Event List

Age Group
Age Group
Program Type
Library Branch
Ongoing Events
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This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.

Preschool Storytime

Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 10:30am - 11:00am
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Preschoolers and their caregivers can enjoy stories, rhymes, music, and learn school readiness skills. Afterwards, we will enjoy free-play together.

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

Preschoolers and their caregivers can enjoy stories, rhymes, music, and learn school readiness skills. Afterwards, we will enjoy free-play together.

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.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Glowforge Training

Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Central Library Tech Central at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Learn how to use the Glowforge Plus Laser Engraver at Tech Central! This program takes the place of the 1 on 1 Glowforge tutorial, so you will be fully qualified to book and use th...

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Tech Central
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational
Required
Seats Remaining: 4
Event Details:

Learn how to use the Glowforge Plus Laser Engraver at Tech Central! This program takes the place of the 1 on 1 Glowforge tutorial, so you will be fully qualified to book and use the Glowforge on your own after this program. 

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.

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

ASAP Thursdays: Mosaics!

Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

A mosaic is a picture produced by arranging small pieces of stone, tile, or other material. At ASAP Thursdays this month at South Side Library, we will learn to make our own mosaic...

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

A mosaic is a picture produced by arranging small pieces of stone, tile, or other material.

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 "Adults" group.

Gardening with Native Plants Meet-Up

Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 5:30pm - 7:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Connect with others interested in environmentally friendly gardens. The focus is on native plants which foster and nourish wildlife. Come to learn and to share your favorite garden...

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Connect with others interested in environmentally friendly gardens. The focus is on native plants which foster and nourish wildlife.

This event is in the "Children" group.

Pixel Art Creations

Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Discover pixel art in this fun and creative workshop! Learn how to design simple characters and scenes, using grids, paper, and stickers to build colorful physical and digital mast...

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

Discover pixel art in this fun and creative workshop! Learn how to design simple characters and scenes, using grids, paper, and stickers to build colorful physical and digital masterpieces.

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 "Adults" group.

Reading on the Margins Book Discussion

Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Reading on the Margins Holiday Snack Potluck. 

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

Reading on the Margins Holiday Snack Potluck. 

This event is in the "All Ages" group.

Children’s Author Visit: Don Tate

Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Forest Avenue Children’s Area at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Author Visits, Book Sales
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Please join us for a very special event featuring Des Moines native Don Tate!   Don Tate is an award-winning illustrator of critically acclaimed books for children, in...

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Author Visits, Book Sales
Event Details:

Please join us for a very special event featuring Des Moines native Don Tate!  

This event is in the "Children" group.

LEGO Fridays

Friday, December 13, 2024 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Beat the boredom on Fridays by visiting the library and using your imagination to create amazing things with our LEGOs.

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

Beat the boredom on Fridays by visiting the library and using your imagination to create amazing things with our LEGOs.

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

Art Cart

Friday, December 13, 2024 at 10:00am - 5:00pm
North Side Children’s Area at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Event Details:

Get creative at North Side and enjoy our cart of arts and crafts supplies!

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

Get creative at North Side and enjoy our cart of arts and crafts 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.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Our Solar System: Four Billion Miles of Wow!

Friday, December 13, 2024 at 11:00am - 11:45am
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Learn some of the amazing facts about our local neighborhood in space with NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Dan Hoy. This will be a 30-minute journey from the Sun to Pluto, followe...

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

Learn some of the amazing facts about our local neighborhood in space with NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Dan Hoy.

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 "Adults" group.

The Outreach Project

Friday, December 13, 2024 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

The Des Moines Public Library is partnering with area organizations to connect people with community resources. Community advocates will provide information about community re...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

The Des Moines Public Library is partnering with area organizations to connect people with community resources. Community advocates will provide information about community resources like meal sites and shelters.

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

Drop-in Crafternoon: Perler Beads!

Friday, December 13, 2024 at 1:00pm - 6:00pm
East Side Children’s Area at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Come to the library and create a design with perler beads and we will iron it for you to take home!

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Come to the library and create a design with perler beads and we will iron it for you to take home!

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 "All Ages" group.

Taylor Swift Party!

Friday, December 13, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Calling all Swifties! Come make the friendship bracelets, and decorate a photograph to hang on your wall, Superstar. We will have a variety of crafts, activities, and raffle p...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Calling all Swifties!

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.

This event is in the "Children" group.

Art Cart Saturdays

Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
East Side Children’s Area at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Stop in the library for fun arts and crafts with our Art Cart! While supplies last. Adult supervision is required. 

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

Stop in the library for fun arts and crafts with our Art Cart! While supplies last. Adult supervision is required. 

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.

This event is in the "Children" group.

Art Cart-Horse Ornament Craft

Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Celebrate national Horse Day with us in the children's area! Come and join in the joy of honoring these magnificent creatures by creating your very own horse ornament to cherish an...

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Celebrate national Horse Day with us in the children's area! Come and join in the joy of honoring these magnificent creatures by creating your very own horse ornament to cherish and take home with you. All ages.

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 "Adults" group.

Sewing for Beginners

Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 1:30pm - 3:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Get comfortable with the basics of sewing in this workshop for beginners. Costume designer Kaitlyn Munro will teach participants the essential skills for sewing by hand, with time ...

Required
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Required
Seats Remaining: 15
Event Details:

Get comfortable with the basics of sewing in this workshop for beginners. Costume designer Kaitlyn Munro will teach participants the essential skills for sewing by hand, with time to try out machine sewing as well.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Holiday Puzzle Exchange!

Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Love doing puzzles during the holidays? Have some winter holiday themed puzzles at home that you've done and loved but won't do again? Come to the South Side Library Meeting Roo...

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Love doing puzzles during the holidays? Have some winter holiday themed puzzles at home that you've done and loved but won't do again?

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

Solstice Take-and-Make Bag!

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

Bring the fun home with you when you pick up a special South Side Library take-and-make craft bag! While Supplies Last  

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

Bring the fun home with you when you pick up a special South Side Library take-and-make craft bag!

While Supplies Last

 

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Take and Make: Pine Cone Bird Feeder

All Day 12/16 - 12/18
Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Take & Make
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Stop by the Forest Avenue Library and pick up materials to create a pine cone bird feeder so you can feed hungry backyard birds this winter. While supplies last.

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Take & Make
Event Details:

Stop by the Forest Avenue Library and pick up materials to create a pine cone bird feeder so you can feed hungry backyard birds this winter. While supplies last.

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

Winter Wonderland Scavenger Hunt!

All Day 12/16 - 12/23
South Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Event Details:

Visit South and try our Scavenger Hunt! Drop in and search the library for all of the items on the sheet and win a prize!

Library Branch: South Side Library
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Visit South and try our Scavenger Hunt! Drop in and search the library for all of the items on the sheet and win a prize!

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

Toddler Storytime

Monday, December 16, 2024 at 10:00am - 10:30am
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy introductory stories, songs, music, and movement! For ages 18 months to 36 months.

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

Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy introductory stories, songs, music, and movement! For ages 18 months to 36 months.

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.

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

Preschool Storytime

Monday, December 16, 2024 at 10:15am - 10:45am
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Join Miss Jennifer for Preschool Storytime on Monday mornings at 10:15 a.m.  There will be stories, rhymes, music, and more. This storytime is recommended for ages three to...

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Join Miss Jennifer for Preschool Storytime on Monday mornings at 10:15 a.m.  There will be stories, rhymes, music, and more.

This storytime is recommended for ages three to five, but all children are welcome to attend.

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.

ASAP Mondays: Still Life Drawing

Monday, December 16, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

If you’re a kid who likes to draw (or wants to learn or improve your skills), this class is for you! In these three weeks we will use charcoal, colored pencils, white pencils, and ...

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

If you’re a kid who likes to draw (or wants to learn or improve your skills), this class is for you! In these three weeks we will use charcoal, colored pencils, white pencils, and graphite drawing pencils to practice drawing.

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.

Nimbus Reading Circle

Monday, December 16, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

At this reading group, presented and sponsored by Monsoon Asians & Pacific Islanders in Solidarity, a special guest will share a book and activity that celebrate diverse i...

Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Book Clubs
Required
Seats Remaining: 12
Event Details:

At this reading group, presented and sponsored by Monsoon Asians & Pacific Islanders in Solidarity, a special guest will share a book and activity that celebrate diverse identities and experiences of