All DMPL locations are warming centers

All DMPL locations are serving as warming centers during open hours. DART will be providing free rides to designated warming centers through Friday, December 5. Learn more about additional warming centers.

Event List

Age Group
Age Group
Program Type
Library Branch
Ongoing Events
Registration Type

Primary tabs

This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Teens" group

Nintendo Switch Party!

Monday, December 29, 2025 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Join us for a Nintendo Switch Party! We will have games like Mario Kart 8 & Super Mario Bros. Ultimate. Feel free to bring your own Switch or share the library’s controllers.

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Join us for a Nintendo Switch Party! We will have games like Mario Kart 8 & Super Mario Bros. Ultimate. Feel free to bring your own Switch or share the library’s controllers.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.

This event is in the "Children" group

Park-N-Play

Monday, December 29, 2025 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children

Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Monday afternoons in the East Side Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost.

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Monday afternoons in the East Side Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost.

This event is in the "Children" group

Spoonful of Sugar: Mary Poppins Movie with Hot Cocoa Bar

Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Movies
Age Group:
Children

Wear your pajamas and slippers, bring your blanket and stuffy, and join us for a cozy showing of the original Mary Poppins! We'll have a craft and hot cocoa bar!

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:

Wear your pajamas and slippers, bring your blanket and stuffy, and join us for a cozy showing of the original Mary Poppins! We'll have a craft and hot cocoa bar!

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.

 

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.
This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Teens" group

Tween Book Club

Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Tweens and teens ages 10-14 can join us for a book club on the last Tuesday of the month.

Registration Required
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Book Clubs
Registration Required
Event Details:

Tweens and teens ages 10-14 can join us for a book club on the last Tuesday of the month.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.

This event is in the "Children" group

New Year's Eve Goodie Bags

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 9:00am - 5:00pm
Central Library Children’s Area at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children

Celebrate the upcoming year by grabbing a New Year's goodie bag at the Central youth desk! One per child, while supplies last.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Health & Wellness, Play & Learn
Event Details:

Celebrate the upcoming year by grabbing a New Year's goodie bag at the Central youth desk! One per child, while supplies last.

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.

This event is in the "Children" group

LEGO Open Play

Friday, January 2, 2026 at 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children

Join us in the Forest Meeting Room where building blocks will be available for open play! Use your imagination to build your ideas or use the STEM-challenge prompts and building guides to bring ideas to life. Drop-in anytime between 12-5pm.

Cancelled
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Join us in the Forest Meeting Room where building blocks will be available for open play! Use your imagination to build your ideas or use the STEM-challenge prompts and building guides to bring ideas to life. Drop-in anytime between 12-5pm.

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.

This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Teens" group

Tween & Teen Ukulele Jam

Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Educational, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Ukulele players of all skill levels can jam together at North Side! Take your ukulele skills to the next level, have fun jamming to some old favorite songs and learn new songs along the way!

Registration Required
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Event Details:

Ukulele players of all skill levels can jam together at North Side! Take your ukulele skills to the next level, have fun jamming to some old favorite songs and learn new songs along the way!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.

This event is in the "Children" group

I Spy: Bad Guys 2

All Day 1/5 - 1/18
Central Library Children’s Area at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children

Come find pictures of your favorite Bad Guys 2 characters in the Central Youth area. Once you've found them all, stop at the Youth desk to claim your prize!

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Come find pictures of your favorite Bad Guys 2 characters 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.

This event is in the "Children" group

Park-N-Play

Monday, January 5, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children

Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Monday afternoons in the East Side Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost.

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Monday afternoons in the East Side Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost.

This event is in the "Children" group

ASAP Mondays : Now We're Cooking!

Monday, January 5, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children

Aprons on, culinary kids! Kids will team up with an ASAP teaching artist to make a new delicious recipe each week. All supplies and snacks are provided, making this a fun and flavorful hands-on experience for young chefs.

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Aprons on, culinary kids! Kids will team up with an ASAP teaching artist to make a new delicious recipe each week. All supplies and snacks are provided, making this a fun and flavorful hands-on experience for young chefs.

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.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group
This event is in the "Children" group

Family Storytime

Monday, January 5, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children

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!

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

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.

This event is in the "Children" group

Movie Watch Party

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Movies
Age Group:
Children

After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, a strong-willed girl journeys with her crew to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she has ever faced.

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:

After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, a strong-willed girl journeys with her crew to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she has ever faced.

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.

This event is in the "Children" group

ASAP Tuesdays: Fantastical Art

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children

Use your fantastic imagination to create castles, fairy houses, dragon eggs and more with a professional ASAP artist. A snack will be provided for all participants.

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Use your fantastic imagination to create castles, fairy houses, dragon eggs and more with a professional ASAP artist. A snack will be provided for all participants.

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.

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.

This event is in the "Children" group

Creative Readers Special-Dog Man The Musical Ticket Giveaway

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children
Dog Man, the musical, is coming to Des Moines! We will celebrate Dog Man author Dav Pilkey with a reading of his book Dog Breath, followed by a craft and activities in the children's area.
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:
Dog Man, the musical, is coming to Des Moines! We will celebrate Dog Man author Dav Pilkey with a reading of his book Dog Breath, followed by a craft and activities in the children's area.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.

This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Teens" group

Game On!

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children, Teens

It's game on after school at North Side! Hang out in the meeting room with snacks and a wide variety of games. Play Nintendo Switch on the big screen, or enjoy checkers, Connect 4, Exploding Kittens, and more!

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

It's game on after school at North Side! Hang out in the meeting room with snacks and a wide variety of games. Play Nintendo Switch on the big screen, or enjoy checkers, Connect 4, Exploding Kittens, and more!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.

This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Teens" group

ASAP Wednesdays: Air-Dry Clay Creations

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Get hands-on with air-dry clay and create a miniature masterpiece to take home each week. A professional ASAP teaching artist leads this fun, creative class, and a snack is provided for every participant.

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Event Details:

Get hands-on with air-dry clay and create a miniature masterpiece to take home each week. A professional ASAP teaching artist leads this fun, creative class, and a snack is provided for every participant.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.

This event is in the "Children" group

Science Wednesdays: LEGO Race Cars

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children

Use your engineering skills to design and build a car out of LEGOs and test it on our racetrack.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational
Registration Required
Event Details:

Use your engineering skills to design and build a car out of LEGOs and test it on our racetrack.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group
This event is in the "Children" group

Art Cart

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 4:00pm - 7:30pm
North Side Children’s Area at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children

Get creative at North Side! Drop-in on Wednesdays to enjoy our large cart of art supplies.

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Get creative at North Side! Drop-in on Wednesdays to enjoy our large cart of art supplies.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.

This event is in the "Children" group

Park-N-Play

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children

Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Thursday mornings in the Franklin Avenue Library meeting room.

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Thursday mornings in the Franklin Avenue Library meeting room.

This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Teens" group

ASAP Thursdays: Art Adventures

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens

This class celebrates the process of artmaking as much as the final piece. Each week offers new techniques and mediums that create true art adventures. An ASAP teaching artist leads the class and supports every young creator.

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

This class celebrates the process of artmaking as much as the final piece. Each week offers new techniques and mediums that create true art adventures. An ASAP teaching artist leads the class and supports every young creator.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.

This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Teens" group

Book Club Pizza Party

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 6:15pm - 7:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Join us at Forest for a book club and pizza party just for tweens! Each month features a new book exploring different genres, formats, and topics.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Book Clubs
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us at Forest for a book club and pizza party just for tweens! Each month features a new book exploring different genres, formats, and topics.

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.

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.
This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "All Ages" group

Red Riding Hood Sneak Preview

Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Performances
Age Group:
Children, All Ages

Visit the library for a special sneak preview of the Des Moines Community Playhouse production of Red Riding Hood: Both Sides of the Story based on the classic fairy tale.

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, All Ages
Program Type: Performances
Event Details:

Visit the library for a special sneak preview of the Des Moines Community Playhouse production of Red Riding Hood: Both Sides of the Story based on the classic fairy tale.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group
This event is in the "Children" group

Winter Whimsy Take-and-Makes!

All Day
South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational, Play & Learn, Take & Make
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children

Stop by South Side Library and pick up a Take-and-Make bag full of fun activities and crafts!

While Supplies Last

 

Library Branch: South Side Library
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, Play & Learn, Take & Make
Event Details:

Stop by South Side Library and pick up a Take-and-Make bag full of fun activities and crafts!

While Supplies Last

 

This event is in the "Children" group

Park-N-Play

Monday, January 12, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children

Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Monday afternoons in the East Side Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost.

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Monday afternoons in the East Side Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost.