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 "Adults" group

Perimenopause and Menopause: Rewriting the Narrative

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults

Is this a hot flash?  What is happening with my body? Am I going crazy? Is this perimenopause? Can I still get pregnant?” These are common questions that often keep us up at night.

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Is this a hot flash?  What is happening with my body? Am I going crazy? Is this perimenopause? Can I still get pregnant?” These are common questions that often keep us up at night.

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 "Teens" group

VolunTeen Work Time

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Teens

If you're between the ages of 12-18 and looking for a fun and rewarding volunteer opportunity, give the library a try! We would love to have your help!

Library Branch: Central Library
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

If you're between the ages of 12-18 and looking for a fun and rewarding volunteer opportunity, give the library a try! We would love to have your 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 "Birth-Preschool" group
This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Teens" group

Pride Craftopia!

Friday, March 13, 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens

Calling all families! 

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Calling all families! 

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 "Adults" group

The Outreach Project

Friday, March 13, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults

Connect with area organizations for 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:

Connect with area organizations for resources. Community advocates will provide information about community resources like meal sites and shelters.

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

Cancelled: Tween & Teen Ukulele Jam

Friday, March 13, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Educational, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Ukulele players of all skill levels can jam together at North Side! Take your ukulele skills to the next level, have fun jamming to some old favorite songs and learn new songs along the way!

Cancelled
Registration Required
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Event Details:

Ukulele players of all skill levels can jam together at North Side! Take your ukulele skills to the next level, have fun jamming to some old favorite songs and learn new songs along the way!

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

YSS Outreach Services

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Central Library Conference Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults

The YSS team will be providing street outreach services, meal kits that include snacks and water, hygiene kits, survival kits for the weather with gloves and blankets, and central intake assessments.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Conference Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

The YSS team will be providing street outreach services, meal kits that include snacks and water, hygiene kits, survival kits for the weather with gloves and blankets, and central intake assessments.

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

The Dealt Hand presents School of Adventure: Advanced Placement!

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational, Gaming, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Children, Teens

The town of Hampton is under siege!

Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational, Gaming, Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Event Details:

The town of Hampton is under siege!

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

Teen Chef: Walking Tacos

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Teens

Curious about cooking? Sharpen your kitchen knowledge and learn how to make delicious dishes.

Join us over Spring Break to cook taco meat and chop up toppings to make walking tacos.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Event Details:

Curious about cooking? Sharpen your kitchen knowledge and learn how to make delicious dishes.

Join us over Spring Break to cook taco meat and chop up toppings to make walking tacos.

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 "Teens" group

Teen Maker Meetup - Learn to Crochet!

Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Teens

Join us for an introduction to the basics of this popular fiber art! Participants will learn and practice foundational skills in a relaxed setting and receive a crochet hook to keep for continued practice. All materials and snacks provided.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us for an introduction to the basics of this popular fiber art! Participants will learn and practice foundational skills in a relaxed setting and receive a crochet hook to keep for continued practice. All materials and snacks provided.

Disclaimer(s)

Age requirement

This program requires participants to be within a specific age range. Please select the correct age/grade when registering. 

This event is in the "Adults" group

The Outreach Project

Friday, March 20, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults

Connect with area organizations for 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:

Connect with area organizations for resources. Community advocates will provide information about community resources like meal sites and shelters.

This event is in the "All Ages" group

Garden Starters

Monday, March 23, 2026 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
All Ages

Anyone can grow their own veggies, and it's already time to start planning for your summer garden! 

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Anyone can grow their own veggies, and it's already time to start planning for your summer garden! 

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.

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

Nerf Challenge!

Monday, March 23, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Gaming, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Teens

Join us for our first ever Nerf Challenge! 

Bring your friends to compete in games and challenges that focus on strategy, teamwork, speed, and accuracy.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Educational, Gaming, Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us for our first ever Nerf Challenge! 

Bring your friends to compete in games and challenges that focus on strategy, teamwork, speed, and accuracy.

This event is in the "Adults" group

YSS Outreach Services

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Central Library Conference Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults

The YSS team will be providing street outreach services, meal kits that include snacks and water, hygiene kits, survival kits for the weather with gloves and blankets, and central intake assessments.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Conference Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

The YSS team will be providing street outreach services, meal kits that include snacks and water, hygiene kits, survival kits for the weather with gloves and blankets, and central intake assessments.

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

Yogurt Parfait Party

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Make your own afternoon snack at North Side! You will be able to choose from a variety of yogurts and toppings to make your parfait. When you are done, we will have games out for you to enjoy!

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

Make your own afternoon snack at North Side! You will be able to choose from a variety of yogurts and toppings to make your parfait. When you are done, we will have games out for you to enjoy!

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 "Adults" group

The Outreach Project

Friday, March 27, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults

Connect with area organizations for resources. Community advocates will provide information about community resources like meal sites and shelters.

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

Connect with area organizations for resources. Community advocates will provide information about community resources like meal sites and shelters.

This event is in the "Adults" group

YSS Outreach Services

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Central Library Conference Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults

The YSS team will be providing street outreach services, meal kits that include snacks and water, hygiene kits, survival kits for the weather with gloves and blankets, and central intake assessments.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Conference Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

The YSS team will be providing street outreach services, meal kits that include snacks and water, hygiene kits, survival kits for the weather with gloves and blankets, and central intake assessments.

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, April 3, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults

Connect with area organizations for 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:

Connect with area organizations for resources. Community advocates will provide information about community resources like meal sites and shelters.

This event is in the "Adults" group

YSS Outreach Services

Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Central Library Conference Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults

The YSS team will be providing street outreach services, meal kits that include snacks and water, hygiene kits, survival kits for the weather with gloves and blankets, and central intake assessments.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Conference Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

The YSS team will be providing street outreach services, meal kits that include snacks and water, hygiene kits, survival kits for the weather with gloves and blankets, and central intake assessments.

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

VolunTeen Work Time

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Teens

If you're between the ages of 12-18 and looking for a fun and rewarding volunteer opportunity, give the library a try! We would love to have your help!

Library Branch: Central Library
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

If you're between the ages of 12-18 and looking for a fun and rewarding volunteer opportunity, give the library a try! We would love to have your 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

The Outreach Project

Friday, April 10, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults

Connect with area organizations for 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:

Connect with area organizations for resources. Community advocates will provide information about community resources like meal sites and shelters.

This event is in the "Adults" group

YSS Outreach Services

Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Central Library Conference Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults

The YSS team will be providing street outreach services, meal kits that include snacks and water, hygiene kits, survival kits for the weather with gloves and blankets, and central intake assessments.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Conference Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

The YSS team will be providing street outreach services, meal kits that include snacks and water, hygiene kits, survival kits for the weather with gloves and blankets, and central intake assessments.

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

The Art of Expression: Ransom Note Poetry

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Teens

The Art of Expression is a monthly program for teens to learn and create different types of art in a relaxed atmosphere. 

On April 15, we will use magazines cutouts to create poetry and celebrate National Poetry Month. 

Registration Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Event Details:

The Art of Expression is a monthly program for teens to learn and create different types of art in a relaxed atmosphere. 

On April 15, we will use magazines cutouts to create poetry and celebrate National Poetry Month. 

This event is in the "Adults" group

The Outreach Project

Friday, April 17, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults

Connect with area organizations for 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:

Connect with area organizations for resources. Community advocates will provide information about community resources like meal sites and shelters.

This event is in the "Adults" group

YSS Outreach Services

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Central Library Conference Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults

The YSS team will be providing street outreach services, meal kits that include snacks and water, hygiene kits, survival kits for the weather with gloves and blankets, and central intake assessments.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Conference Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

The YSS team will be providing street outreach services, meal kits that include snacks and water, hygiene kits, survival kits for the weather with gloves and blankets, and central intake assessments.

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.