Upcoming Events

Filters
Age Group
Program Type

Pride Month Scavenger Hunt

All Day 6/3 - 6/15
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.  ...

Teen Chef: Waffle Bar

3:00pm - 4:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 24
Event Details:
Curious about cooking? Sharpen your kitchen knowledge at our Teen Chef program and learn how to make a variety of delicious foods.  On June 3, we will make homemade waffles from scratch. All ingredients and toppings will be provided to make y...

Disclaimer(s)

Food Allergies

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

Writers' Workshop 2024

5:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Join us for the DMPL Writer's Workshop on the first* Monday of the month from 5:30-7:30 PM. Share samples of work and receive feedback from other writers in the group. Email your submission to Julia at jmdunt@dmpl.org by 12 PM the Tuesday before the ...

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.

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.

All about Owls with Polk County Conservation

11:30am - 12:15pm
North Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Hear all about owls and the adaptations that make them good predators! We will also get to meet a live owl. This program is geared towards children in grades 3-8, but all are welcome to attend. ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Crochet 101: The Basics

2:00pm - 3:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1
Registration
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 10
Event Details:
Join us at the Central Library to learn the basics of crochet--we will provide all necessary materials, and participants will get to take home a starter hook, yarn, and tapestry needle to continue their project! Best for ages 10+ ...

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.

Children’s Program

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

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.  A library card nu...

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.

Touch-a-Truck: Garbage & Recycle Truck

10:00am - 11:00am
East Side Library Lawn
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Library Lawn
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational, Storytimes
Event Details:
Kids and caregivers! Come to the East Side Library parking lot to get a close-up look at a City of Des Moines Garbage & Recycle Truck! Visitors can learn from a community helper from the Public Works Department about how they use t...

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.

Family STEM Challenge: Straw Airplane

10:00am - 12:00pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
The whole family can visit the library and take on our Family STEM Challenge.  This month we will have supplies available to make a straw airplane.  Materials will be available between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.   The Franklin Librar...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Pride Month Mini Banner Take-and-Make Bags!

All Day
Library Branch: South Side Library
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, Play & Learn, Take & Make
Event Details:
Pick up a themed take-and-make activity bag at South Side Library! While Supplies Last   ...

Raingardens

6:30pm - 8:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Question: What do thunderstorms, pollinators and grant money all have in common? Answer: Rain Gardens When heavy rains pour down in our city rain gardens act as many little sponges, soaking up the water and holding it out of our storm drains, a...

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.

Polk County Conservation-Trees are Terrific!

3:00pm - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
 Learn all about different types of trees, and the wildlife that use trees as a habitat with a Polk County Naturalist. Come learn and  see up close just how unique trees are! Crafts and activities will follow after the program. ...

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.

Plant, Grow, Fly! with Des Moines Parks and Recreation

11:30am - 12:30pm
North Side Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 17
Event Details:
Learn about butterflies and plants with Environmental Educator Joel Van Roekel, from the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. Participants will get to plant their own butterfly garden to take home! Space is limited; registration required.&n...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

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.  A library card nu...

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.

Polk County Conservation: Reptiles

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Discuss the fears and myths about these scaly critters people love to hate. Find out how reptiles smell, see, and move. A live animal will be used if available. Supports Iowa Life Science Standards. ...

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.

Intro to Dance

5:30pm - 6:30pm
East Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness
Event Details:
The East Side Library welcomes dancers from Yaro Dance Company, dancers will be here to show off their shoes and costumes and talk about their love of dance! You can try some basic moves from different dance styles, learn a little history behind danc...

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.

Gardening with Native Plants Meet-Up

5:30pm - 7:00pm
North Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Connect with others interested in environmentally friendly gardens. The focus is on native plants which foster and nourish wildlife. Come to learn and to share your favorite gardening tips, design ideas, seeds, plants, and more!   This ...

Insects! With Polk County Conservation

10:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Kids and Families! Explore the world of bugs with a Polk County Conservation naturalist! We will even take a look at some live insects!  ...

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.

Touch-a-Truck: Street Sweeper & Dump Truck

10:00am - 11:00am
East Side Library Lawn
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Library Lawn
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational, Storytimes
Event Details:
Kids and caregivers! Come to the East Side Library parking lot to get a close-up look at a City of Des Moines Street Sweeper and Dump Truck! Visitors can learn from a community helper from the Public Works Department about how they use...

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.

Learn to Slay: Intro to Dungeons & Dragons

1:00pm - 2:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational, Gaming
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 30
Event Details:
Have you ever wanted to slay a dragon, raid a dungeon treasure room, or even save a village from an evil bandit horde? Always wanted to play Dungeons & Dragons, but didn’t know where to start? Join us as we learn the basics of how to get start...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Juneteenth Scavenger Hunt

All Day 6/17 - 6/18
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.  ...

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.