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

Game On!

Tuesday, March 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

Card Club

Wednesday, March 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 "Children" group
This event is in the "Teens" group

Chess Club

Tuesday, March 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, March 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 "Adults" group

Demon Slayer Escape Room

Monday, March 16, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Adults

Enter the world of Demon Slayer and test your cunning in this new escape room adventure!

Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Gaming
Registration Required
Event Details:

Enter the world of Demon Slayer and test your cunning in this new escape room adventure!

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.

 

Email Required

Please make sure you have entered a valid email address as the online event details will be sent to you prior to the event. If you have not received a confirmation email your inbox, please check your spam folder.

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 "Adults" group

Mah Jongg 101

Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:45pm
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

Board Game Open Play

Friday, March 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 "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 "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 "Children" group
This event is in the "Teens" group

Chess Club

Tuesday, March 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, March 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 "Adults" group

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.

 

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

Game On!

Tuesday, April 7, 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

DMPL & Dragons: Sunday

Sunday, April 12, 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

Chess Club

Tuesday, April 14, 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, April 14, 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

Board Game Open Play

Friday, April 17, 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

Puzzle Exchange!

Saturday, April 18, 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 "Adults" group

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.

 

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

Nintendo Switch Party!

Monday, April 27, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
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 "Children" group
This event is in the "Teens" group

Chess Club

Tuesday, April 28, 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, April 30, 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

DMPL & Dragons: Sunday

Sunday, May 3, 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.