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

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Age Group
Library Branch

Take and Make: Bag Charms

All Day 1/20 - 1/22
East Side Children’s Area at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Take & Make
Age Group:
All Ages

📔Pick up a Take & Make craft kit to create your own bag charm! 

Craft at home or stay to make it in the library—everything you need is included.

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

📔Pick up a Take & Make craft kit to create your own bag charm! 

Craft at home or stay to make it in the library—everything you need is included.

Library Scavenger Hunt

All Day 1/20 - 1/24
East Side Rosie's Nature Nook at East Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
All Ages

Find all of the hidden pictures for a prize! 

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Rosie's Nature Nook
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Find all of the hidden pictures for a prize! 

Baby Rhyme Time

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Join us for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.

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

Join us for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.

ASAP Days generic

ASAP Tuesdays: Fantastical Art

Tuesday, January 20, 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.

Park-N-Play

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
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.

Anime characters

Anime Watch Party: Your Name

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 3:30pm - 5:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Movies
Age Group:
Children

Join us for an anime watch party! This month we are watching Your Name.

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:

Join us for an anime watch party! This month we are watching Your Name.

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.

Dog Man BINGO

DOG MAN BINGO!

Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children

B-I-N-G-O it's DOG MAN! 

Join us for a fun night of bingo, crafts and celebrating our favorite hero: Dog Man! 

BINGO Prizes are tickets to Dog Man the Musical at Civic Center, donated by Des Moines Performing Arts. 

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

B-I-N-G-O it's DOG MAN! 

Join us for a fun night of bingo, crafts and celebrating our favorite hero: Dog Man! 

BINGO Prizes are tickets to Dog Man the Musical at Civic Center, donated by Des Moines Performing Arts. 

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.

Library Scavenger Hunt

All Day 1/26 - 1/31
East Side Rosie's Nature Nook at East Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
All Ages

Find all of the hidden pictures for a prize! 

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Rosie's Nature Nook
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Find all of the hidden pictures for a prize! 

Park-N-Play

Monday, January 26, 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.

ASAP Days generic

ASAP Tuesdays: Fantastical Art

Tuesday, January 27, 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.

Park-N-Play

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
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.

Library Scavenger Hunt

All Day 2/2 - 2/7
East Side Rosie's Nature Nook at East Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
All Ages

Find all of the hidden pictures for a prize! 

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Rosie's Nature Nook
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Find all of the hidden pictures for a prize! 

Toddler Storytime

Monday, February 2, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

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.

Park-N-Play

Monday, February 2, 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.

Baby Rhyme Time

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Join us for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.

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

Join us for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.

ASAP Days generic

ASAP Tuesdays: Painting Party

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

Join ASAP for a group painting party, with a different finished work each week. Drop in once or every week; all supplies and snack provided.

 

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

Join ASAP for a group painting party, with a different finished work each week. Drop in once or every week; all supplies and snack provided.

 

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.

Postcrossing Meetup text with image of postcards and hot drink.

Postcrossing Meetup

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults

Join fellow postcard lovers for a cozy Postcrossing meetup at the library! Bring your cards and love of connecting through the mail. We’ll enjoy tea, light treats, and great conversation while we write, swap, and chat with other Postcrossers.

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

Join fellow postcard lovers for a cozy Postcrossing meetup at the library! Bring your cards and love of connecting through the mail. We’ll enjoy tea, light treats, and great conversation while we write, swap, and chat with other Postcrossers.

Park-N-Play

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
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.

Olympic Kickoff Night!

Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children

Gear up for the Games with a fun evening of crafting Olympic ring bracelets, mini torches, and gold medals. 

A perfect pre-Olympics celebration for all ages! 

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

Gear up for the Games with a fun evening of crafting Olympic ring bracelets, mini torches, and gold medals. 

A perfect pre-Olympics celebration for all ages! 

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.

Age requirement

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

Library Scavenger Hunt

All Day 2/9 - 2/14
East Side Rosie's Nature Nook at East Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
All Ages

Find all of the hidden pictures for a prize! 

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Rosie's Nature Nook
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Find all of the hidden pictures for a prize! 

Toddler Storytime

Monday, February 9, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

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.

Book Discussion

Monday, February 9, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Adults

Join us on the 2nd Monday of every month for our book club. Enjoy good books, great discussions, and meet fellow book lovers. Snacks and coffee are provided! 

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

Join us on the 2nd Monday of every month for our book club. Enjoy good books, great discussions, and meet fellow book lovers. Snacks and coffee are provided! 

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.

Park-N-Play

Monday, February 9, 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.

Baby Rhyme Time

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Join us for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.

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

Join us for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.