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
Tiny Art Show Reception with a canvas, brushes, a palette and lots of colors

Tiny Art Show Reception

Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Central Library Art Gallery at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
All Ages

See tiny masterpieces created by Des Moines Public Library patrons!

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Art Gallery
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

See tiny masterpieces created by Des Moines Public Library patrons!

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.

 

white text on a yellow background that reads "Art in the Library"

Art in the Library: Northern Lights Art

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children

Visit the library to create beautiful artwork of the Northern Lights using oil pastels and paint.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational
Registration Required
Event Details:

Visit the library to create beautiful artwork of the Northern Lights using oil pastels and paint.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Manualidades para adultos: Decoupage | Crafting for Adults: Storage Bin Decoupage

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Adults

Do you love to craft? Come decoupage a storage bin or bring your current piece and make some progress! 

Registration recommended.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Event Details:

Do you love to craft? Come decoupage a storage bin or bring your current piece and make some progress! 

Registration recommended.

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.

 

A warrior leaping forward to attack a dragon

DMPL & Dragons: Thursday

Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1 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 third Thursday of each month to play, but

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
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.

 

Winter Puzzle Competition

Monday, February 23, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:45pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
All Ages
Join us for our fourth annual Winter Puzzle Competition! Spend the night competing against the clock to complete a 300-piece puzzle.
Registration Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Gaming
Registration Required
Event Details:
Join us for our fourth annual Winter Puzzle Competition! Spend the night competing against the clock to complete a 300-piece puzzle.

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.

Manualidades para adultos: Cactuc de Cartón | Crafting for Adults: Cardboard Cacti

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Adults

Do you love to craft? Come make faux cactus made of cardboard and other spare crafting supplies or bring your current piece and make some progress! 

Registration recommended.

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

Do you love to craft? Come make faux cactus made of cardboard and other spare crafting supplies or bring your current piece and make some progress! 

Registration recommended.

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.

 

A warrior leaping forward to attack a dragon

DMPL & Dragons: Thursday

Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1 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 third Thursday of each month to play, but

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
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.

 

anime watch party

Anime Watch Party : Toilet-bound Hanako-kun

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Movies
Age Group:
Teens

Whether you're an anime fan or curious to explore, everyone is invited to join the Anime Watch Party. Enjoy popcorn while watching a few episodes from a different popular anime series.

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:

Whether you're an anime fan or curious to explore, everyone is invited to join the Anime Watch Party. Enjoy popcorn while watching a few episodes from a different popular anime series.

white text on a yellow background that reads "Art in the Library"

Art in the Library: 3D Coral Sculptures

Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children

Design and create a three-dimensional coral sculpture with ocean creatures using a variety of materials.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational
Registration Required
Event Details:

Design and create a three-dimensional coral sculpture with ocean creatures using a variety of materials.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

A warrior leaping forward to attack a dragon

DMPL & Dragons: Thursday

Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1 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 third Thursday of each month to play, but

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
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.

 

A warrior leaping forward to attack a dragon

DMPL & Dragons: Thursday

Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1 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 third Thursday of each month to play, but

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
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.

 

A warrior leaping forward to attack a dragon

DMPL & Dragons: Thursday

Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1 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 third Thursday of each month to play, but

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
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.

 

Anime Watch Party : My Hero Academia

Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Movies
Age Group:
Teens

Whether you're an anime fan or curious to explore, everyone is invited to join the Anime Watch Party. Enjoy popcorn while watching a few episodes from a different popular anime series each month.

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:

Whether you're an anime fan or curious to explore, everyone is invited to join the Anime Watch Party. Enjoy popcorn while watching a few episodes from a different popular anime series each month.

A warrior leaping forward to attack a dragon

DMPL & Dragons: Thursday

Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1 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 third Thursday of each month to play, but

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
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.

 

A warrior leaping forward to attack a dragon

DMPL & Dragons: Thursday

Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1 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 third Thursday of each month to play, but

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
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.

 

A warrior leaping forward to attack a dragon

DMPL & Dragons: Thursday

Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1 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 third Thursday of each month to play, but

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
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.

 

Anime Watch Party

Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Movies
Age Group:
Teens

Whether you're an anime fan or curious to explore, everyone is invited to join the Anime Watch Party. Enjoy popcorn while watching a few episodes from a different popular anime series each month.

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:

Whether you're an anime fan or curious to explore, everyone is invited to join the Anime Watch Party. Enjoy popcorn while watching a few episodes from a different popular anime series each month.

A warrior leaping forward to attack a dragon

DMPL & Dragons: Thursday

Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1 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 third Thursday of each month to play, but

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
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.

 

A warrior leaping forward to attack a dragon

DMPL & Dragons: Thursday

Thursday, November 19, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1 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 third Thursday of each month to play, but

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
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.

 

A warrior leaping forward to attack a dragon

DMPL & Dragons: Thursday

Thursday, December 17, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1 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 third Thursday of each month to play, but

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
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.

 

Anime Watch Party

Tuesday, December 29, 2026 at 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Movies
Age Group:
Teens

Whether you're an anime fan or curious to explore, everyone is invited to join the Anime Watch Party. Enjoy popcorn while watching a few episodes from a different popular anime series each month.

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:

Whether you're an anime fan or curious to explore, everyone is invited to join the Anime Watch Party. Enjoy popcorn while watching a few episodes from a different popular anime series each month.

Anime Watch Party

Tuesday, March 30, 2027 at 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Movies
Age Group:
Teens

Whether you're an anime fan or curious to explore, everyone is invited to join the Anime Watch Party. Enjoy popcorn while watching a few episodes from a different popular anime series each month.

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:

Whether you're an anime fan or curious to explore, everyone is invited to join the Anime Watch Party. Enjoy popcorn while watching a few episodes from a different popular anime series each month.

Anime Watch Party

Tuesday, June 29, 2027 at 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Movies
Age Group:
Teens

Whether you're an anime fan or curious to explore, everyone is invited to join the Anime Watch Party. Enjoy popcorn while watching a few episodes from a different popular anime series each month.

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:

Whether you're an anime fan or curious to explore, everyone is invited to join the Anime Watch Party. Enjoy popcorn while watching a few episodes from a different popular anime series each month.

Anime Watch Party

Tuesday, August 31, 2027 at 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Movies
Age Group:
Teens

Whether you're an anime fan or curious to explore, everyone is invited to join the Anime Watch Party. Enjoy popcorn while watching a few episodes from a different popular anime series each month.

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:

Whether you're an anime fan or curious to explore, everyone is invited to join the Anime Watch Party. Enjoy popcorn while watching a few episodes from a different popular anime series each month.