up bookmarks! Using copper tape, LEDs, and batteries, you’ll design unique, glowing works ...

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

The "A" in STEAM stands for ART!

Combine creativity and technology to craft your own light-up bookmarks! Using copper tape, LEDs, and batteries, you’ll design unique, glowing works of bookmark ART! 

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 "Children" group.

Pajama Storytime

Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Pajama Storytime

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

Pajama Storytime

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 "Adults" group.

Reading on the Margins Book Discussion

Thursday, March 20, 2025 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.

This event is in the "All Ages" group.

Garden Starters

Friday, March 21, 2025 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Anyone can grow their own veggies, and it's time to start planning for your summer garden! Whether you've got space in your yard or a sunny spot by a window, this drop-in prog...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Anyone can grow their own veggies, and it's time to start planning for your summer garden! 

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.

This event is in the "Children" group.

Drop-In: Brain Workout!

Friday, March 21, 2025 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
East Side Children’s Area at East Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Put your thinking caps on and get ready for a day of mental gymnastics! Drop in anytime between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to challenge yourself, your friends, or your family with a vari...

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

Put your thinking caps on and get ready for a day of mental gymnastics!

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 "Adults" group.

The Outreach Project

Friday, March 21, 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 "Children" group.

Movie Watch Party : Sing and Sing 2

Friday, March 21, 2025 at 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Movies
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Sing: A koala impresario stages a gala singing competition in order to save his theater, and the contest attracts the attention of such musically inclined animals as a harried pig ...

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

Sing: A koala impresario stages a gala singing competition in order to save his theater, and the contest attracts the attention of such musically inclined animals as a harried pig mom, a teenage gorilla, a shy elephant and a punk porcupine.

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.

Library Escape Room: Math Quest

Friday, March 21, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

The "M" in STEAM is for MATH! Math Quest Escape Room: Help! I Need to Do Math to Get Out of the Library!Trapped in the library? Your only way out is through math! Solve riddle...

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

The "M" in STEAM is for MATH! 

Math Quest Escape Room: Help! I Need to Do Math to Get Out of the Library!

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 "Adults" group.

AARP Tax Preparation Assistance

Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

AARP will be at the East Side Library every *Wednesday and *Saturday from February 1st through April 12th to assist the public with their taxes. On Saturday, 02/15, no appoint...

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

AARP will be at the East Side Library every *Wednesday and *Saturday from February 1st through April 12th to assist the public with their taxes.