Location Details
Address:
1326 Forest Ave
Des Moines, IA, 50314
Directions:
Google Maps
Marli Jefferson
Manager
MNJefferson@dmpl.org
Phone:
(515) 248-6265
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 Forest Avenue Library features an extensive Foreign Language collection, including materials in Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese, and Karen. The library also provides computers to access language learning materials, including Mango.
Children will be delighted with Rosie's Forest, the library’s early literacy center, which includes artwork done by Sticks and a wide variety of early literacy stations where children can come to learn and play.
Located in a vibrant neighborhood, the Forest Avenue Library welcomes community groups and individuals to use our meeting spaces and take advantage of everything the library has to offer.
Upcoming Events
Become a Pokémon master at the Des Moines Public Library! We’re celebrating the 30th anniversary of Pokémon with a systemwide scavenger hunt.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
Get creative and give plain old cardboard exciting new life! Each week will present a different challenge to transform something ordinary into something extraordinary. Snack provided for all participants.
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.
Stop by the Forest Avenue Library to pick up a copy of this month's title, Good Night, Irene by Luis Alberto Urrea.
Join the fun at Chess Club! Chess is one of the world's most popular games and is played by millions of people worldwide. This is a drop-in program where resources will be available to learn to play or come to test your skills with other players.
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.
Listen to silly stories, sing songs, dance to music, and make art! Join Miss Emily for Family Storytime every Wednesday morning at 10:15 AM. Designed for children ages 0–5, this storytime welcomes all ages to join in the fun.
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.
Cuentacuentos: Bilingual Storytime
Enjoy children's stories, rhymes, and arts & crafts! Join us at the Forest Avenue Library for a bilingual story hour on the fourth Thursday of each month, starting at 6:15 P.M.
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.
Bring your littles to our Play and Learn Group, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different play equipment, toys, and sensory activities.
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.