All DMPL locations are warming centers

All DMPL locations are serving as warming centers during open hours. DART will be providing free rides to designated warming centers through Monday, December 8. Learn more about additional warming centers.

Event List

Age Group
Age Group
Program Type
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Ongoing Events
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This event is in the "Children" group

I Spy: Native American Heritage Month

All Day 12/1 - 12/7
Central Library Children’s Area at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children

Come celebrate Native American Heritage Month by finding all the photos of some of our favorite authors in the Central Youth area. Once you've found them all, stop at the Youth desk to claim your prize!

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

Come celebrate Native American Heritage Month by finding all the photos of some of our favorite authors in the Central Youth area. Once you've found them all, stop at the Youth desk to claim your prize!

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

Zootopia Scavenger Hunt

All Day 12/1 - 12/7
Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Gaming
Age Group:
Children

Visit the library and find all of the pictures hiding in the Children's Area.

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational, Gaming
Event Details:

Visit the library and find all of the pictures hiding in the Children's Area.

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 12/1 - 12/13
South Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens

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 "Adults" group

Grown-Up Book Fair

Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Book Sales
Age Group:
Adults

Remember those awesome book fairs from your days in school?  Re-capture that fun and magic as an adult at the Des Moines Public Library's Grown-Up Book Fair!

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Sales
Event Details:

Remember those awesome book fairs from your days in school?  Re-capture that fun and magic as an adult at the Des Moines Public Library's Grown-Up Book Fair!

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

Sit n' Stitch

Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 1:30pm - 3:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Teens, Adults

Spend a couple hours with other crafters and work on your knit, crochet, or needle craft projects. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you. This program happens the first Saturday of the month.

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

Spend a couple hours with other crafters and work on your knit, crochet, or needle craft projects. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you. This program happens the first Saturday of the month.

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

DMPL & Dragons: Sunday

Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Adults

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 first Sunday of each month to play. 

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 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 first Sunday of each month to play. 

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.

 

This event is in the "Children" group

I Spy: Winter Activities

All Day 12/8 - 12/21
Central Library Children’s Area at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children

Come find pictures (and inspiration!) of fun, classic winter activities in the Central Youth area. Once you've found them all, stop at the Youth desk to claim your prize!

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

Come find pictures (and inspiration!) of fun, classic winter activities in the Central Youth area. Once you've found them all, stop at the Youth desk to claim your prize!

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

Preschool Storytime

Monday, December 8, 2025 at 10:00am - 10:30am
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

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.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group

Toddler Storytime

Monday, December 8, 2025 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.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Career Connection Center: Job Support and Digital Skills

Monday, December 8, 2025 at 10:00am - 3:00pm
Central Library Conference Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology
Age Group:
Adults

Are you searching for a new job, having trouble navigating a website, or looking to learn a new digital skill? Goodwill is at the library to help!

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Conference Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology
Event Details:

Are you searching for a new job, having trouble navigating a website, or looking to learn a new digital skill? Goodwill is at the library to help!

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 "Adults" group

Franklin Afternoon Book Discussion

Monday, December 8, 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Adults

December's selection is The Cemetery of Untold Stories by Julia Alvarez.

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

December's selection is The Cemetery of Untold Stories by Julia Alvarez.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Book Discussion

Monday, December 8, 2025 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.
This event is in the "Adults" group

New Tax Law Deductions for Working Americans & Seniors

Monday, December 8, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults

Join Dan Arnell Belarmino, an IRS liaison, for an informative session about the One Big Beautiful Bill.

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

Join Dan Arnell Belarmino, an IRS liaison, for an informative session about the One Big Beautiful Bill.

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

New Tax Law Deductions for Working Americans and Seniors

Monday, December 8, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Zoom Meeting Room at DMPL Systemwide
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults

Join Dan Arnell Belarmino, an IRS liaison, as he shares about the One Big Beautiful Bill.

Virtual Event
Library Branch: DMPL Systemwide
Room: Zoom Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Join Dan Arnell Belarmino, an IRS liaison, as he shares about the One Big Beautiful Bill.

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

Park-N-Play

Monday, December 8, 2025 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.

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

Stuffy Sleepover

Monday, December 8, 2025 at 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational, Health & Wellness, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children

Bring your stuffed friend to Central Library for a fun craft before leaving them overnight to get into some mischief! Pick up your buddy the next day and see photos of all their adventures.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, Health & Wellness, Play & Learn
Event Details:

Bring your stuffed friend to Central Library for a fun craft before leaving them overnight to get into some mischief! Pick up your buddy the next day and see photos of all their adventures.

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

ASAP Mondays : Watercolor Painting

Monday, December 8, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children

Dive into painting at ASAP’s watercolor class! Sharpen your skills, explore new techniques, and enjoy the fun of painting alongside others with an ASAP teaching artist.

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

Dive into painting at ASAP’s watercolor class! Sharpen your skills, explore new techniques, and enjoy the fun of painting alongside others with an ASAP teaching artist.

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

Glowforge Training

Monday, December 8, 2025 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Central Library Tech Central at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational
Age Group:
Adults

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. 

Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Tech Central
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational
Registration Required
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 "Birth-Preschool" group
This event is in the "Children" group

Family Storytime

Monday, December 8, 2025 at 6:30pm - 7:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children

Join us for our evening Family Storytime at 6:30 p.m.! Kids and caregivers can join us for fun songs, stories, and acivities. You can even wear your jammies!  

Best for ages 6 and under, but all are welcome!

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

Join us for our evening Family Storytime at 6:30 p.m.! Kids and caregivers can join us for fun songs, stories, and acivities. You can even wear your jammies!  

Best for ages 6 and under, but all are welcome!

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

Take and Make: Book Charms

All Day 12/9 - 12/11
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 book charm! 

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

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 book charm! 

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

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group

Baby and Toddler Rhyme Time

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 10:00am - 10:30am
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Babies, toddlers, and their caregivers can join us on Tuesdays for rhymes, songs, lap bounces, and a story.

This program is recommended for children from birth to 24 months of age.

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

Babies, toddlers, and their caregivers can join us on Tuesdays for rhymes, songs, lap bounces, and a story.

This program is recommended for children from birth to 24 months of age.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group

Baby Rhyme Time

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 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.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group

Play, Grow, Learn!

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 10:00am - 11:30am
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Children ages 0-5 and their caregivers can engage in open play, come and go activities at South. 

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Children ages 0-5 and their caregivers can engage in open play, come and go activities at South. 

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

Baby Rhyme Time

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 10:15am - 11:00am
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Babies and their caregivers can join Miss Jennifer on Tuesdays for rhymes, songs, bounces, and a story followed by a short playtime.

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

Babies and their caregivers can join Miss Jennifer on Tuesdays for rhymes, songs, bounces, and a story followed by a short playtime.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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