Event List

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Age Group
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Ongoing Events
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This event is in the "Adults" group.

Glowforge Training

Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Central Library Tech Central at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational
Age Group:
Adults
:

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. 

Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Tech Central
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational
Registration Required
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: Drama Games

Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens
:

Do you like to try new things, think on your feet, play games, and work in teams?

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

Do you like to try new things, think on your feet, play games, and work in teams?

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 Club : Frida Kahlo

Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Age Group:
Children
:

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.

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.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

AARP Fraud Watch

Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
:

Ever been a victim of a scam? Do you know anyone who has? Would you like to learn about the latest scams in Iowa and ways to protect yourself and others?

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

Ever been a victim of a scam? Do you know anyone who has? Would you like to learn about the latest scams in Iowa and ways to protect yourself and others?

This event is in the "Children" group.

LEGO Open Play

Friday, May 2, 2025 at 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
:

Join us in the Forest Meeting Room where building blocks will be available for open play! Use your imagination to build your ideas or use the STEM-challenge prompts and building guides to bring ideas to life. Drop-in anytime between 12-5pm.

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Join us in the Forest Meeting Room where building blocks will be available for open play! Use your imagination to build your ideas or use the STEM-challenge prompts and building guides to bring ideas to life. Drop-in 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.

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.

The Outreach Project

Friday, May 2, 2025 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults
:

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.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3
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 "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Blooming with K-pop!

Friday, May 2, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
:

Kick-off Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month at Blooming with K-pop!

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Kick-off Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month at Blooming with K-pop!

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.

Kid's Craft Day: Paper Flower Crowns

All Day
South Side Children’s Area at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn, Take & Make
Age Group:
Children
:

Drop in at South for Kid's Craft Day in the Children's Area! For kids ages 5-12. Crafts will be available all day while supplies last. 

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn, Take & Make
Event Details:

Drop in at South for Kid's Craft Day in the Children's Area! For kids ages 5-12. Crafts will be available all day while supplies last. 

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 "All Ages" group.

Alice in Wonderland Sneak Preview

Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Performances
Age Group:
Children, All Ages
:

Visit the library for a special sneak preview of the Des Moines Community Playhouse production of Alice in Wonderland based on the book by Lewis Carroll.

Enjoy the performance and enter to win free tickets to the play!

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 Alice in Wonderland based on the book by Lewis Carroll.

Enjoy the performance and enter to win free tickets to the play!

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.

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

Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults
:

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.

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
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.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Russian Conversation Club

Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Central Library Study Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
:

This conversation club is both for native speakers and those wanting to learn Russian. Topics of conversation are meant to be light. Get to know other members of your community, or assist those wanting to learn Russian.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Study Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

This conversation club is both for native speakers and those wanting to learn Russian. Topics of conversation are meant to be light. Get to know other members of your community, or assist those wanting to learn Russian.

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

Sit n' Stitch

Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 1:30pm - 3:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
:

Spend a couple hours with other crafters and work on your knit, crochet, or needle craft projects. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you. This program happens the first Saturday of the month.

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

Spend a couple hours with other crafters and work on your knit, crochet, or needle craft projects. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you. This program happens the first Saturday of the month.

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 "Adults" group.

DMPL & Dragons: Sunday

Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Adults
:

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 first Sunday of each month to play. 

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 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 first Sunday of each month to play. 

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.

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

Preschool Storytime

Monday, May 5, 2025 at 10:00am - 10:30am
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
:

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.

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

Toddler Storytime

Monday, May 5, 2025 at 10:00am - 10:30am
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
:

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.

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

Little Explorers

Monday, May 5, 2025 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
:

PLEASE NOTE: NOW ON THE FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH! Bring your young ones to our Little Explorers program, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different sensory activities. No Registration is Required.

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

PLEASE NOTE: NOW ON THE FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH! Bring your young ones to our Little Explorers program, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different sensory activities. No Registration is Required.

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.

Creating Your Social Security Account

Monday, May 5, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
East Side Large Study Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
:

Learn step-by-step how to create and manage your Social Security online account in this engaging, practical session led by Rosario Manzano.

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

Learn step-by-step how to create and manage your Social Security online account in this engaging, practical session led by Rosario Manzano.

This event is in the "Children" group.

ASAP Mondays : Design and Print Custom Cards

Monday, May 5, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children
:

Join Mad Todd to design and print your own custom cards and personalized paper projects! Each week, explore a new printmaking technique. Snack provided for all participants.

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

Join Mad Todd to design and print your own custom cards and personalized paper projects! Each week, explore a new printmaking technique. Snack provided for all participants.

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 "Teens" group.

Franklin VolunTeens

Monday, May 5, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Library Meeting
Age Group:
Teens
:

We are no longer accepting teen volunteer applications for the 2024-2025 school year.

 

Summer volunteering: We are no longer accepting teen volunteer applications for Summer 2025.

 

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

We are no longer accepting teen volunteer applications for the 2024-2025 school year.

 

Summer volunteering: We are no longer accepting teen volunteer applications for Summer 2025.

 

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Writers' Workshop 2025

Monday, May 5, 2025 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
:

Join us for the DMPL Writer's Workshop on the first* Monday of the month from 5:30-7:30 PM. Share samples of work and receive feedback from other writers in the group.

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

Join us for the DMPL Writer's Workshop on the first* Monday of the month from 5:30-7:30 PM. Share samples of work and receive feedback from other writers in the group.

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.

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

Family Storytime with Iowa Juneteenth

Monday, May 5, 2025 at 6:30pm - 7:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
:

Join us for a special Juneteenth Storytime with a representative from Iowa Juneteenth! Enjoy a captivating read-aloud, learn about upcoming celebrations, and take part in a hands-on craft.

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

Join us for a special Juneteenth Storytime with a representative from Iowa Juneteenth! Enjoy a captivating read-aloud, learn about upcoming celebrations, and take part in a hands-on craft.

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.

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 9:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Family Room at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
:

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year is a free weekly postpartum support group for parents and their new babies.

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.

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

Baby and Toddler Rhyme Time

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 10:00am - 10:30am
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
:

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.

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.

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

Baby Rhyme Time

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 10:00am - 10:30am
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
:

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.