Adventure Pass Changes in 2025

Due to software issues affecting all libraries using the service, the Des Moines Public Library’s Iowa Adventure Pass program will no longer be available in 2025. Any reservation already made for 2025 will be honored, but we encourage anyone with a current reservation to print those passes immediately. Customers can make new reservations for passes that must be used by December 31, 2024. We hope to reintroduce the service at a later time, and we apologize for the inconvenience. 

Upcoming Events

Filters
Age Group

Shortbread with Pie Bird Pies

5:30pm - 7:30pm
Adults
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Registration
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 30
Event Details:

Learn how to make fan-favorite triple chocolate shortbread with Pie Bird Pies!

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.

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Preschool Storytime

10:00am - 10:30am
Birth-Preschool
South Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

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.

 

Wiggles and Giggles

10:15am - 10:45am
Birth-Preschool
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn, Storytimes
Event Details:

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.

 

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.

Preschool Storytime

10:30am - 11:00am
Birth-Preschool
North Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

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

South Side Book Discussion - Remarkably Bright Creatures

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

Join us for South Side's Monthly Book Discussion!

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.

Glowforge Training

3:00pm - 4:00pm
Adults
Central Library Tech Central
Registration
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Tech Central
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 4
Event Details:

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. 

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.

ASAP Thursdays: Mosaics!

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:

A mosaic is a picture produced by arranging small pieces of stone, tile, or other material.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

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 7-18. 

 

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

FAFSA Application Workshop #1

4:30pm - 5:30pm
Teens, Adults
East Side Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology, Educational
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 1
Event Details:

Please join us for the FAFSA Assistance workshop. FAFSA is the free student application for student aid. Navigating this process can be difficult, so there will be 2 volunteers assisting in completing the FAFSA Application.

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.

FAFSA Application Workshop #2

5:30pm - 6:30pm
Teens, Adults
East Side Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology, Educational
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 2
Event Details:

Please join us for the FAFSA Assistance workshop. FAFSA is the free student application for student aid. Navigating this process can be difficult, so there will be 2 volunteers assisting in completing the FAFSA Application.

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.

DMPL & Dragons: Thursday

5:30pm - 7:30pm
Adults
Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Dungeons & Dragons is a role-playing game set in worlds of swords and sorcery where players use their imaginations to tell a story and create an adventure together.  We usually get together on the third Thursday of each month to play, but

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.

FAFSA Application Workshop #3

6:30pm - 7:30pm
Teens, Adults
East Side Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology, Educational
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 2
Event Details:

Please join us for the FAFSA Assistance workshop. FAFSA is the free student application for student aid. Navigating this process can be difficult, so there will be 2 volunteers assisting in completing the FAFSA Application.

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.

Pajama Storytime: Winter Solstice

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:

Celebrate Winter Solstice at this special Pajama Storytime! Wear your coziest pajamas, bring a stuffie to snuggle, and listen to stories about the shortest day of the year while sipping on hot chocolate.

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.

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 on Fridays by visiting the library and using your imagination to create amazing things with our LEGOs.

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.

Movie Watch Party : Wish

3:00pm - 5:00pm
Children
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:

A young woman named Asha possesses wild wishes for happiness. After making a wish on a starry night, Asha is surprised when Star, a ball of cosmic energy, comes down to accompany her.

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.

Art Cart Saturdays

10:00am - 4:00pm
Children
East Side Children’s Area
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Stop in the library for fun arts and crafts with our Art Cart! While supplies last. Adult supervision is required. 

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.

Jingle Jazz

2:00pm - 3:00pm
All Ages
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:

In partnership with DMPL, the Beaver Creek Jazz Ensemble presents a free holiday concert. The library will provide hot chocolate, coffee, and tea. Though the weather be dreary, the tunes will be cheery, and we hope to see you there! 

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.

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.

Festive Holiday Garland 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

 

Binary Bracelets

2:00pm - 3:00pm
Children
East Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology
Event Details:

Binary Code is how computers communicate with each other! Learn how to code your name and different messages in binary and make a bracelet to show it off! This fun craft combines tech and creativity.

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.

Christmas

All Day 12/24 - 12/25
Closing
Branches:
Central Library, East Side Library, Forest Avenue Library, Franklin Avenue Library, North Side Library, South Side Library, Off Site, DMPL Systemwide
Description:

All locations will be closed for Christmas.

Winter Wonderland Scavenger Hunt!

All Day 12/26 - 12/28
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!

I Spy: Winter

All Day 12/26 - 12/31
Children
Library Branch: Central Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Find all of the winter themed pictures in the youth 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.

Movie Watch Party : The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring

1:00pm - 5:00pm
All Ages
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:

The Lord of the Rings is an action-adventure-drama-fantasy movie trilogy, based on J.R.R.

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.

Movie Rating

Movie is not intended for children unless accompanied by an adult.