Upcoming Events

Drop-in to North Side every Wednesday to enjoy a STEM activity or a craft!

This week, we will have our art cart out. Bring your creativity and enjoy a cart full of arts and crafts supplies!

This program will include a brief overview of where Mindfulness Meditation comes from and why we do it, followed by a 20 minute sitting practice with time for Q&A afterwards. Chair seating will be available.

Fiber art uses materials like fabric, yarn, and thread with techniques like weaving, stitching, and tying to make cool projects!

Come to South Side to get into the fall spirit with a pumpkin party! Pick a pumpkin to paint from our pretend pumpkin patch, play fun games, and enjoy a yummy treat! 

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

Design and make your very own sparkly dragon egg to take home.

Art in the Library is for children ages 6-12 and requires preregistration.  

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!

The Des Moines Fire Department is joining us for a special storytime during Fire Prevention Week!  Hear stories, learn more about fire safety, and see a fire truck up close.

The Des Moines Fire Department is joining us for a special storytime during Fire Prevention Week!  Hear stories, learn more about fire safety, and see a fire truck up close.

Come to Central Library and see how many ways you can make a paper airplane. You can test out each paper airplane on our runway and see which of your airplanes can fly the farthest!

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. 

This month for ASAP Thursdays at South Side Library, bilingual Teaching Artist Lunita will teach us how to do a variety of fun projects made with paper, from mini-piñatas to cool personal planners and more!

Connect with others interested in environmentally friendly gardens. The focus is on native plants which foster and nourish wildlife.

Join us for a creative night of reverse tie-dye at the library! Learn how to transform dark clothing into unique, eye-catching designs using simple techniques and materials.

Join the Des Moines Public Library & Latinx Immigrants of Iowa to make paper flowers and other decorations for a Day of the Dead ofrenda, which will be on display at the Central Library from October 29 through November 3.

Join Craft Club and explore your creativity and skill by learning a new craft each month. We will learn knitting, crochet, sewing, bookbinding, jewelry making and beading, paper arts, pottery, printmaking, fiber arts and so much more!

Curious about the secrets of the funeral industry? Join us for a lively evening at South Side Library, where we're teaming up with Hamilton's Funeral Home to lift the veil on this fascinating world!

Get ready to:

Join us once a month to discuss books by underrepresented authors. Our goal is to amplify these voices and experiences while discussing social issues in the context of fiction and non-fiction books.

Come and get creative with the LEGOs® provided to design a building that could become part of our Des Moines Skyline. All ages are welcome, and you'll find us located in the children's area. Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Snippets: A Writers' Workshop for Shorter Works Please email your submissions to Julia at jmdunt@dmpl.org if you would like them printed out. This group will read and discuss works out loud.