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 Event Newsletter - November 2025

Click the full screen button in the lower right corner to expand the size of the newsletter.

Upcoming Events

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

Snowman Scavenger Hunt!

All Day 12/15–12/23
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Library Branch: South Side Library
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

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!

This event is in the "Teens" group

VolunTeen Drop-In Hour

4:00pm–5:00pm
Teens
Library Branch: South Side Library
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 "Adults" group

South Side Book Discussion: Clean

2:00pm–3:00pm
Adults
South Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

Join us for South Side's Monthly Book Discussion! 

This month we're reading Clean by Alia Trabucco Zeran!

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

ASAP Thursdays: Creative Movement

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:

Let’s move! Join an ASAP teaching artist for fun movement and dance games, learn choreography, and get active. A snack will be provided for all participants. December 4, 11, 18.

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

Holiday Puzzle Exchange!

2:00pm–3:00pm
Adults
South Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Love puzzles? Have puzzles at home that you've done and loved but won't do again? This month we're looking at holiday themed puzzles!

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.