Upcoming Events

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.

Join Miss Donna for this fun filled story time! Together we will enjoy stories, songs, and more, all selected to engage your active toddler. Ages 18 months to 3 years old.

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.

Drop in to North Side each Wednesday to enjoy a STEM activity or craft.

This week, we will have Halloween-themed crafts!

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

The Art of Expression is a monthly program for teens to learn and create different types of art in a relaxed atmosphere. 

Just in time for Halloween, best-selling author Daniel Kraus will discuss his newest novel, Pay the Piper&nbs

Children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers can join us Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. for a 30-minute storytime with stories, musical activities and take-home activities that prepare your child for school.

Join us at the Central Library for a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! The storytime will take place in the meeting room to allow for social distancing.

Preschoolers and their caregivers can enjoy stories, rhymes, music, and learn school readiness skills. Afterwards, we will enjoy free-play together.

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!

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. 

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 us for a special Pajama Storytime! We will read spooky stories, have a treat, and make a craft. Wear your coziest pjs and bring a stuffie to snuggle!

Join us for South Side's Evening Book Discussion! We will be discussing We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan Barry. Sign up and get a copy of the book at the South Side Information Desk.

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

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.

Come to the Central Library on the last Friday* of each month at 1:30 PM to learn about health and wellness.  Presented by PHC Supportive Services for Veteran Families, Health Care Navigation in partnership with the Des

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

Experience this unforgettable classic horror comedy! Join us for popcorn and a fun activity while we watch Beetlejuice. Rated PG.

How spooky is Central after dark? Come find out! You can make Frankenstuffies, eat pizza, and participate in a spooky competition.