Warming Centers

All DMPL locations are serving as warming centers during open hours. DART will provide free rides to designated warming center locations while the Extreme Temperature Plan is in effect.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Closing

All Des Moines Public Library Locations will be closed on Monday, January 19 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The Forest Avenue Library will be open from 3:30-5 PM for the DMPL's annual MLK Day celebration. The Central Library will be open only as a warming center from 9 AM-5 PM on Monday.

Event List

Filters
Age Group

Franklin VolunTeens

Monday, March 9, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Library Meeting
Age Group:
Teens

Are you looking for a great place to volunteer? Become a volunteen and help with library projects and programs.

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

Are you looking for a great place to volunteer? Become a volunteen and help with library projects and programs.

Catapult Launchers with STEAM STARZ!

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Explore forces, motion, and energy transfer in action as families design, build, and launch their own mini catapults.

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Computers & Technology, Educational
Event Details:

Explore forces, motion, and energy transfer in action as families design, build, and launch their own mini catapults.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

chess club

Chess Club

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Gaming
Age Group:
Children, Teens

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.

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

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.

Text reads: "Noche de Juegos: Game Night - 2nd Tuesday of each month from 6-7 PM"

Noche de Juegos | Game Night

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Gaming
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Join us at Forest Avenue Library for Noche de Juegos—a fun-filled game night for bilingual kids and language learners!

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

Join us at Forest Avenue Library for Noche de Juegos—a fun-filled game night for bilingual kids and language learners!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

ASAP Wednesdays: Fun With Drawing

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Pick up your pencil and let's have fun with lines, shapes, patterns, and color. Each week we'll make a different drawing project to take home. 

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

Pick up your pencil and let's have fun with lines, shapes, patterns, and color. Each week we'll make a different drawing project to take home. 

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

VolunTeen Work Time

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Teens

If you're between the ages of 12-18 and looking for a fun and rewarding volunteer opportunity, give the library a try! We would love to have your help!

Library Branch: Central Library
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

If you're between the ages of 12-18 and looking for a fun and rewarding volunteer opportunity, give the library a try! We would love to have your help!

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.

 

Silentish book club

Silent(ish) Book Club + Crafts

Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 3:30pm - 5:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Teens

✨ Silent(ish) Book Club for Tweens/Teens ✨

🎨 Craft: Clay Magnets  

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

✨ Silent(ish) Book Club for Tweens/Teens ✨

🎨 Craft: Clay Magnets  

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.

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.
ASAP Days

ASAP Days: Watercolor Painting

Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Young artists, here's your chance to learn watercolor painting from a professional artist! Each week focuses on a new skill or technique: blending, texture, color theory, brushstroke technique, and more. Supplies and snacks provided.

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

Young artists, here's your chance to learn watercolor painting from a professional artist! Each week focuses on a new skill or technique: blending, texture, color theory, brushstroke technique, and more. Supplies and snacks provided.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Cricut

Cricut Training

Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Central Library Tech Central at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology
Age Group:
Teens, Adults

Learn how to use the Cricut Maker and Cricut Venture at Tech Central! What is a Cricut?

Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Tech Central
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology
Registration Required
Event Details:

Learn how to use the Cricut Maker and Cricut Venture at Tech Central! What is a Cricut?

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.

 

Book Club Pizza Party : The Eyes and the Impossible

Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 6:00pm - 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.

Pride Craftopia!

Friday, March 13, 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens

Calling all families! 

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Calling all families! 

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.

 

Cancelled: Tween & Teen Ukulele Jam

Friday, March 13, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
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!

Cancelled
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.

Spring Break Slime

Monday, March 16, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Kick off Spring Break at North Side by making your own slime to take home. We will have lots of colors and mix-ins to choose from!

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

Kick off Spring Break at North Side by making your own slime to take home. We will have lots of colors and mix-ins to choose from!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

STEM challenge

Drop-In STEM Challenge : Magnetic Slime

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Join us at Forest for a Magnetic Slime STEM Challenge!

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

Join us at Forest for a Magnetic Slime STEM Challenge!

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.

Black and white logo with "School of Adventure" and an image of various dice positioned to look like mountains.

The Dealt Hand presents School of Adventure: Advanced Placement!

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational, Gaming, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Children, Teens

The town of Hampton is under siege!

Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational, Gaming, Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Event Details:

The town of Hampton is under siege!

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.

 

ASAP Wednesdays: Fun With Drawing

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Pick up your pencil and let's have fun with lines, shapes, patterns, and color. Each week we'll make a different drawing project to take home. 

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

Pick up your pencil and let's have fun with lines, shapes, patterns, and color. Each week we'll make a different drawing project to take home. 

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Teen Chef: Walking Tacos

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Teens

Curious about cooking? Sharpen your kitchen knowledge and learn how to make delicious dishes.

Join us over Spring Break to cook taco meat and chop up toppings to make walking tacos.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Event Details:

Curious about cooking? Sharpen your kitchen knowledge and learn how to make delicious dishes.

Join us over Spring Break to cook taco meat and chop up toppings to make walking tacos.

Disclaimer(s)

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Tween Book Club Pizza Party

Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
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 special Spring Break edition of book club! We will enjoy pizza together while chatting about the graphic novel, This Was Our Pact, by Ryan Andrews.

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 special Spring Break edition of book club! We will enjoy pizza together while chatting about the graphic novel, This Was Our Pact, by Ryan Andrews.

Disclaimer(s)

Age requirement

This program requires participants to be within a specific age range. Please select the correct age/grade when registering. 

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.
ASAP Days

ASAP Days: Watercolor Painting

Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Young artists, here's your chance to learn watercolor painting from a professional artist! Each week focuses on a new skill or technique: blending, texture, color theory, brushstroke technique, and more. Supplies and snacks provided.

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

Young artists, here's your chance to learn watercolor painting from a professional artist! Each week focuses on a new skill or technique: blending, texture, color theory, brushstroke technique, and more. Supplies and snacks provided.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Teen Maker Meetup - Learn to Crochet!

Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Teens

Join us for an introduction to the basics of this popular fiber art! Participants will learn and practice foundational skills in a relaxed setting and receive a crochet hook to keep for continued practice. All materials and snacks provided.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us for an introduction to the basics of this popular fiber art! Participants will learn and practice foundational skills in a relaxed setting and receive a crochet hook to keep for continued practice. All materials and snacks provided.

Disclaimer(s)

Age requirement

This program requires participants to be within a specific age range. Please select the correct age/grade when registering. 

Nerf Challenge!

Monday, March 23, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Gaming, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Teens

Join us for our first ever Nerf Challenge! 

Bring your friends to compete in games and challenges that focus on strategy, teamwork, speed, and accuracy.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Educational, Gaming, Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us for our first ever Nerf Challenge! 

Bring your friends to compete in games and challenges that focus on strategy, teamwork, speed, and accuracy.

Tech Central

Tech Central Open House

Monday, March 23, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Tech Central at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children, Teens, Adults, All Ages

Check out what's new in Central Library's maker lab, Tech Central. From 3D printers to laser cutters, VHS digitizing to t-shirt making, sewing to button making and more! Various crafts and demonstrations available.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Tech Central
Age Group: Children, Teens, Adults, All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational, Play & Learn
Registration Required
Event Details:

Check out what's new in Central Library's maker lab, Tech Central. From 3D printers to laser cutters, VHS digitizing to t-shirt making, sewing to button making and more! Various crafts and demonstrations available.

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.

 

Yogurt Parfait Party

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Make your own afternoon snack at North Side! You will be able to choose from a variety of yogurts and toppings to make your parfait. When you are done, we will have games out for you to enjoy!

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

Make your own afternoon snack at North Side! You will be able to choose from a variety of yogurts and toppings to make your parfait. When you are done, we will have games out for you to enjoy!

Disclaimer(s)

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.
Chess Club

Chess Club

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Gaming
Age Group:
Children, Teens

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.

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

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.