Welcome to the new engage
engage, the Des Moines Public Library's bi-monthly event publication, is now available exclusively online. With events separated into kids, teen, and adult sections, it's never been easier to browse and see what fun things are coming up at the library. Plus, check out the bottom of the page to see what's happening at your branch!
Be sure to download the .pdfs to save them to your computer so you can browse them easily and quickly - or just bookmark this page and come back often! You can also always check out our events calendar for a full listing of programs coming up.
Kid Programs
Teen Programs
Adult Programs
Upcoming Events at Your Library
Central Library
Wildflowers are not only beautiful; they are super important for animals and insects! Learn to identify a few common Iowa wildflowers, then go outside and see if you can find them for real!
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.
Need help with a phone, laptop, or tablet, or another electronic device? Drop-in to the Central Library at 2PM on Thursdays and our staff will work with you to figure things out.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
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.
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.
Dungeons & Dragons is a role-playing game set in worlds of swords and sorcery where players use their imaginations to tell a story and create an adventure together. We usually get together on the third Thursday of each month to play, but
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.
The Des Moines Public Library is partnering with area organizations to connect people with community resources. Community advocates will provide information about community resources like meal sites and shelters.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
Calling all poets to Freedom in Freeform.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
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.
East Side Library
This month's artist: Amanda Rhodes
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
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.
Join Rosario Manzano for an insightful session on Medicare Savings Programs, focusing on Elderly Waivers and the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
🌎🏡 What does your home look like? Let’s build a community together! Join our Take & Make: Build Our Community project!
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
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.
Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy introductory stories, songs, music, and movement! For ages 18 months to 36 months.
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.
Learn step-by-step how to create and manage your Social Security online account in this engaging, practical session led by Rosario Manzano.
Join us for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.
Forest Avenue Library
Join the Friends of the Forest Avenue Library for the monthly meeting at Forest Avenue Library! The meeting will be from 4:30-6:00pm.
Join us at the Forest Avenue Library for Craft Night! This month you will make a macrame air plant holder.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
Join us for a drop-in craft project at Forest! Use the supplies and provided instructions to make leaf impression clay dishes. Stop by anytime between 1-5pm. Ages 6+.
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.
For those looking for basic computer help come to the Forest Avenue Library. We will provide individual assistance with creating an email, polishing a resume, typing a document, or applying for a job.
Join teaching artist Courtney Work to build your own personal collection of paintings. Each week will focus on a new theme or subject.
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.
Movie is rated PG. Popcorn and activities provided.
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.
Franklin Avenue Library
African American Museum of Iowa's Mapping Exclusion: Redlining in Iowa Exhibit
Join us at the Franklin Avenue Library for Mapping Exclusion: Redlining in Iowa. This exhibit from the African American Museum of Iowa explores the impact of housing discrimination and segregation in the state of Iowa.
Visit the library and find all of the pictures hiding in the Children's Area.
African American Museum of Iowa's Mapping Exclusion: Redlining in Iowa Exhibit
Join us at the Franklin Avenue Library for Mapping Exclusion: Redlining in Iowa. This exhibit from the African American Museum of Iowa explores the impact of housing discrimination and segregation in the state of Iowa.
Des Moines Metro Opera Preview - The Flying Dutchman
Des Moines Metro Opera opens its 2025 season with the return of Richard Wagner’s epic ghost story, The Flying Dutchman. Join DMMO Preview Lecturer, Joshua Borths, for an in-depth look
PLEASE NOTE: NOW ON THE FIRST MONDY OF THE MONTH! Bring your young ones to our Little Explorers program, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different sensory activities. No Registration is Required.
Disclaimer(s)
Children’s Program
Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
Babies and their caregivers can join Miss Jennifer on Tuesdays for rhymes, songs, bounces, and a story followed by a short playtime.
Disclaimer(s)
Children’s Program
Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
North Side Library
Unleash your creativity and turn plain old cardboard into something extraordinary! Each week, you'll take on a new challenge, transforming everyday materials into imaginative works of art.
Disclaimer(s)
Children’s Program
Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
Compre. Coma. Viva Saludable (Buy. Eat. Live Healthy)
Aprenda a hacer recetas fáciles, nutritivas y baratas con una instructora de Iowa State University - Extension. Durante esta clase de 8 semanas, aprenderá a:
Ahorrar dinero: comprar y gastar menos en sus alimentos.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
Food Allergies
Staff from the Evelyn K Davis Center for Working Families are ready to provide one-on-one job search and resume assistance to job seekers.
Unleash your creativity and turn plain old cardboard into something extraordinary! Each week, you'll take on a new challenge, transforming everyday materials into imaginative works of art.
Disclaimer(s)
Children’s Program
Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
Compre. Coma. Viva Saludable (Buy. Eat. Live Healthy)
Aprenda a hacer recetas fáciles, nutritivas y baratas con una instructora de Iowa State University - Extension. Durante esta clase de 8 semanas, aprenderá a:
Ahorrar dinero: comprar y gastar menos en sus alimentos.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
Food Allergies
History of Juneteenth: Remember Our History, Release the Past, and Reshape Our Future
Juneteenth is more than a celebration; it is a pivotal chapter in American history.
South Side Library
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!
Earn volunteer hours by helping out with library programs and projects! Teens ages 12 to 18 can drop in any Wednesday we are open and volunteer for one hour.
Explore creativity, build confidence, and connect with others through games, movement, and improvisation.
Disclaimer(s)
Children’s Program
Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
Children ages 0-5 and their caregivers can engage in open play, come and go activities at South.
Disclaimer(s)
Children’s Program
Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
Teens - earn volunteer hours this summer at South Side Library! Students ages 12-18 may apply to volunteer by submitting a VolunTeens Application and waiver, signed by a parent/guardian.
Teens - earn volunteer hours this summer at South Side Library! Students ages 12-18 may apply to volunteer by submitting a VolunTeens Application and waiver, signed by a parent/guardian.