Upcoming Events

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The Outreach Project

1:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library Cafe Gallery
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Cafe Gallery
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. They may also offer support and ...

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.

Nintendo Switch Party!

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:
Join us for a Nintendo Switch Party! We will have games like Mario Kart 8 & Super Mario Bros. Ultimate. Feel free to bring your own Switch or share the library’s controllers. ...

ASAP Mondays: Drama Workshop

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 15
Event Details:
Do you like to try new things, think on your feet, play games, work in teams, create and perform skits, and make new friends? Join us Mondays in June from 4–5 p.m. at the Forest Ave Library for a fun Drama/Theater class with the After School Arts Pro...

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.

Family Storytime

6:30pm - 7:00pm
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.

Franklin Cinema Club – In the Loop

6:30pm - 7:45pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:
June's film selection is the 2009 satire In the Loop, starring James Gandolfini. Discuss noteworthy films at the Franklin Cinema Club, a discussion series held the third Monday each month. Participants view the selected film prior t...

Juneteenth Scavenger Hunt

All Day
Forest Avenue Children’s Area
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Kids! Come to Forest and learn about Juneteenth with our Juneteenth Scavenger Hunt. Find the images around the library and win a small prize. Best for ages 6+ ...

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

9:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 3
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3
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. Facilitated by Blank Children's Hospital, each week will feature a guest presenter on a variety of postpartum topics, plus plenty of time to m...

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.

Baby Rhyme Time

10:00am - 10:30am
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.

Play, Grow, Learn!

10:00am - 11:30am
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.  Play, Grow, Learn is an opportunity to meet families with other young children and engage in the five simple steps to success - Read, Write, Sin...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

One-on-One Computer Sessions

10:00am - 12:00pm
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.  ...

Baby Rhyme Time

10:15am - 11:00am
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. This program is recommended for caregivers and babies ages newborn to eighteen months.    The...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Baby and Toddler Rhyme Time

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:
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.

Touch-a-Truck: Street Sweeper!

1:00pm - 1:45pm
South Side Library Lawn
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Library Lawn
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:
Kids and caregivers! Come to the South Side Library's parking lot to see and touch a garbage and recycling truck! Visitors can learn from a community helper from the Public Works Department about how they use their trucks daily for their jo...

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. 

North Side Book Discussion

2:00pm - 3:00pm
North Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:
This month we will be reading and discussing The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson. Copies of the book are available at the North Side Library.   ...

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.

The Life and Times of Stars with Dan Hoy

3:00pm - 3:45pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 40
Event Details:
Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador volunteer Dan Hoy and explore the fascinating world of stars. Learn about our own local star, the Sun, as well as the various sizes and colors of stars in our galaxy. Explore and make your own “constellation” as ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Level Up: Switch Party!

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Computers & Technology, Gaming
Event Details:
Join other gamers and test your skills on the Nintendo Switch!  We will have Smash Bros and Mario Kart on the big screen for tournament play with new friends or bring your own Switch to play on your own. The Switch Party will occur every 3rd Tue...

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.

Sensory Play Hour: Outdoor Fun!

4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:
Come to South Side for an hour of sensory exploration! From cool textures to fun activities, kids can have a great time learning while doing what they do best: playing! This month we'll be doing sensory exploration outside!   ...

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. 

Bicycle Rodeo with DSM Bicycle Collective

5:30pm - 7:00pm
East Side Library Lawn
Registration
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Library Lawn
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Health & Wellness, Storytimes
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 18
Event Details:
What is a Bicycle Rodeo? It is an interactive obstacle course where kids can learn about bicycle safety and have a lot of fun! Join the library staff, DSM Bicycle Collective staff and community volunteers to learn street safety skills, things to b...

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.

Outdoor Program

This program is hosted outdoors.  

In case of inclement weather please check back here for updates. 

Juneteenth

All Day
Closing
Branches:
Central Library, East Side Library, Forest Avenue Library, Franklin Avenue Library, North Side Library, South Side Library, Off Site, DMPL Virtual
Description:
All locations will be closed in observance of Juneteenth. ...

Juneteenth Scavenger Hunt

All Day 6/20 - 6/24
Forest Avenue Children’s Area
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Kids! Come to Forest and learn about Juneteenth with our Juneteenth Scavenger Hunt. Find the images around the library and win a small prize. Best for ages 6+ ...

Juneteenth Scavenger Hunt

All Day 6/20 - 6/29
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.  ...

Preschool Storytime: Water Fun!

10:00am - 10:30am
South Side Library Lawn
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Library Lawn
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, rhymes, music, and play! This week, we'll pull out our water tables and kiddie pool for some summer fun!   ...

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. 

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.

Pigeon Party Storytime

10:30am - 11:30am
North Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:
Bring the whole family to North Side for a Pigeon Party Storytime! We will enjoy Mo Willem's Pigeon books, music, movement, and crafts. Participants will also get to meet Ozzie, a thera-pigeon from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa! ...

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.