Event List

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Age Group
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Ongoing Events
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This event is in the "Adults" group.

Indie Lens Pop-Up Screening: Free For All: The Public Library

Monday, May 19, 2025 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational, Movies
Age Group:
Adults

Watch a special screening of Free For All: The Public Library, a documentary by Dawn Logsdon and Lucie Faulknor.

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

Watch a special screening of Free For All: The Public Library, a documentary by Dawn Logsdon and Lucie Faulknor.

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.

Intro to fly tying with the DNR

Monday, May 19, 2025 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults

The Iowa DNR will present an interactive program to introduce you to the sport of tying your own fishing flies.

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

The Iowa DNR will present an interactive program to introduce you to the sport of tying your own fishing flies.

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.

Franklin Cinema Club – Pride

Monday, May 19, 2025 at 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Movies
Age Group:
Adults

May's film selection is 2014 comedy drama Pride, starring Bill Nighy and Imelda Staunton.

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

May's film selection is 2014 comedy drama Pride, starring Bill Nighy and Imelda Staunton.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 9:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Family Room at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year is a free weekly postpartum support group for parents and their new babies.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Family Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year is a free weekly postpartum support group for parents and their new babies.

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.

Play, Grow, Learn!

Tuesday, May 20, 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 "Adults" group.

One-on-One Computer Sessions

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology
Age Group:
Adults

For those looking for basic computer help come to the Forest Avenue Library. We will provide individual assistance with creating an email, polishing a resume, typing a document, or applying for a job.

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology
Event Details:

For those looking for basic computer help come to the Forest Avenue Library. We will provide individual assistance with creating an email, polishing a resume, typing a document, or applying for a job.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Friends of the North Side Library

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 1:00pm - 1:45pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Library Meeting
Age Group:
Adults

 Friends of the North Side Library Meeting.  New members always welcome.

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

 Friends of the North Side Library Meeting.  New members always welcome.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

North Side Book Discussion

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Adults

This month we will be reading and discussing The Wager by David Grann

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

This month we will be reading and discussing The Wager by David Grann

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 "Children" group.

ASAP Tuesdays: Air Dry Clay

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children

This month's artist: Amanda Rhodes

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

This month's artist: Amanda Rhodes

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.

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.

Reading Buddies with ARL TheraPets!

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3 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 2, 3
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.

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

Sensory Play Hour

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children

Come to South Side for an hour of sensory exploration!

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

Come to South Side for an hour of sensory exploration!

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.

Plant. Grow. Fly. with Parks & Rec

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
All Ages

Learn about butterflies and plants with Joel from Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department! The first part of the program includes learning what pollinators need to survive and why they are important to people.

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Learn about butterflies and plants with Joel from Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department! The first part of the program includes learning what pollinators need to survive and why they are important to people.

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.

Community Craft Night: Button-Making

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Adults

Spend an hour making something new while enjoying the company of other local crafters. In May, use the library's button-maker to create pins with your own hand-drawn designs.

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

Spend an hour making something new while enjoying the company of other local crafters. In May, use the library's button-maker to create pins with your own hand-drawn designs.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K Davis Center

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology
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: Computers & Technology
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.

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

ASAP Wednesdays: Cardboard Creations

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Unleash your creativity and turn plain old cardboard into something extraordinary! Each week, you'll take on a new challenge, transforming everyday materials into imaginative works of art.

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

Unleash your creativity and turn plain old cardboard into something extraordinary! Each week, you'll take on a new challenge, transforming everyday materials into imaginative works of art.

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 "Teens" group.

VolunTeen Drop-In Hour

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Teens

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

This event is in the "All Ages" group.

Friends of Forest Meeting

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Forest Avenue Conference Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Library Meeting
Age Group:
All Ages

Join the Friends of the Forest Avenue Library for the monthly meeting at Forest Avenue Library! The meeting will be from 4:30-6:00pm. 

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

Join the Friends of the Forest Avenue Library for the monthly meeting at Forest Avenue Library! The meeting will be from 4:30-6:00pm. 

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Craft Night: Macrame Air Plant Holder

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Adults

Join us at the Forest Avenue Library for Craft Night! This month you will make a macrame air plant holder.

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

Join us at the Forest Avenue Library for Craft Night! This month you will make a macrame air plant holder.

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.

Drop-In Tech Help

Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library Success Center at Central Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology
Age Group:
Adults

Need help with a phone, laptop, or tablet, or another electronic device? Drop-in to the Central Library at 2PM on Thursdays and our staff will work with you to figure things out.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Success Center
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology
Event Details:

Need help with a phone, laptop, or tablet, or another electronic device? Drop-in to the Central Library at 2PM on Thursdays and our staff will work with you to figure things out.

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, May 22, 2025 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.

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

ASAP Thursdays: Drama Games

Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Explore creativity, build confidence, and connect with others through games, movement, and improvisation.

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

Explore creativity, build confidence, and connect with others through games, movement, and improvisation.

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, May 22, 2025 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 2, 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 third Thursday of each month to play, but

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 "Adults" group.

The Outreach Project

Friday, May 23, 2025 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults

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.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
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 "Children" group.

Crafternoon : Leaf Impressions Clay Dish

Friday, May 23, 2025 at 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children

Join us for a drop-in craft project at Forest! Use the supplies and provided instructions to make leaf impression clay dishes. Stop by anytime between 1-5pm. Ages 6+.

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

Join us for a drop-in craft project at Forest! Use the supplies and provided instructions to make leaf impression clay dishes. Stop by anytime between 1-5pm. Ages 6+.

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.