Christmas Closures

All locations of the Des Moines Public Library will be closed on Tuesday, December 24, and Wednesday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday. 

Upcoming Events

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

Primary tabs

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

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, music, and fun activities!

 

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

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! 

 

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.

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.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

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.

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

ASAP Thursdays: Wire Sculpture

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:

Have you ever made a person out of wire? ASAP will show you how! In this class we will make several 3D original works of art using WIRE as our line to draw in space. Snack provided for all participants.

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 "Children" group.

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 18 and younger.

 

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 "Teens" group.

Resin Art: Trinket Trays

5:30pm - 7:00pm
Teens
East Side Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 18
Event Details:

🎨Create your own dazzling trinket tray with resin art! In this hands-on workshop, we will learn how to work with resin, add vibrant pigments, embed fun items, and design a functional piece of art to take home.

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 "All Ages" group.

Board Game Café

12:00pm - 5:00pm
All Ages
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Join us for a drop-in event for all ages. Come in, grab warm drink and a snack, get cozy, and choose from a variety of games or puzzles to play with friends!

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.

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.

AARP Tax Preparation Assistance

10:00am - 4:00pm
Adults
East Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

AARP will be at the East Side Library every *Wednesday and *Saturday from February 1st through April 12th to assist the public with their taxes. 

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

LEGOs at the Library

10:00am - 4:00pm
Birth-Preschool, Children
East Side Children’s Area
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Drop by our children's area to build with LEGOs. Show a staff member your creation for a prize!

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.

This event is in the "Children" group.
This event is in the "All Ages" group.

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical 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 Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical based on the book by Mo Willems.

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.

A Taste of Tarot

2:00pm - 3:30pm
Adults
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Are you fascinated by Tarot but not sure where to start? Join us for this workshop hosted by Susan Harper.

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)

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 "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 "Children" group.

ASAP Mondays: Breakdancing

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:

ASAP Teaching Artist and B-boy ASan leads this intro to breaking. Learn all the basic moves, and have fun putting them together to show your own individuality and self-expression. Snack provided for all participants.

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.

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 acivities. You can even wear your jammies!  

Best for ages 6 and under, but all are 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.

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.

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 "Birth-Preschool" group.

Baby Rhyme Time

10:15am - 11:00am
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:

Babies and their caregivers can join Miss Jennifer on Tuesdays for rhymes, songs, bounces, and a story followed by a short playtime.

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.

Baby and Toddler Rhyme Time

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:

Babies, toddlers, and their caregivers can join us on Tuesdays for rhymes, songs, lap bounces, and a story.

This program is recommended for children from birth to 24 months of age.

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.

This event is in the "Children" group.

Creative Readers-From Book to Art!

4:00pm - 4:45pm
Children
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Event Details:

Children will listen to a story and then create a masterpiece while exploring with art and STEM activities. Ages 3+.

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

Manga Book Club

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children, Teens
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

Whether you are passionate about manga or just interested in seeing what it's all about, the Forest Ave Library's Manga Book Club is a place for you to make friends, read fun and exciting stories, talk about manga, watch anime, make art, and play

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

Switch Gaming

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Children, Teens
North Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Kids and teens ages 8-18 can enjoy Switch games on the big screen at North Side! We will meet on the first and third Tuesday of the month.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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