COMING SOON: Summer Reading Challenge

The 2024 Summer Reading Challenge starts Monday, June 3! Find more information on the program HERE, and learn all about our special Summer Reading Kickoff Party on June 2 HERE!

Upcoming Events

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

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This event is in the "Adults" group.

Buy.Eat.Live Healthy

1:30pm - 3:00pm
North Side Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 10
Event Details:

Join ISU Extension for this 8 week course that supports individuals and families in making healthy choices on a tight grocery budget.

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

Superhero Bingo

3:00pm - 4:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Bring the whole family and play a good old-fashioned game of Bingo, but with superheroes instead of numbers.  Feel free to come as you are, or dress up as your favorite superhero. 

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.

Let's Go Make & Fly a Kite!

3:30pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Event Details:

Come to South Side Library to try your hand at designing your very own kite, then take it outside on the library lawn and see if you can fly it!

Ages 8 and up.

While supplies last. 

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.

Des Moines Art Center: Creative Journaling Workshop

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 14
Event Details:

Come explore creative writing, poetry, drawing and dance!

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.

Chair Exercise with Grace Fitness

5:30pm - 6:15pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Join Zakiya Jenkins from Grace Fitness as she leads chair exercises. All levels welcome!

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Books That Will Change Your Life: A Nonfiction Book Club

6:00pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1
Registration
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 11
Event Details:

The Des Moines Public Library is partnering with other Iowa libraries and Uplift - The Central Iowa Basic Income Pilot on a series of programs aimed at having important community conversations about poverty and its effect on Iowa.

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 "Adults" group.

Hunt a Killer: Moon Summit Episode 3

6:00pm - 7:30pm
South Side Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Gaming
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 7
Event Details:

Join us for a multi-week investigation! This game will have six episodes.

This is Episode 3. Best if you've previously played Episodes 1 & 2.

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 "Birth-Preschool" group.

Preschool Storytime

10:00am - 10:30am
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.

 

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

Wiggles and Giggles

10:15am - 10:45am
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.

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

Preschool Storytime

10:30am - 11:00am
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 "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Kids in the Kitchen w/ ISU Extension

2:00pm - 3:00pm
East Side Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 13
Event Details:

Kids in the Kitchen will focus each week on healthy eating and prepare and cook snacks each week.

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.

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 "Adults" group.

South Side Book Discussion-Light From Uncommon Stars

2:00pm - 3:00pm
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.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Glowforge Training

3:00pm - 4:00pm
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.

EPIC Graphic Novel Book Club

4:00pm - 5:00pm
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: 15
Event Details:

Are you a graphic novel fan? Join us for our EPIC Graphic Novel BOOK CLUB for ages 7-11. We will chat about this month's book and work on a fun activity or craft related to the book! Registration Required.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

DMPL & Dragons: Thursday

5:30pm - 7:30pm
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.

This event is in the "Children" group.

LEGO Quest

6:00pm - 7:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn, Storytimes
Event Details:

Let's go on a LEGO quest!! Do you love to build? Do you love adventure stories? Do you love problem-solving?

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 "Adults" group.

Summer Camp Throwback Crafts

6:00pm - 7:30pm
South Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Do you miss the fun you had doing arts and crafts at summer camp? If so, join us at the South Side Library for an fun evening of summer camp crafts geared toward grown-ups. We'll have music, snacks and plenty of glue and glitter!

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 "Teens" group.

Teen Bubble Tea Party

6:30pm - 7:30pm
East Side Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Take & Make
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 15
Event Details:

Stop at the library to make your own bubble tea with tapioca pearls and different tea flavors. Whether you're a bubble tea aficionado or curious newcomer, this event promises to be a fun-filled and delicious experience for all!

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.

Next Steps Ukulele

6:30pm - 7:45pm
North Side Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 16
Event Details:

Do you already have some ukulele skills but want to learn more? Join us for four sessions of intermediate ukulele classes beginning July 16th and occurring on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings at 6:30pm (7/16, 7/18, 7/23, 7/25).

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

Amphibians! With Polk County Conservation

10:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Kids and families! Are you excited about amphibians? Find out about these smooth, wet animals that seem to magically transform from egg to adult. Join us as we learn about amphibians - and meet some live ones - with a Polk County naturalist!

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.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Snippets: A Writers' Workshop for Short Works 2024

10:00am - 11:00am
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
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 "Birth-Preschool" group.
This event is in the "Children" group.
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Event Details:

Join Ms. Alicia at the Heritage Carousel for a special storytime for the whole family!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Inclement Weather

This program is hosted outdoors. In case of inclement weather please check back here for updates. 

This event is in the "Children" group.

Kids in the Kitchen

11:00am - 12:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 12
Event Details:

Kids in the Kitchen is 6-7 week program based around the Department of Agriculture "MyPlate". Each session, students learn about a food group, why it is good for us, physical activity, and then we make a snack together at the end of the class.

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.

Food Allergies

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