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. 

Upcoming Events

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

Primary tabs

This event is in the "Children" group.

STEAM Cart Challenge: Rubber Band Racers

6:30pm - 7:30pm
Children
East Side Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 12
Event Details:

Get ready to race with your very own rubber band racer! In this fun and educational activity, you’ll learn how to build a car powered by the stored energy of rubber bands.

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 "Adults" group.

Snippets: A Writers' Workshop for Short Works 2024

10:00am - 11:00am
Adults
Central Library Meeting Room 1
Registration
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 20
Event Details:

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.

This event is in the "Children" group.

LEGO Fridays

10:00am - 4:00pm
Children
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
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.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

The Outreach Project

1:00pm - 3:00pm
Adults
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
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.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Free Friday Flicks at Franklin

1:30pm - 3:45pm
Adults
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:

September's presentation is the 2003 romantic drama I Capture the Castle, starring Romola Garai, Rose Byrne, and Bill Nighy. This film is rated R. Free Friday Flicks at Franklin is typically held on the second Friday of the month.

This event is in the "All Ages" group.

Multicultural Fall Festival

11:00am - 2:00pm
All Ages
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Exhibits, Performances
Event Details:

Join the fun at Evelyn K Davis Park for a parade and celebration with food, entertainment, and community!

 

Parade begins at 10:30 AM at United Way Building, 1111 9th Street and finishes at the park.  

Disclaimer(s)

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. 

This event is in the "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Community Crafting - Spinners and Weavers Guild

2:00pm - 4:00pm
Teens, Adults
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 3
Event Details:

Join members of the Des Moines Weavers and Spinners Guild to weave on a cardboard loom.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Take and Make: Felt Bird Bookmark

All Day 9/16 - 9/18
Adults
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Take & Make
Event Details:

Stop by the Forest Avenue Library and pick up materials to create a felt bird bookmark. While supplies last. 

This event is in the "Children" group.

Library Pets Scavenger Hunt!

All Day 9/16 - 9/28
Children
Library Branch: South Side Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational, Play & Learn
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. For youth ages 3 and up. 

This event is in the "Children" group.

I Spy: Banned Books

All Day 9/16 - 9/29
Children
Library Branch: Central Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Celebrate your freedom to read! Find all of the banned books in the children's area to get a prize!

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 "Birth-Preschool" group.

Toddler Storytime

10:00am - 10:30am
Birth-Preschool
East Side Meeting Room
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.

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

Preschool Storytime

10:15am - 10:45am
Birth-Preschool
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
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.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

East Side Book Discussion Group

2:00pm - 3:00pm
Adults
East Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

Please join us for our monthly book group where we will discuss Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

Disclaimer(s)

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 "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

ASAP Mondays: Kids Yoga

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children, Teens
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Registration 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.

This event is in the "All Ages" group.

Monarch Butterfly Tagging

4:00pm - 5:00pm
All Ages
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!

This event is in the "Children" group.

Monsoon Reading Group

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Book Clubs
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 5
Event Details:

Children ages 6-11 can come and join us the third Monday of each month as we read aloud carefully selected stories surrounding the diverse identities and experiences of the world.

This event is in the "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Art 101: Monochromatic Painting

6:00pm - 7:30pm
Teens, Adults
Central Library Meeting Room 1
Registration
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 6
Event Details:

Join artist and library staff member Fueche Vang as we explore how to paint using one color. This will be especially useful for those newer to painting. We will explore topics such as values, under paintings, blending 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.

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 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.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Franklin Cinema Club – The Grand Illusion

6:30pm - 7:45pm
Adults
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:

September's film selection is Jean Renoir's 1937 war drama The Grand Illusion, starring Jean Gabin and Dita Parlo.

This event is in the "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

The Renaissance Scavenger Hunt

All Day 9/17 - 9/23
Children, Teens
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Learn about the incredible artistic and cultural revolution known as The Renaissance! We've hidden pictures of famous people, works of art, and events associated with this historic period throughout the library!

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

9:00am - 11:00am
Adults
Central Library Imagination Station
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.

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

Baby Rhyme Time

10:00am - 10:30am
Birth-Preschool
East Side Meeting Room
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.

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 "Birth-Preschool" group.

Play, Grow, Learn!

10:00am - 11:30am
Birth-Preschool
South Side Meeting Room
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.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

One-on-One Computer Sessions

10:00am - 12:00pm
Adults
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.