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,
Join Des Moines Public Library for a special Storytime with DART! This week's storytime will have a special guest reader from DART (Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority).
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.
Join Miss Janee for a fun filled storytime! Caregivers can enjoy stories, songs, wiggles 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.
Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy introductory stories, songs, music, and movement with Samantha. For youth ages 18 months to 36 months.
Join us outside on the Forest Ave Library's lawn for Everystep's Healthy Start Program! These educational events are for children and families and include experienced staff providing referrals to community resources, Information about health
Disclaimer(s)
Inclement Weather
This program is hosted outdoors. In case of inclement weather please check back here for updates.
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.
Love anime and manga? Want to nerd out about it with other people who love it, too? Then join us for the Teen Anime/Manga Meetup! We’ll get together and discuss all things anime and manga, do crafts, play games, watch anime, and more!
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.
Is it magic or is it science? We will be doing science activities and experiments that are almost like magic.
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.
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.
Teens! Do you need volunteer hours? Students ages 12-18 may volunteer at the Forest Avenue Library for 1 hour performing various tasks during our VolunTeens program. This is a great way to earn volunteer hours!
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.
What's the "spark" that shaped the lives of our local leaders?