Event List

Join us for a drop-in craft project at Forest! Use the supplies and provided instructions to make a woven tapestry from yarn and a cardboard loom that you can take home. Stop by an...

Visit the library for a special sneak preview of the Des Moines Community Playhouse production of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: the Musical based on the hugely popular series of books...

See tiny masterpieces created by Des Moines Public Library patrons!Come in to see your mini-masterpiece on display in the art gallery! Check out other artists' creations and celebr...

Join us for our annual celebration in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Our keynote speaker is a well-known community leader, business owner, voting rights activist, multi...

Join us for a drop-in event for all ages. Come in, grab warm drink and a snack, get cozy, and choose from a variety of games or puzzles to play with friends!

Calling all Rainbow Families!Let's get together for an afternoon of games! Central Library and Central Iowa Rainbow Families invite you to have fun together and meet new friends in...

In celebration of Black History Month, please join us every Wednesday in February as we host a watch party, viewing Iowa PBS' Telling Our Own Story.  This collection of four s...

Join us for a drop-in event for all ages. Come in, grab warm drink and a snack, get cozy, and choose from a variety of games or puzzles to play with friends!

All aboard! Trains are taking over the Central Library this weekend! Visit the library to see a huge model train display set up by the DesMoiNTrak modular railroad club. The N scal...

The Central Kid Librarians have created art depicting what they love about books and about the library. Join us to celebrate library kids and check out their masterpieces!Light ref...

All aboard! Trains are taking over the Central Library this weekend! Visit the library to see a huge model train display set up by the DesMoiNTrak modular railroad club. The N scal...

Join us for a heartwarming and creative evening at the library! The Animal Rescue League (ARL) is bringing their delightful TheraPets to help lift your spirits and provide some muc...

In celebration of Black History Month, please join us every Wednesday in February as we host a watch party, viewing Iowa PBS' Telling Our Own Story.  This collection of four s...

In celebration of Black History Month, please join us every Wednesday in February as we host a watch party, viewing Iowa PBS' Telling Our Own Story.  This collection of four s...

Traditional Publishing 101Make it your New Year's resolution to learn about how to get published! Local author Lin Thompson will walk you through the steps of the traditional publi...

Join us for the third DMPL Storytelling Festival! Experience the oral tradition of storytelling at this all-day event. Enjoy stories, family-friendly activities and more! Featured ...

Love playing board games or putting together puzzles? Stop by the South Side Meeting Room to play a selection of provided board games and puzzles or invite a group and bring y...

Description TBDCrossroads: A Journey with the Blues – A History of the Blues 

In celebration of Black History Month, please join us every Wednesday in February as we host a watch party, viewing Iowa PBS' Telling Our Own Story.  This collection of four s...

Join us for a drop-in event for all ages. Come in, grab warm drink and a snack, get cozy, and choose from a variety of games or puzzles to play with friends!

Join us for a drop-in event for all ages. Come in, grab warm drink and a snack, get cozy, and choose from a variety of games or puzzles to play with friends!

🦎Join us for an exciting adventure into the wild world of exotic animals! Professor Bechtel, teaches at Wartbug College and is bringing his fascinating creatures to the library, in...

Anyone can grow their own veggies, and it's time to start planning for your summer garden! Whether you've got space in your yard or a sunny spot by a window, this drop-in prog...

Love playing board games or putting together puzzles? Stop by the South Side Meeting Room to play a selection of provided board games and puzzles or invite a group and bring y...