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
Library Branch
ASAP Days generic

ASAP Tuesdays: Painting Party

Tuesday, February 10, 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.

Park-N-Play

Wednesday, February 11, 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.

Make n' Mend Meetup

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 5:00pm - 7:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
All Ages

Drop in for a couple hours to work on your latest craft or mending project. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you. 

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

Drop in for a couple hours to work on your latest craft or mending project. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you. 

STEAM Cart Challenge: Penny Spinners

Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children

Explore motion and balance by building your own spinner! Make a penny spinner, test it out, and see how long it can spin. Fun for all ages.

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

Explore motion and balance by building your own spinner! Make a penny spinner, test it out, and see how long it can spin. Fun 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. 

Staff In-Service Day

All Day
Central Library, East Side Library, Forest Avenue Library, Franklin Avenue Library, North Side Library, South Side Library, Off Site, DMPL Systemwide

All branches will be closed for Staff In-Service.

Closing
Branches:
Central Library, East Side Library, Forest Avenue Library, Franklin Avenue Library, North Side Library, South Side Library, Off Site, DMPL Systemwide
Description:

All branches will be closed for Staff In-Service.

Library Scavenger Hunt

All Day 2/17 - 2/21
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, February 17, 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 17, 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.

Park-N-Play

Wednesday, February 18, 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.

Paws and Read with ARL Therapets

Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 5:00pm - 7:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
All Ages

Relax, read, and spend time with friendly therapy animals from the ARL! Drop in to meet our cuddly visitors and enjoy a calm, cozy evening at the library.

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Relax, read, and spend time with friendly therapy animals from the ARL! Drop in to meet our cuddly visitors and enjoy a calm, cozy evening at the library.

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 2/23 - 2/28
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 23, 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 23, 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 24, 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 24, 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.

DIY Mini Bookshelves

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Adults

Calling all craft lovers and bookworms! Decorate your own 3D-printed mini bookshelf in this hands-on program. Channel cozy cottage vibes, dark academia, or your favorite fandom as you create a unique display.

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

Calling all craft lovers and bookworms! Decorate your own 3D-printed mini bookshelf in this hands-on program. Channel cozy cottage vibes, dark academia, or your favorite fandom as you create a unique display.

Park-N-Play

Wednesday, February 25, 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: The Cat Returns

Wednesday, February 25, 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 The Cat Returns.

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 The Cat Returns.

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.

Poke-ball Suncatcher

Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children

Create a bright and colorful Poké Ball suncatcher to hang in your window! A quick, fun craft for Pokémon fans of all ages.

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

Create a bright and colorful Poké Ball suncatcher to hang in your window! A quick, fun craft for Pokémon fans of 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. 

Drop in: Puzzle Swap!

Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 10:00am - 1:00pm
East Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
All Ages

Love jigsaw puzzles? Bring one you’ve finished and trade it for a new challenge! Join fellow puzzle enthusiasts to swap, share, and discover fresh puzzles to enjoy at home. All ages are welcome! 

Library Branch: East Side Library
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Love jigsaw puzzles? Bring one you’ve finished and trade it for a new challenge! Join fellow puzzle enthusiasts to swap, share, and discover fresh puzzles to enjoy at home. All ages are welcome! 

Library Scavenger Hunt

All Day 3/2 - 3/7
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, March 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, March 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, March 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.