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
Come celebrate the release of Wicked: For Good and the library's Wicked Party by finding all the photos in the Central Youth area. Once you've found them all, stop at the Youth desk to claim your prize!
Disclaimer(s)
Children’s Program
Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
Let us be glad, let us be grateful! Come rejoicify the release of Wicked: For Good at Central Library with a ballyhoo in honor of our two favorite witches. There will be crafts, activities, and a screening of the first film!
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.
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.
When you're learning to read, practicing out loud can be daunting! Visit Central Library to practice reading with an ARL TheraPet. Engaging with animals is a great way to boost confidence and reduce anxiety around learning to read.
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.
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.
Watch the documentary Madan Sara by Haitian journalist Etant Dupain, which highlights the vital role of women in Haiti’s informal economy.
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.
Join us weekly for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.
Disclaimer(s)
Children’s Program
Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
Take a break from your novel and join our flash fiction workshop! Craft a complete story from a prompt in a single session and share it with others.
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.
East Side Library
Visit East Side Library and try our Scavenger Hunt! Drop in and search the library for all of the items on the scavenger hunt sheet and win a prize!
Take a moment to spread kindness!
Visit our Thank you Letter Station to write and decorate a thank-you note for someone special. It can be for family, friends, teachers, or anyone you appreciate.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
🎂Come and celebrate Miss Nichole's Birthday at Storytime! 🎂
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.
Join us for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.
No parking on the dancefloor—show us your moves and learn some new ones in this fun and active class! Snack provided for all participants. November 11, 18, 25
Supplies and snacks provided.
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.
Calling all craft lovers and bookworms! Decorate your own 3D-printed mini bookshelf in this hands-on program. Channel cozy cottage vibes, dark academia, or your favorite fandom as you create a unique display.
Forest Avenue Library
Native American Stories & Lifestyles with Eugene Fracek
Learn about Native American stories and lifestyles with Native American CultureALL Ambassador Eugene Fracek.
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.
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.
Join other women who are practicing their English in this casual conversation group. We will chat, share coffee, and learn together in this group moderated by a Forest Avenue Library staff member.
Join the Friends of the Forest Avenue Library for the monthly meeting at Forest Avenue Library!
Craft Night at the Forest Avenue Library is a great place to spend time with friends, meet new people, and enjoy a fun activity. Each month will focus on a new craft, and supplies will be provided.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
Franklin Avenue Library
November's film selection is Stranger Than Fiction (2006), a quirky comedy directed by Marc Forster and starring Will Ferrell and Emma Thompson.
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.
Creative Readers with children's author Victor D.O. Santos
Have you ever noticed how the world is full of quirky people? Come join acclaimed children's author Victor D.O. Santos for a reading of his fun new book People Are Weird followed by a craft related to the book.
Disclaimer(s)
Children’s Program
Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
Join Miss Donna for this fun filled story time! Together we will enjoy stories, songs, and more, all selected to engage your active toddler. Ages 18 months to 3 years old.
Disclaimer(s)
Children’s Program
Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
Curious about cooking? Sharpen your kitchen knowledge and learn how to make delicious dishes.
On November 19, learn how to make mini pies for the holidays.
Registration is required due to limited supplies.
Disclaimer(s)
Food Allergies
Stop by Franklin Ave Library and learn how to use DMPL’s digital resources like Libby, Consumer Reports, Kanopy, and newspapers.
North Side Library
Preschoolers and their caregivers can enjoy stories, rhymes, music, and learn school readiness skills. Afterwards, we will enjoy free-play together.
Babies, toddlers, and their caregivers can join us on Tuesdays for rhymes, songs, lap bounces, and a story.
This program is recommended for children from birth to 24 months of age.
Friends of the North Side Library Meeting. New members always welcome.
This month we will be reading and discussing The Book of Delights by Ross Gay. Copies of the book are available at the North Side Library.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
Food Allergies
Join our Tween and Teen Chef program to sharpen your kitchen skills and create delicious dishes. This session focuses on pancakes - transform a simple box mix into a gourmet treat with a variety of mix-ins and toppings!
Disclaimer(s)
Food Allergies
Choose a recipe from Half-Baked Harvest, prepare it at home, and bring it to the library for a community potluck.
Disclaimer(s)
Food Allergies
South Side Library
Visit South Side Library for a fun Scavenger Hunt! Search the library for all of the items on the scavenger hunt sheet, and turn it in to win a prize!
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.
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.
Come to South Side for an hour of sensory exploration!
Disclaimer(s)
Children’s Program
Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
Show off your Five Nights at Freddy’s knowledge at South Side Library! Join a friendly trivia competition covering the FNAF books, games, and movie, and see how you stack up against fellow fans. For Ages 8 and up.
Disclaimer(s)
Children’s Program
Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
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.