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 "Birth-Preschool" group.

Baby Rhyme Time

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 9:30am - 10:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 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, 2
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, May 14, 2025 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, May 14, 2025 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 "Teens" group.

VolunTeen Drop-In Hour

Wednesday, May 14, 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.

This event is in the "Teens" group.

VolunTEENS Work Time

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 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 "Birth-Preschool" group.

Preschool Storytime

Thursday, May 15, 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.

Wiggles and Giggles

Thursday, May 15, 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 "Adults" group.

South Side Book Discussion: The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels

Thursday, May 15, 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! We're reading The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett this month!

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! We're reading The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett this 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 "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

ASAP Thursdays

Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Music is a universal language, and everyone is invited to jam with Jordan at ASAP. We’ll use a variety of instruments to keep beats, strengthen our listening skills, create our own...

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

Music is a universal language, and everyone is invited to jam with Jordan at ASAP. We’ll use a variety of instruments to keep beats, strengthen our listening skills, create our own melodies, and have fun expressing ourselves through sound.

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.

Kids Pokémon Card Swap

Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Are you looking for a place to trade your Pokémon cards? Bring your friends and come to this monthly program with any cards you want to trade.  This event is open to chil...

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Are you looking for a place to trade your Pokémon cards? 

Bring your friends and come to this monthly program with any cards you want to trade.  This event is open to children ages 7-18. 

 

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 "All Ages" group.

Board Game Café

Friday, May 16, 2025 at 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Join us for a drop-in event for all ages. Come in, grab warm drink and a snack, get cozy, and choose from a variety of games or puzzles to play with friends!

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Join us for a drop-in event for all ages. Come in, grab warm drink and a snack, get cozy, and choose from a variety of games or puzzles to play with friends!

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.

The Outreach Project

Friday, May 16, 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 "Birth-Preschool" group.

Little Explorers

Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Bring your young ones to our Little Explorers program, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play! Activities will help build early literacy skills through the fiv...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Bring your young ones to our Little Explorers program, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play! Activities will help build early literacy skills through the five Simple Steps: Read, Write, Sing, Play, Talk.

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.
This event is in the "Children" group.

Family Storytime

Monday, May 19, 2025 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 acivities. You can even wear your jammies!   Best fo...

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 acivities. You can even wear your jammies!  

Best for ages 6 and under, but all are welcome!

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 20, 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.

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

Play, Grow, Learn!

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 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.

Friends of the North Side Library

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 1:00pm - 1:45pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Library Meeting
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

 Friends of the North Side Library Meeting.  New members always welcome.

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

 Friends of the North Side Library Meeting.  New members always welcome.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

North Side Book Discussion

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

This month we will be reading and discussing TBD. Copies of the book are available at the North Side Library.  

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

This month we will be reading and discussing TBDCopies of the book are available at the North Side 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.

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 "Children" group.

LEGO Club

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Join us for an after-school LEGO Club where building blocks will be available for open play! Use your imagination to build your ideas or use the STEM-challenge prompts and building...

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

Join us for an after-school LEGO Club 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 3-5pm.

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

Sensory Play Hour

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

Come to South Side for an hour of sensory exploration! From cool textures to fun activities, kids can have a great time learning while doing what they do best: playing! The pr...

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

Come to South Side for an hour of sensory exploration!

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, May 21, 2025 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, May 21, 2025 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 "Teens" group.

VolunTeen Drop-In Hour

Wednesday, May 21, 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.

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

Preschool Storytime

Thursday, May 22, 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!