Cooling Centers

All DMPL locations are serving as cooling centers during open hours. DART is providing free rides to cooling center locations July 12-15 due to the extreme heat. Additional cooling center locations can be found here. Please check the events calendar for any weather-related postponements or cancelations prior to attending outdoor events.

Upcoming Events

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Learn to Sculpt Butter with Sarah Pratt!

5:00pm - 6:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Registration
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 0
Event Details:

We're gearing up for the state fair with a very special guest!

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.

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.

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.

Learn to Sculpt Butter with Sarah Pratt!

6:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Registration
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 0
Event Details:

We're gearing up for the state fair with a very special guest!

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.

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.

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.

Summer Gardening Workshop

5:30pm - 7:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

This interactive workshop will be filled with presentations to expand your gardening knowledge and the opportunity to ask local experts any questions you have from your gardening journey so far. 

Gamer Jazz! - Presented by the Des Moines Gamer Symphony Orchestra

2:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Performances
Event Details:

After an amazingly successful run of shows last year, the Des Moines Gamer Symphony Orchestra is once again transforming into a big band this summer to play the jazziest video game tunes out there.

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.

Forest Avenue Book Sale

All Day 8/5 - 8/10
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Book Sales
Event Details:

The Forest Avenue Library is hosting an end of summer book sale! Swing by Forest, August 5-10, to browse our inventory of withdrawn materials and donations from the community. The inventory includes books, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, and more!

Movie Watch Party: Mean Girls (2024)

1:00pm - 3:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:

Experience this hilarious musical adaptation of the classic teen comedy! Join us for popcorn and a fun activity while we watch Mean Girls (2024). Rated PG-13.

Celebration of the City: with Accent Neighborhood Association

5:00pm - 7:00pm
East Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Educational, Exhibits, Gaming
Event Details:

Meet your neighbors and community resources at this all-ages family fun event sponsored by the Accent Neighborhood Association! 

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.

Mini Golf & Elvis the Pony: Celebration of the City Outdoor Activities

5:00pm - 7:00pm
East Side Library Lawn
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Library Lawn
Age Group: Children, All Ages
Program Type: Educational, Exhibits, Gaming, Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Meet your neighbors and community resources at this all-ages family fun event sponsored by the Accent Neighborhood Association! 

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.

Fall Mushroom Foraging

6:30pm - 7:30pm
South Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, All Ages
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Join ISU Polk County Extension Natural Resources Program Coordinator, Gina Buelow, for a fun-filled program about mushroom foraging in autumn!

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.

Supporting Friends During Suicide Loss with Sage & Cedar Grief Support

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

We don't always know what to say or how to help when we see our friend's pain and grief. Maybe we feel scared to say something or we don't know how to help. We might even say the wrong things.

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.

Monarch Butterfly Tagging

4:00pm - 5:00pm
North Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Visit the North Side Library to learn about monarch butterflies and butterfly tagging with Des Moines Parks and Rec!

SCI Star Party: The Super Moon

7:00pm - 9:00pm
Forest Avenue Library Lawn
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Library Lawn
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Join SCI staff and volunteers to observe celestial objects, colorful double stars and star clusters, meteor showers and more through high-powered telescopes!

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.

Inclement Weather

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

Outdoor Program

This program is hosted outdoors.  

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

Celebrate with DMPL at the Iowa Latino Heritage Festival!

12:00pm - 4:00pm
Central Library Lawn
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Lawn
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Educational, Play & Learn, Storytimes
Event Details:

Visit us at the Iowa Latino Heritage Festival this weekend!

Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd from 12pm-4pm in the Children's area

Join us for a bilingual Storywalk, games and a chance to win a prize! 

 

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. 

Outdoor Program

This program is hosted outdoors.  

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

Banned Books Week: Guess the Banned Book Challenge

All Day 9/23 - 9/28
East Side Children’s Area
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Children’s Area
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Educational, Play & Learn
Event Details:

Celebrate the freedom to read and exercise your literary detective skills with our "Guess the Banned Book" 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.

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.

Banned Books Week: Photo Booth

All Day 9/23 - 9/28
East Side Rosie's Nature Nook
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Rosie's Nature Nook
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Educational, Play & Learn
Event Details:

Join us in celebrating Banned Books Week at our special Photo Booth! This annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information.

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.

Black Out Poetry with Banned Books

6:30pm - 7:30pm
East Side Meeting Room
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.

Movie Watch Party: Encanto

4:00pm - 6:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
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.

Crafting a Grief Care Plan with Sage & Cedar Grief Support

2:00pm - 3:00pm
South Side Meeting Room
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.

The Adventure Clubhouse Sneak Preview

10:30am - 11:00am
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
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 program The Adventure Clubhouse.  This is a special interactive theater program designed for children 4-6 years old and their grown-ups.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Last Stop on Market Street Sneak Preview

10:30am - 11:00am
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
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 Last Stop on Market Street, based on the award-winning book by Matt de la Peña. 

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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