Adventure Pass temporarily shut down in 2025

Due to software issues affecting all libraries using the service, the Iowa Adventure Pass program will temporarily shut down in 2025. Any reservation already made for 2025 will be honored, but we encourage anyone with a current reservation to print those passes immediately. Customers can still make new reservations for passes that must be used by December 31, 2024. The service will return at a later time. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Weather update for 12/14/2024

All locations of the Des Moines Public Library will be open normal hours Saturday, December 14, and all locations will serve as emergency warming shelters during open hours. 

Soap Powered Boat

Program Type:

Play & Learn

Age Group:

Birth-Preschool, Children
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.

Event Details

Join Miss Jennifer as she shows everyone how to make a boat that runs on soap.

Supplies you will need:

  • Thin styrofoam (from a meat tray or egg carton) or thin, non-corrugated cardboard
  • Pan or tray filled with water
  • Liquid dish soap
  • Q-tips

This experiment demonstrates how soap affects the surface tension of water.

Link