Every week enjoy a different drop-in craft for our littlest readers. From paper bag puppets to process-based art, these activities will help kids combine learning and play using the five simple steps of literacy: read,
Adventure Pass Changes in 2025
Due to software issues affecting all libraries using the service, the Des Moines Public Library’s Iowa Adventure Pass program will no longer be available 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 make new reservations for passes that must be used by December 31, 2024. We hope to reintroduce the service at a later time, and we apologize for the inconvenience.
Listen to silly stories, meet adorable puppet friends and move to fun songs! Join Miss Becky on the Forest Avenue Library lawn for Family Storytime at 10:00 A.M.!
Disclaimer(s)
Children’s Program
Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
Storytime Disclaimer (2021)
Masks are encouraged for attendees 2 years and older. Please observe social distancing when possible and visit us another day if you or your child are not feeling well.
Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy introductory stories, songs, music, and movement with Samantha. For youth ages 18 months to 36 months.
Staff from the Financial Empowerment Center and Evelyn K Davis Center for Working Families are ready to provide one-on-one job search and resume assistance to job seekers.
Disclaimer(s)
Indoor Program (2021)
This program is hosted indoors. Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.
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.
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.
Indoor Program (2021)
This program is hosted indoors. Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.
Storytime Disclaimer (2021)
Masks are encouraged for attendees 2 years and older. Please observe social distancing when possible and visit us another day if you or your child are not feeling well.
Drop in between noon and 7:30 to build with Legos!
It’s never too late to feel comfortable with a computer. Every Wednesday at the Central Library, staff will answer your questions about computer basics like using a mouse, typing, email, document creation and more. 
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.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.
Central Library's VolunTeen team will meet to do projects that help the library and the community! All volunteers must fill out an application and waiver before volunteering at the library. Ages 12-18.
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.
Indoor Program (2021)
This program is hosted indoors. Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.
CANCELADA | CANCELLED - Computación Básica para Adultos | Computer Basics for Adults (in Spanish)
Aprenda a usar la computadora, navegar la red, y usar varios servicios y programas digitales. Para gente adulta (edades 18+). No necesita apartar lugar. Se requiere seguir las sugerencias del CDC para prevenir el contagio de COVID-19.
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.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.
Indoor Program (2021)
This program is hosted indoors. Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.
Enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes for the whole family! Afterwards, we will enjoy a craft or open play together.
Disclaimer(s)
Children’s Program
Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
Indoor Program (2021)
This program is hosted indoors. Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.
Storytime Disclaimer (2021)
Masks are encouraged for attendees 2 years and older. Please observe social distancing when possible and visit us another day if you or your child are not feeling well.
Learn about butterflies and plants with Joel from Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department! The first part of the program will involve learning about what pollinators need so they can survive and why they are so important to people.
Disclaimer(s)
Inclement Weather
This program is hosted outdoors. In case of inclement weather please check back here for updates.