Upcoming Events

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year is a free weekly postpartum support group for parents and their new babies.

Do you love animals? Then visit Central Library to practice reading with and learn about an ARL TheraPet! Engaging with animals is a great way to boost confidence and reduce anxiety around learning to read!

Interested in learning about the history of our great City? Or learning about your little corner of it? DMPL is offering free monthly presentations on Des Moines’ fascinating past.

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).

Join us as we explore the 5 Simple Steps you can do with your child to create early literacy and learning success.

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. 

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. 

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).

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!

The whole family can visit the library and take on our Family STEM Challenge.  This month we will have supplies available to make a paper cup jumping rabbit.  Materials will be available between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.

Join UpLift Iowa, CultureAll, and the Des Moines Public Library for a program and discussion about issues relating to poverty in our community.  Hear the personal stories of people from around Des Moines dealing with housing, unemployment, ch

Join us at the Franklin Avenue Library for special screening of the short film, Raising the Floor, and a discussion of income equality and universal basic income.

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year is a free weekly postpartum support group for parents and their new babies.

There are so many amazing animals that live in Iowa!  Join our special guests from the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge for games, crafts, hands-on learning activities, and a scavenger hunt as we celebrate all the plants and cuddly critter

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).

Join us as we explore the 5 Simple Steps you can do with your child to create early literacy and learning success.

Does your child love music? Children ages 3 and up can enjoy an instrument petting zoo with the Des Moines Symphony! Instrument petting zoos are a fun and interactive introduction to string instruments.

Visit South Side Library to discover Iowa’s awesome paleontological past!

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. 

Come and join us at Forest Ave library to create a paper bag beaver puppet to commemorate the Canada Day. All materials will be provided. We will also learn some fun facts about our northern neighbor.