South Side Library

South Side exterior shot

Location Details

Address:
1111 SW Porter Avenue 
Des Moines, IA, 50315

Directions:
Google Maps

Brooke Santillan headshot

Brooke Santillan
Manager 
BASantillan@dmpl.org

Phone:
(515) 283-4152

Book a South Side Library meeting room

In-Person Services
  • 10:00 AM-8:00 PM Monday-Thursday
  • 10:00 AM-6:00 PM Friday
  • 10:00 AM-5:00 PM Saturday
  • Closed Sunday
 

The South Side Library features a wide collection of materials and a large updated children's area: Rosie's Zoo. The teen loft hosts an extensive teen book collection and comfortable seating. Our study rooms have been newly renovated with a focus on creating spaces for conversations and virtual meetings. The South Side Library welcomes community groups to take advantage of its spacious meeting room.

For Volunteer Opportunities: Adult volunteers, please contact Rebecca Cloud - RLCloud@dmpl.org. Teens and kids, please contact Alissa Cornick - ABCornick@dmpl.org.

South Side Library - engage February/March 2026


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Upcoming Events

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

Family Storytime - CANCELED

6:30pm–7:00pm
Birth-Preschool, Children
South Side Meeting Room
Cancelled
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 "Birth-Preschool" group
This event is in the "Children" group

Park-N-Play

10:00am–11:30am
Birth-Preschool, Children
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:

Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Tuesday mornings in the South Side Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys and fun activities for families at no cost.

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

VolunTeen Drop-In Hour

4:00pm–5:00pm
Teens
South Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Earn volunteer hours by assisting with library programs and projects! Teens ages 12 to 18 can drop in any open Wednesday and volunteer for one hour.

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

ASAP Days: Watercolor Painting

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:

Young artists, here's your chance to learn watercolor painting from a professional artist! Each week focuses on a new skill or technique: blending, texture, color theory, brushstroke technique, and more. Supplies and snacks provided.

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

Resources & Guidance for the 2026 Tax Filing Season

6:00pm–7:00pm
Adults
Zoom Meeting Room
Virtual Event
Library Branch: DMPL Systemwide
Room: Zoom Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Filing taxes can be overwhelming when you aren't sure what you need or who can help. Join us via Zoom as Dan Belarmino shares resources and guidance for filing taxes for the 2026 season.