Upcoming Events

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

Primary tabs

This event is in the "Children" group.

Eco-Friendly Crafts: Wind Chimes

6:30pm - 7:30pm
Children
East Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Turn everyday recyclables into a one-of-a-kind wind chime! Using materials like soup cans, keys, and beads, kids will craft their own breezy, musical masterpiece while learning about upcycling and sustainability.

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.

Pajama Storytime : Earth Day

6:30pm - 7:30pm
Children
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Join us for a special Pajama Storytime to celebrate Earth Day. We will read stories about our love for the outdoors and taking care of our planet, have a treat, and make a craft.

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.

Felt Fairy Wands Take-and-Make Bag!

All Day
Birth-Preschool, Children
Library Branch: South Side Library
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, Play & Learn, Take & Make
Event Details:

Bring the fun home with you when you pick up a special South Side Library take-and-make craft bag!

While Supplies Last

 

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

National Poetry Month Scavenger Hunt!

All Day 4/21 - 4/26
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Library Branch: South Side Library
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

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!

This event is in the "Children" group.

I Spy: Earth Day

All Day 4/21 - 4/27
Children
Central Library Children’s Area
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Visit the Central children's area to learn about some things you can do to help the Earth! Find all the hidden pictures to win a prize!

 

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.

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.

ASAP Mondays : Cookie and Cupcake Decorating

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Art helps us practice patience and focus; but how about applying those skills to make something yummy?

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.

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

Family Storytime

6:30pm - 7:00pm
Birth-Preschool, Children
South Side Meeting Room
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 "Children" group.

ASAP Tuesdays: Cardboard Creations

3:30pm - 4:30pm
Children
East Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Get creative in this class and give plain old cardboard exciting new life! 

Each week will present a different challenge to transform something ordinary into something extraordinary. 

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.

Level Up: Switch Party!

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Join other gamers and test your skills on the Nintendo Switch! We will have Smash Bros and Mario Kart on the big screen for tournament play with new friends or bring your own Switch to play on your own.

Ages 6 years and up!

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 STEM Challenge: Blacklight Fun!

2:00pm - 7:00pm
Children, Teens
North Side Children’s Area
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Event Details:

Explore things that GLOW at North Side! Explore our neon craft supplies and check them out under a blacklight when you are done!

Drop-ins are planned with children in grades K-5 in mind, but all are welcome to attend.

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: Breakdance

3:30pm - 4:30pm
Children, Teens
North Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Event Details:

ASAP Teaching Artist and B-Boy ASan leads this intro to breaking. Learn all the basic moves, and have fun putting them together to show your own individuality and self-expression. 

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 Thursdays: Painting

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children, Teens
South Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Storybooks often have beautiful painted illustrations that help bring the story to life. Join Shayla Williams at South Side and learn to paint your own story characters and backgrounds!

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

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
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 6-18. 

 

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 "Children" group.

Mix-tape Journal Workshop

6:30pm - 7:30pm
Children
East Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Throw it back to the retro days of cassette tapes—with a creative twist! Join us for a hands-on workshop where you’ll turn old cassette tapes into personalized journals.

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.

Paws & Claws Craft Hour

10:00am - 11:00am
Children, Teens
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Health & Wellness, Play & Learn
Event Details:

Join us for a special DIY event dedicated to our furry friends! In anticipation of National Pet Month in May, participants will create recycled t-shirt dog toys, teaser wand cat toys, stylish pet bandanas, and more.

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.

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.

Crafternoon : Wind Chimes

1:00pm - 5:00pm
Children
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Join us for a drop-in craft project at Forest! Use the supplies and provided instructions to make a wind chime to take home. Stop by anytime between 1-5pm. Ages 6+.

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.
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Día is an international celebration of the joy found in early childhood and reading. This year, the Des Moines Public Library and its community partners are celebrating 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.

Inclement Weather

This program is hosted outdoors. In case of inclement weather please check back here for updates. 

Off Site Event

Please note, this event does not take place at the library. Please check the Location Details for the address of the event. 

Outdoor Program

This program is hosted outdoors.  

In case of inclement weather please check back here for updates. 

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

Springtime Family Social

10:30am - 11:30am
Birth-Preschool, Children
North Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness, Storytimes
Event Details:

Spring is in the air! Celebrate the magic of Spring with us through community, stories, and hands-on fun! Families will enjoy a seasonal story and share a tasty snack.

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.

May Day Basket Take-and-Make Bag!

All Day
Birth-Preschool, Children
Library Branch: South Side Library
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, Play & Learn, Take & Make
Event Details:

Bring the fun home with you when you pick up a special South Side Library take-and-make craft bag!

While Supplies Last

 

This event is in the "Children" group.

I Spy: Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

All Day 4/28 - 4/30
Children
Central Library Children’s Area
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

We're celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month! Find all of the pictures in the Youth area to get a prize!

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.

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.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

May Flowers Scavenger Hunt!

All Day 4/28 - 5/10
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Library Branch: South Side Library
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

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!

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

Art Cart

10:00am - 7:00pm
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
North Side Children’s Area
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 "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Mini Gardens

3:00pm - 3:45pm
Children, Teens
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Registration
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 16
Event Details:

Join us at the Central Library in creating whimsical Mini Gardens (also known as Fairy Gardens) in honor of National Garden Month! All materials will be provided to make your own Mini Garden to take home and display!

 

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.

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.

Mini Gardens

4:00pm - 4:45pm
Children, Teens
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Registration
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 0
Event Details:

Join us at the Central Library in creating whimsical Mini Gardens (also known as Fairy Gardens) in honor of National Garden Month! All materials will be provided to make your own Mini Garden to take home and display!

 

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.

Children’s Program

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