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

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Black Out Poetry with Banned Books

Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

In honor of Banned Books Week, we're inviting you to participate in a unique creative experience that combines the power of expression with the resilience of banned books. Join us ...

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

In honor of Banned Books Week, we're inviting you to participate in a unique creative experience that combines the power of expression with the resilience of banned books.

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.

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration | Celebración del Mes de la Herencia Hispana

Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Performances
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Come and join us at Forest Ave library to celebrate the Hispanic Heritage Month. A guest singer will perform Mariachi and Ranchera songs. We will also learn about the inc...

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Educational, Performances
Event Details:

Come and join us at Forest Ave library to celebrate the Hispanic Heritage Month. A guest singer will perform Mariachi and Ranchera songs. 

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.

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.
Image for "Cook what you have"

Virtual Cookbook Club

Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Zoom Meeting Room at DMPL Virtual
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Join us from the comfort of your own homes and kitchens for a DMPL cookbook club that celebrates substitutions, creativity, sustainability and independence in home cooking. Prepare...

Required
Virtual Event
Library Branch: DMPL Virtual
Room: Zoom Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Required
Seats Remaining: 14
Event Details:

Join us from the comfort of your own homes and kitchens for a DMPL cookbook club that celebrates substitutions, creativity, sustainability and independence in home cooking.

Disclaimer(s)

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.

LEGO Fridays

Friday, September 27, 2024 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Beat the boredom during the summer by visiting the library and using your imagination to create amazing things with our LEGOs.

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

Beat the boredom during the summer by visiting the library and using your imagination to create amazing things with our LEGOs.

The Outreach Project Logo

The Outreach Project

Friday, September 27, 2024 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.

Community Health Education: Medical Power of Attorney

Friday, September 27, 2024 at 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

This month, Unity Point staff will explain the importance of a medical power of attorney and help you with the paperwork. Come to the Central Library on the last Friday* of each...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

This month, Unity Point staff will explain the importance of a medical power of attorney and help you with the paperwork.

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.

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Memory Café

Friday, September 27, 2024 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Memory Cafés provide a welcoming social gathering for people living with dementia and their care partners, focusing on person-centered care for those living with dementia. We'll be...

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Memory Cafés provide a welcoming social gathering for people living with dementia and their care partners, focusing on person-centered care for those living with dementia.

Encanto movie poster

Movie Watch Party: Encanto

Friday, September 27, 2024 at 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Movies
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Experience this heartwarming musical adventure about family and belonging! Join us for popcorn and a fun activity while we watch Encanto. Rated PG.

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

Experience this heartwarming musical adventure about family and belonging! Join us for popcorn and a fun activity while we watch Encanto. Rated PG.

Pollinator Palooza

Pollinator Palooza

Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 12:00pm - 4:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Get ready for a day of buzzing excitement at the Pollinator Palooza. There will be engaging presentations designed to enlighten people about the incredible world of pollinators as ...

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

Get ready for a day of buzzing excitement at the Pollinator Palooza.

CANCELLED: Crafting a Grief Care Plan with Sage & Cedar Grief Support

Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Educational, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults, All Ages
Event Details:

In this program, we’ll learn about grief care plans, how to create one, and what kinds of resources and services to put in your grief care plan. A grief care plan can be created fo...

Cancelled
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, All Ages
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness
Event Details:

In this program, we’ll learn about grief care plans, how to create one, and what kinds of resources and services to put in your grief care plan. A grief care plan can be created for an individual, community, or family.

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.

Fall Fun Scavenger Hunt!

All Day 9/30 - 10/12
South Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Kids! Visit South and try our Scavenger Hunt! Drop in and search the library for all of the items on the sheet and win a prize!

Library Branch: South Side Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Kids! Visit South and try our Scavenger Hunt! Drop in and search the library for all of the items on the sheet and win a prize!

Toddler Storytime

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

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)

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.

Children’s Program

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

orange and black text that says "Preschool Storytime" with a yellow bird

Preschool Storytime

Monday, September 30, 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 Jennifer for Preschool Storytime on Monday mornings at 10:15 a.m.  There will be stories, rhymes, music, and more. This storytime is recommended for ages three to...

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

Join Miss Jennifer for Preschool Storytime on Monday mornings at 10:15 a.m.  There will be stories, rhymes, music, and more.

This storytime is recommended for ages three to five, but all children are welcome to attend.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

ASAP Days

ASAP Mondays: Kids Yoga

Monday, September 30, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

ASAP Mondays at Forest Avenue Library kicks off the school year with Kids Yoga! Join Ben Spellman one day or every week for an hour of good vibes, stretching, controlled relaxing, ...

Required
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Required
Seats Remaining: 12
Event Details:

ASAP Mondays at Forest Avenue Library kicks off the school year with Kids Yoga! Join Ben Spellman one day or every week for 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.

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.

FormLabs Form 3 Resin 3D Printer Training Class

Monday, September 30, 2024 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Central Library Tech Central at Central Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Would you like to use Tech Central's new FormLabs Form 3 resin 3D printer?  Take this required training to learn how!  Participants will learn how to use FormLabs free Pr...

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Tech Central
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology
Required
Seats Remaining: 7
Event Details:

Would you like to use Tech Central's new FormLabs Form 3 resin 3D printer?  Take this required training to learn how!  Participants will learn how to use FormLabs free PreForm software to prepare their 3D prints for printing at the libra

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.

Bread Baking

Bread Baking 101

Monday, September 30, 2024 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
Event Details:

Flour, Water, and Salt: This is bread Attend a special session on the art and craft of bread making. This event explores the process of creating bread while providing insights...

Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Educational
Required
Seats Remaining: 9
Event Details:

Flour, Water, and Salt: This is bread

Family Storytime

Monday, September 30, 2024 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 crafts. You can even wear your jammies!  All Ages Welcome!

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 crafts. You can even wear your jammies!  All Ages Welcome!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Ghosts in Disguise Challenge

All Day 10/1 - 10/5
East Side Children’s Area at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Stop by the Children's Area and pick up a "Ghosts in Disguise Challenge"  Here is the challenge: This ghost is looking for a spook-tacular new look, and we need your help! ...

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

Stop by the Children's Area and pick up a "Ghosts in Disguise Challenge" 

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.

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 9:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Imagination Station 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 Imagination Station
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.

Baby Rhyme Time

Tuesday, October 1, 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.

Play, Grow, Learn!

Tuesday, October 1, 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.

One-on-One Computer Sessions

Tuesday, October 1, 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. 

Image of a blue hot air balloon in the sky with clouds and text that reads "Baby Rhyme Time"

Baby Rhyme Time

Tuesday, October 1, 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.

Baby and Toddler Rhyme Time

Tuesday, October 1, 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.