The Summer Reading Challenge is here!

The 2024 Summer Reading Challenge is now live! Find more information on the program HERE, and sign up at any library location or online to start winning prizes for reading!

Event List

Age Group
Age Group
Program Type
Library Branch
Ongoing Events
Registration Type

Primary tabs

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

Wiggles and Giggles

Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 10:15am - 10:45am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn, Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Join us at the Central Library for a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! The storytime will take place in the meeting room to allow for social distancing. &nbs...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn, Storytimes
Event Details:

Join us at the Central Library for a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! The storytime will take place in the meeting room to allow for social distancing.

 

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 "Birth-Preschool" group.

Preschool Storytime

Thursday, July 18, 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 "Children" group.

Kids in the Kitchen w/ ISU Extension

Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Kids in the Kitchen will focus each week on healthy eating and prepare and cook snacks each week. This program is presented by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach office, ...

Required
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Required
Seats Remaining: 12
Event Details:

Kids in the Kitchen will focus each week on healthy eating and prepare and cook snacks each week.

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.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

South Side Book Discussion-Light From Uncommon Stars

Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Join us for South Side's Monthly Book Discussion!

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

Join us for South Side's Monthly Book Discussion!

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 "Adults" group.

Glowforge Training

Thursday, July 18, 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.

EPIC Graphic Novel Book Club

Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Are you a graphic novel fan? Join us for our EPIC Graphic Novel BOOK CLUB for ages 7-11. We will chat about this month's book and work on a fun activity or craft related ...

Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Book Clubs
Required
Seats Remaining: 15
Event Details:

Are you a graphic novel fan? Join us for our EPIC Graphic Novel BOOK CLUB for ages 7-11. We will chat about this month's book and work on a fun activity or craft related to the book! Registration Required.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

DMPL & Dragons: Thursday

Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Dungeons & Dragons is a role-playing game set in worlds of swords and sorcery where players use their imaginations to tell a story and create an adventure together.  We us...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Dungeons & Dragons is a role-playing game set in worlds of swords and sorcery where players use their imaginations to tell a story and create an adventure together.  We usually get together on the third Thursday of each month to play, but

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.

LEGO Quest

Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn, Storytimes
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Let's go on a LEGO quest!! Do you love to build? Do you love adventure stories? Do you love problem-solving? Test your skills at LEGO Quest where we read parts of a book and respon...

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

Let's go on a LEGO quest!! Do you love to build? Do you love adventure stories? Do you love problem-solving?

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 "Adults" group.

Summer Camp Throwback Crafts

Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Do you miss the fun you had doing arts and crafts at summer camp? If so, join us at the South Side Library for an fun evening of summer camp crafts geared toward grown-ups. We'll h...

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

Do you miss the fun you had doing arts and crafts at summer camp? If so, join us at the South Side Library for an fun evening of summer camp crafts geared toward grown-ups. We'll have music, snacks and plenty of glue and glitter!

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 "Teens" group.

Teen Bubble Tea Party

Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Take & Make
Age Group:
Teens
Event Details:

Stop at the library to make your own bubble tea with tapioca pearls and different tea flavors. Whether you're a bubble tea aficionado or curious newcomer, this event promises to be...

Required
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Take & Make
Required
Seats Remaining: 10
Event Details:

Stop at the library to make your own bubble tea with tapioca pearls and different tea flavors. Whether you're a bubble tea aficionado or curious newcomer, this event promises to be a fun-filled and delicious experience for all!

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.

Next Steps Ukulele

Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:45pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Educational, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Do you already have some ukulele skills but want to learn more? Join us for four sessions of intermediate ukulele classes beginning July 16th and occurring on Tuesdays and Thursday...

Required
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness
Required
Seats Remaining: 13
Event Details:

Do you already have some ukulele skills but want to learn more? Join us for four sessions of intermediate ukulele classes beginning July 16th and occurring on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings at 6:30pm (7/16, 7/18, 7/23, 7/25).

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.

Amphibians! With Polk County Conservation

Friday, July 19, 2024 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

Kids and families! Are you excited about amphibians? Find out about these smooth, wet animals that seem to magically transform from egg to adult. Join us as we learn about amphibia...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Kids and families! Are you excited about amphibians? Find out about these smooth, wet animals that seem to magically transform from egg to adult. Join us as we learn about amphibians - and meet some live ones - with a Polk County naturalist!

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 "Adults" group.

Snippets: A Writers' Workshop for Short Works 2024

Friday, July 19, 2024 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Snippets: A Writers' Workshop for Shorter Works Please email your submissions to Julia at jmdunt@dmpl.org if you would like them printed out. This group will read and discuss ...

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Required
Seats Remaining: 20
Event Details:

Snippets: A Writers' Workshop for Shorter Works Please email your submissions to Julia at jmdunt@dmpl.org if you would like them printed out. This group will read and discuss works out loud.

This event is in the "Children" group.

LEGO Fridays

Friday, July 19, 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 during the summer 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 during the summer 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.

Storytime at the Heritage Carousel

Friday, July 19, 2024 at 10:30am - 11:15am
Off Site
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

Join Ms. Alicia at the Heritage Carousel for a special storytime for the whole family! We will enjoy stories, songs, and movement together. After storytime, there will be a craf...

Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Event Details:

Join Ms. Alicia at the Heritage Carousel for a special storytime for the whole family!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Inclement Weather

This program is hosted outdoors. In case of inclement weather please check back here for updates. 

This event is in the "Children" group.

Kids in the Kitchen

Friday, July 19, 2024 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Kids in the Kitchen is 6-7 week program based around the Department of Agriculture "MyPlate". Each session, students learn about a food group, why it is good for us, physical activ...

Required
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Required
Seats Remaining: 15
Event Details:

Kids in the Kitchen is 6-7 week program based around the Department of Agriculture "MyPlate". Each session, students learn about a food group, why it is good for us, physical activity, and then we make a snack together at the end of the class.

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.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

The Outreach Project

Friday, July 19, 2024 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library Cafe Gallery 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 Cafe Gallery
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 "Birth-Preschool" group.
This event is in the "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Family STEM Challenge: DIY Jumping Rabbits

Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Event Details:

The whole family can visit the library and take on our Family STEM Challenge.  This month we will have supplies available to make a paper cup jumping rabbit.  Materials w...

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

The whole family can visit the library and take on our Family STEM Challenge.  This month we will have supplies available to make a paper cup jumping rabbit.  Materials will be available between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.

 

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

LEGOs at the Library

Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
East Side Children’s Area at East Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

Drop by our children's area to build with LEGOs. Show a staff member your creation for a prize!

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Drop by our children's area to build with LEGOs. Show a staff member your creation for a prize!

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 "Adults" group.

Friends of the Franklin Avenue Library-Membership Meeting

Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Library Meeting
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Please join the Friends of the Franklin Avenue Library for our quarterly membership meeting. If you are looking for a wonderful way to support the Franklin Avenue Libr...

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

Please join the Friends of the Franklin Avenue Library for our quarterly membership meeting.

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

Community Crafting - Making Greeting Cards

Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
Event Details:

Have fun making greeting cards using layers of patterned paper.  All supplies provided – cards, envelopes, lots and lots of pretty paper!  The inside of the card will be ...

Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Required
Seats Remaining: 15
Event Details:

Have fun making greeting cards using layers of patterned paper.  All supplies provided – cards, envelopes, lots and lots of pretty paper!  The inside of the card will be blank so you can later write your own perso

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

Crafternoon

Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
Event Details:

Spend a few hours with other crafters and work on your knit, crochet, or other craft projects. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you. Pleasant company is provided to...

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

Spend a few hours with other crafters and work on your knit, crochet, or other craft projects. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you. Pleasant company is provided to share ideas and inspiration!

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 "Adults" group.

Open Book: Poverty in Des Moines

Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Join UpLift Iowa, CultureAll, and the Des Moines Public Library for a program and discussion about issues relating to poverty in our community.  Hear the personal stories of p...

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Required
Seats Remaining: 55
Event Details:

Join UpLift Iowa, CultureAll, and the Des Moines Public Library for a program and discussion about issues relating to poverty in our community.  Hear the personal stories of people from around Des Moines dealing with housing, unemployment, ch

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.

Email Required

Please make sure you have entered a valid email address as the online event details will be sent to you prior to the event. If you have not received a confirmation email your inbox, please check your spam folder.

This event is in the "Children" group.

I Spy: Encanto

All Day 7/21 - 7/27
Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Come find all your favorite characters from the movie Encanto at the Central Library! Find all the pictures in the Youth area to get a prize!

Library Branch: Central Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Come find all your favorite characters from the movie Encanto at the Central Library! Find all the pictures in the Youth area to get a prize!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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