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

Gingerbread House Decorating

5:00pm - 6:15pm
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 0
Event Details:

We will provide all of the materials to make an amazing gingerbread house fit for an elf. Each family that registers will receive one house to decorate together.

Disclaimer(s)

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.

Art Club : Faith Ringgold

6:30pm - 7:30pm
Children
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Event Details:

Art Club will occur on the first Thursday of each month. It will feature picture books and a related art project each month. We will learn about artists, art concepts, and topics that will give us inspiration to make our own art.

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.

Makey-Makey Music

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: Computers & Technology
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 17
Event Details:

Create music using everyday fruit! Connect fruits to the Makey-Makey kit and explore how circuits and sound come together in this interactive workshop.

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.

Gingerbread House Decorating

6:30pm - 7:45pm
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 3
Event Details:

We will provide all of the materials to make an amazing gingerbread house fit for an elf. Each family that registers will receive one house to decorate together.

Disclaimer(s)

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.

Little Explorers

10:00am - 11:00am
Birth-Preschool
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Bring your young ones to our Little Explorers program, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different sensory activities. No Registration is Required. Please wear play clothes as some activities may be messy.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

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.

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.

Kid's Craft Day: Popsicle Stick Snowflakes!

All Day
Children
South Side Children’s Area
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn, Take & Make
Event Details:

Drop in at South for Kid's Craft Day in the Children's Area! For kids ages 5-12. Crafts will be available all day while supplies last. 

Disclaimer(s)

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.

Take and Grow: Native Plants Seed Packet

12/07/2024 @ 10:00am - 12/14/2024 @ 5:00pm
Adults
Library Branch: North Side Library
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Take & Make
Event Details:

Stop by and pick up a seed packet to start your own native plants garden!

Disney's Beauty and the Beast Sneak Preview

10:30am - 11:00am
Children, All Ages
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 Disney's Beauty and the Beast.

Enjoy the performance and enter to win free tickets to the play!

 

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Película Gratuita - Mujercitas (2019) | Family Movie Showing - Little Women (2019)

10:30am - 1:00pm
All Ages
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Movies
Event Details:

Escape the chill outside and cozy up to watch the Little Women (2019) movie with the whole family. Enjoy snacks and crafts while watching this adaptation of the classic book. 

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.

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.

Movie Rating

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

Sit n' Stitch

1:30pm - 3:30pm
Teens, Adults
North Side Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 19
Event Details:

Spend a few hours with other crafters and work on your knit, crochet, or needle craft projects. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you. Pleasant company is provided to share ideas and inspiration!

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.

I Spy: Moana 2

All Day 12/9 - 12/23
Children
Library Branch: Central Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Search the Central Youth area for characters from the film Moana 2! Find classic favorites like Moana and discover new characters from the new movie. Find all of the pictures to pick a prize at the desk!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

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)

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.

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.

Franklin Afternoon Book Discussion

1:00pm - 2:00pm
Adults
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

December's selection is The Art Thief by Michael Finkel.

ASAP Mondays: Still Life Drawing

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

If you’re a kid who likes to draw (or wants to learn or improve your skills), this class is for you! In these three weeks we will use charcoal, colored pencils, white pencils, and graphite drawing pencils to practice drawing.

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.

Franklin VolunTeens

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Teens
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Educational, Library Meeting
Event Details:

Are you looking for a great place to volunteer? Become a volunteen and help with library projects and programs.

FormLabs Form 3 Resin 3D Printer Training Class

5:00pm - 6:00pm
Adults
Central Library Tech Central
Registration
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Tech Central
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 3
Event Details:

Would you like to use Tech Central's new FormLabs Form 3 resin 3D printer?  Take this required training to learn how!  Participants will learn how to use FormLabs free PreForm software to prepare their 3D prints for printing at the libra

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.

Winter Puzzle Competition

6:00pm - 8:00pm
All Ages
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Gaming
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 28
Event Details:

Join us for our THIRD annual puzzle competition night! We'll have different categories, including one for kids, and some delicious winter treats (sugar cookies, hot chocolate and apple cider).

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.

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

9:00am - 11:00am
Adults
Central Library Family Room
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Family Room
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.