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

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

Primary tabs

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

Mo Willems Scavenger Hunt!

All Day 1/20 - 1/24
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 "Children" group

Dog Man Bingo

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children

Dog Man: The Musical is coming to town. Celebrate your love of Dog Man while competing for prizes at Dog Man Bingo!

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Dog Man: The Musical is coming to town. Celebrate your love of Dog Man while competing for prizes at Dog Man Bingo!

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

Kids Pokémon Card Swap

Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children

Are you looking for a place to trade your Pokémon cards? 

Bring your friends and come to this monthly program with any cards you want to trade.  This event is open to children ages 6-18. 

 

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

Are you looking for a place to trade your Pokémon cards? 

Bring your friends and come to this monthly program with any cards you want to trade.  This event is open to children ages 6-18. 

 

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 "Adults" group

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.

 

This event is in the "Adults" group

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.

 

This event is in the "All Ages" group

Pokémon Scavenger Hunt

All Day 2/1 - 2/15
DMPL Systemwide
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
All Ages

Celebrate 30 years of our favorite Pokémon characters with a DMPL Scavenger Hunt! 

Library Branch: DMPL Systemwide
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Celebrate 30 years of our favorite Pokémon characters with a DMPL Scavenger Hunt! 

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, February 1, 2026 at 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 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 1, 2
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
This event is in the "Teens" group

Game On!

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children, Teens

It's game on after school at North Side! Hang out in the meeting room with snacks and a wide variety of games. Play Nintendo Switch on the big screen, or enjoy checkers, Connect 4, Exploding Kittens, and more!

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

It's game on after school at North Side! Hang out in the meeting room with snacks and a wide variety of games. Play Nintendo Switch on the big screen, or enjoy checkers, Connect 4, Exploding Kittens, and more!

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 "Adults" group

Abby Jimenez Trivia

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Gaming
Age Group:
Adults

Celebrate love and romance this month with Abby Jimenez trivia! Join us at the Forest Avenue Library to test your knowledge on the Abby-Verse. Compete as individuals OR teams for the title of WINNER! 

Registration Required
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Gaming
Registration Required
Event Details:

Celebrate love and romance this month with Abby Jimenez trivia! Join us at the Forest Avenue Library to test your knowledge on the Abby-Verse. Compete as individuals OR teams for the title of WINNER! 

Disclaimer(s)

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

Card Club

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Adults

Join us at Forest Avenue Library for Card Club. We will play trick-taking card games such as 500, Euchre, Hearts, Spades, Tiến lên and others.

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

Join us at Forest Avenue Library for Card Club. We will play trick-taking card games such as 500, Euchre, Hearts, Spades, Tiến lên and others.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Puzzle Exchange!

Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Adults

Love puzzles? Have puzzles at home that you've done and loved but won't do again? 

Come to the South Side Library Meeting Room and exchange your beloved puzzles for new to you ones! We're having a good old fashioned puzzle swap!

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

Love puzzles? Have puzzles at home that you've done and loved but won't do again? 

Come to the South Side Library Meeting Room and exchange your beloved puzzles for new to you ones! We're having a good old fashioned puzzle swap!

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
This event is in the "Teens" group

Chess Club

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Gaming
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Join the fun at Chess Club! Chess is one of the world's most popular games and is played by millions of people worldwide. This is a drop-in program where resources will be available to learn to play or come to test your skills with other players.

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

Join the fun at Chess Club! Chess is one of the world's most popular games and is played by millions of people worldwide. This is a drop-in program where resources will be available to learn to play or come to test your skills with other players.

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

Noche de Juegos | Game Night

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Gaming
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Join us at Forest Avenue Library for Noche de Juegos—a fun-filled game night for bilingual kids and language learners!

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

Join us at Forest Avenue Library for Noche de Juegos—a fun-filled game night for bilingual kids and language learners!

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

Pokémon Scavenger Hunt

All Day 2/17 - 2/28
DMPL Systemwide
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
All Ages

Celebrate 30 years of our favorite Pokémon characters with a DMPL Scavenger Hunt! 

Library Branch: DMPL Systemwide
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Celebrate 30 years of our favorite Pokémon characters with a DMPL Scavenger Hunt! 

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
This event is in the "Teens" group

Nintendo Switch Party!

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Join us for a Nintendo Switch Party! We will have games like Mario Kart 8 & Super Mario Bros. Ultimate. Feel free to bring your own Switch or share the library’s controllers.

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Join us for a Nintendo Switch Party! We will have games like Mario Kart 8 & Super Mario Bros. Ultimate. Feel free to bring your own Switch or share the library’s controllers.

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 "Adults" group

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.

 

This event is in the "All Ages" group

Board Game Open Play

Friday, February 20, 2026 at 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
All Ages

Join us for a drop-in event for all ages. Come in, get cozy, and choose from a variety of games or puzzles to play with friends!

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Join us for a drop-in event for all ages. Come in, get cozy, and choose from a variety of games or puzzles to play with friends!

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

Mah Jongg 101

Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 1:30pm - 4:45pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Adults

Join the Dealt Hand and learn to play American Mah Jong!  This program is designed to give you the basics of how to play, getting you up to speed on reading the tiles, learning how to interpret the scoring card, and then getting you int

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

Join the Dealt Hand and learn to play American Mah Jong!  This program is designed to give you the basics of how to play, getting you up to speed on reading the tiles, learning how to interpret the scoring card, and then getting you int

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 "All Ages" group

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

Family Book Cafe

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 3:30pm - 5:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs, Gaming, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens

Hang out, connect with others, and discover a new read at North Side's book cafe! We will have cozy beverages, snacks, games, and book recommendations for the whole family to explore!

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Book Clubs, Gaming, Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Hang out, connect with others, and discover a new read at North Side's book cafe! We will have cozy beverages, snacks, games, and book recommendations for the whole family to explore!

Disclaimer(s)

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

Chess Club

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Gaming
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Join the fun at Chess Club! Chess is one of the world's most popular games and is played by millions of people worldwide. This is a drop-in program where resources will be available to learn to play or come to test your skills with other players.

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

Join the fun at Chess Club! Chess is one of the world's most popular games and is played by millions of people worldwide. This is a drop-in program where resources will be available to learn to play or come to test your skills with other players.

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 "Children" group

Kids Pokémon Card Swap

Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children

Are you looking for a place to trade your Pokémon cards? 

Bring your friends and come to this monthly program with any cards you want to trade.  This event is open to children ages 6-18. 

 

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

Are you looking for a place to trade your Pokémon cards? 

Bring your friends and come to this monthly program with any cards you want to trade.  This event is open to children ages 6-18. 

 

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

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! 

This event is in the "Adults" group

DMPL & Dragons: Sunday

Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 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 1, 2
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.