All DMPL locations are warming centers

All DMPL locations are serving as warming centers during open hours. DART will be providing free rides to designated warming centers through Friday, December 5. Learn more about additional warming centers.

DMPL Community Fridges

Franklin fridge

The Des Moines Public Library is proud to now be the site of four community refrigerators and pantries. Details and donation guidelines for each:

Central Library

The Central Library Community Fridge is located in the breezeway of the north entrance off of Grand Avenue. It is open to the public for donations and pickups Monday-Sunday during the library's open hours.

Donation Guidelines

  • Fresh produce, bread, pasta, grains, and non-expired dairy products
  • Pre-packaged or individually wrapped items
  • Standard pantry items are accepted: rice, dry beans, canned goods, oatmeal, pasta, etc.
  • No frozen items
  • Sign-in is not required to donate or pick up food.

East Side Library

The East Side Pantry is located in the East Side Library's gateway. It is open to the public (for donations and pickups) Monday through Saturday during the library's open hours.

Donation Guidelines

  • Non-perishables only please - read, grains, dry beans, canned goods, cereal & oatmeal, pasta, flour, and other
  • No sign-in required to donate or pick up food.

Forest Avenue Library

The Forest Community Fridge is located inside the building, right of the entrance of the Forest Avenue Library (1326 Forest Avenue). It is open to the public (for donations and pickups) Monday through Saturday during the library's open hours.

Donation Guidelines
Monday through Sunday during operating hours

  • Perishables: fresh produce, eggs, meat, prepacked meals, and dairy products
  • Non-perishables: bread, grains, dry beans, canned goods, cereal & oatmeal, pasta, flour, and other standard pantry items
  • Plastic and Paper Bags are also accepted

Franklin Avenue Library

The Franklin Community Fridge is located inside the east entrance of Franklin Avenue Library, 5000 Franklin Avenue. It is open to the public (for donations and pickups) Monday through Sunday during the library's open hours.

Donation Guidelines
Monday through Sunday during operating hours

  • Perishables: fresh produce, eggs, meat, prepacked meals, and dairy products
  • Non-perishables: bread, grains, dry beans, canned goods, cereal & oatmeal, pasta, flour, and other standard pantry items
  • Sign-in is not required to donate or pick up food

South Side Library

The South Side Library Fridge is now located inside South Side Library, 1111 SW Porter Ave. It is open to the public Monday through Saturday during the library's open hours.

NOTE: The South Side freezer is currently not operational. The fridge cannot accept frozen donations at this time. 

Donation Guidelines:

  • Perishables: fresh produce, eggs, meat, prepacked meals, and non-expired dairy products
  • Non perishables: rice, dry beans, canned goods, oatmeal, pasta, etc.
  • Small donations can be dropped off at any time. If you have a larger quantity of items please coordinate with our staff to ensure we have space for your donation, as we do have limited space in the fridge and freezer.