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
Program Type
Forest Avenue Library MArtin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration

Forest Avenue Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration

Monday, January 19, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
All Ages

Join us for our annual celebration in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Join us for our annual celebration in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Drop-In STEM Challenge : Marshmallow Tower

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Join us at Forest for The Big Marshmallow Tower STEM Challenge!

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

Join us at Forest for The Big Marshmallow Tower STEM Challenge!

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.

Reading Buddies with ARL TheraPets!

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational, Health & Wellness, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children

When you're learning to read, practicing out loud can be daunting! Visit Central Library to practice reading with an ARL TheraPet. Engaging with animals is a great way to boost confidence and reduce anxiety around learning to read.

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

When you're learning to read, practicing out loud can be daunting! Visit Central Library to practice reading with an ARL TheraPet. Engaging with animals is a great way to boost confidence and reduce anxiety around learning to read.

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.

 

Image for "Job Seekers"

Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K Davis Center

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults

Staff from the Evelyn K Davis Center for Working Families are ready to provide one-on-one job search and resume assistance to job seekers.

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

Staff from the Evelyn K Davis Center for Working Families are ready to provide one-on-one job search and resume assistance to job seekers.

A group of diverse women in colorful clothing engaging in conversation.

Women's English Language Practice

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Forest Avenue Conference Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults

Join other women who are practicing their English in this casual conversation group. We will chat, share coffee, and learn together in this group moderated by a Forest Avenue Library staff member.

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

Join other women who are practicing their English in this casual conversation group. We will chat, share coffee, and learn together in this group moderated by a Forest Avenue Library staff member.

ASAP Wednesdays: Air-Dry Clay Creations

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Get hands-on with air-dry clay and create a miniature masterpiece to take home each week. A professional ASAP teaching artist leads this fun, creative class, and a snack is provided for every participant.

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Event Details:

Get hands-on with air-dry clay and create a miniature masterpiece to take home each week. A professional ASAP teaching artist leads this fun, creative class, and a snack is provided for every participant.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

VolunTeen Drop-In Hour

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Teens

Earn volunteer hours by assisting with library programs and projects! Teens ages 12 to 18 can drop in any open Wednesday and volunteer for one hour.

Library Branch: South Side Library
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Earn volunteer hours by assisting with library programs and projects! Teens ages 12 to 18 can drop in any open Wednesday and volunteer for one hour.

Dog Man Crafternoon

Dog Man Crafternoon!

Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children

Join us for an hour of Dog Man-inspired activities, crafts, and snacks! 

Enter a drawing to win 4 tickets to Dog Man: The Musical on January 31st, presented by Des Moines Performing Arts.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Event Details:

Join us for an hour of Dog Man-inspired activities, crafts, and snacks! 

Enter a drawing to win 4 tickets to Dog Man: The Musical on January 31st, presented 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.

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.

 

Children’s Program

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

Pride and Prejudice Escape Room: The Flight of Lydia Bennet

Monday, January 26, 2026 at 5:15pm - 6:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational, Gaming
Age Group:
Adults

Calling all Janeites and escape room enthusiasts alike! Lydia Bennet has run away with the cowardly Mr. Wickham. Mr. Darcy humbly requests your help in finding them and saving the Bennets' reputation from ruin.

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

Calling all Janeites and escape room enthusiasts alike! Lydia Bennet has run away with the cowardly Mr. Wickham. Mr. Darcy humbly requests your help in finding them and saving the Bennets' reputation from ruin.

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.

 

Tech Central

Tech Central Open House

Monday, January 26, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Tech Central at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children, Teens, Adults, All Ages

Check out what's new in Central Library's maker lab, Tech Central. From 3D printers to laser cutters, VHS digitizing to t-shirt making, sewing to button making and more! Various crafts and demonstrations available.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Tech Central
Age Group: Children, Teens, Adults, All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational, Play & Learn
Registration Required
Event Details:

Check out what's new in Central Library's maker lab, Tech Central. From 3D printers to laser cutters, VHS digitizing to t-shirt making, sewing to button making and more! Various crafts and demonstrations available.

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.

 

Pride and Prejudice Escape Room: The Flight of Lydia Bennet

Monday, January 26, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Central Library Meeting Room 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational, Gaming
Age Group:
Adults

Calling all Janeites and escape room enthusiasts alike! Lydia Bennet has run away with the cowardly Mr. Wickham. Mr. Darcy humbly requests your help in finding them and saving the Bennets' reputation from ruin.

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

Calling all Janeites and escape room enthusiasts alike! Lydia Bennet has run away with the cowardly Mr. Wickham. Mr. Darcy humbly requests your help in finding them and saving the Bennets' reputation from ruin.

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.

 

K-pop Meet-up

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Teens, Adults

Do you like all things K-pop? Come to the Central Library every month and bring your photocards to trade, invite your friends or meet and hang out with other fans! Enjoy snacks, other activities, and listening to music.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 2
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Do you like all things K-pop? Come to the Central Library every month and bring your photocards to trade, invite your friends or meet and hang out with other fans! Enjoy snacks, other activities, and listening to music.

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.

 

Image for "Job Seekers"

Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K Davis Center

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults

Staff from the Evelyn K Davis Center for Working Families are ready to provide one-on-one job search and resume assistance to job seekers.

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

Staff from the Evelyn K Davis Center for Working Families are ready to provide one-on-one job search and resume assistance to job seekers.

A group of diverse women in colorful clothing engaging in conversation.

Women's English Language Practice

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Forest Avenue Conference Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults

Join other women practicing English in this casual conversation group. Share coffee, chat, and learn together with guidance from a Forest Avenue Library staff member.

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

Join other women practicing English in this casual conversation group. Share coffee, chat, and learn together with guidance from a Forest Avenue Library staff member.

ASAP Wednesdays: Air-Dry Clay Creations

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Get hands-on with air-dry clay and create a miniature masterpiece to take home each week. A professional ASAP teaching artist leads this fun, creative class, and a snack is provided for every participant.

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Event Details:

Get hands-on with air-dry clay and create a miniature masterpiece to take home each week. A professional ASAP teaching artist leads this fun, creative class, and a snack is provided for every participant.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

VolunTeen Drop-In Hour

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Teens

Earn volunteer hours by assisting with library programs and projects! Teens ages 12 to 18 can drop in any open Wednesday and volunteer for one hour.

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Earn volunteer hours by assisting with library programs and projects! Teens ages 12 to 18 can drop in any open Wednesday and volunteer for one hour.

Suzette Baker looking into her locked office after being terminated for refusing to pull books from the shelves

Indie Lens Pop-Up Screening: The Librarians

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational, Movies
Age Group:
Adults

Join us for a free screening of Indie Lens Pop-up documentary: The Librarians followed by a brief discussion.

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

Join us for a free screening of Indie Lens Pop-up documentary: The Librarians followed by a brief 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.

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.

 

Gift of Good Measure keychain

Glowforge Training

Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
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.

 

Paper packets with seeds spilling out.

Seed Swap and Giveaway

Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational, Health & Wellness, Take & Make
Age Group:
Adults

Start planning your perfect garden with help from Nine Square Feet Choose from a variety of seeds, including vegetables, herbs, flowers, and native prairie specie

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness, Take & Make
Event Details:

Start planning your perfect garden with help from Nine Square Feet Choose from a variety of seeds, including vegetables, herbs, flowers, and native prairie specie

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.

 

Seed Swap and Giveaway Forest

Seed Swap and Giveaway

Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Health & Wellness, Take & Make
Age Group:
Adults

Start planning your perfect garden with help from Nine Square Feet Choose from a variety of seeds, including vegetables, herbs, flowers, and native prairie specie

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness, Take & Make
Event Details:

Start planning your perfect garden with help from Nine Square Feet Choose from a variety of seeds, including vegetables, herbs, flowers, and native prairie specie

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.

 

illustration of a typewriter with letters spilling out

Writers' Workshop

Monday, February 2, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults

Join us for the DMPL Writer's Workshop on the first* Monday of the month from 5:30-7:30 PM. Share samples of work and receive feedback from other writers in the group.

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

Join us for the DMPL Writer's Workshop on the first* Monday of the month from 5:30-7:30 PM. Share samples of work and receive feedback from other writers in the group.

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.

 

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.

Image for "Job Seekers"

Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K Davis Center

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults

Staff from the Evelyn K Davis Center for Working Families are ready to provide one-on-one job search and resume assistance to job seekers.

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

Staff from the Evelyn K Davis Center for Working Families are ready to provide one-on-one job search and resume assistance to job seekers.

ASAP Wednesdays: Let's Make Music

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Let's explore rhythm and music through a variety of instruments, including keyboards and our own voices!

February 4, 11, 18, 25. Snack provided for all participants.

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Event Details:

Let's explore rhythm and music through a variety of instruments, including keyboards and our own voices!

February 4, 11, 18, 25. Snack provided for all participants.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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