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
Library Branch
Ongoing Events
Registration Type

Primary tabs

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group

Baby and Toddler Rhyme Time

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Babies, toddlers, and their caregivers can join us on Tuesdays for rhymes, songs, lap bounces, and a story.

This program is recommended for children from birth to 24 months of age.

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Babies, toddlers, and their caregivers can join us on Tuesdays for rhymes, songs, lap bounces, and a story.

This program is recommended for children from birth to 24 months of age.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group

Baby Rhyme Time

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Join us for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Join us for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.

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

Park-N-Play

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:30am
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children

Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Tuesday mornings in the South Side Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys and fun activities for families at no cost.

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

Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Tuesday mornings in the South Side Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys and fun activities for families at no cost.

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 "Birth-Preschool" group

Baby Rhyme Time

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 10:15am - 11:00am
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Babies and their caregivers can join Miss Jennifer on Tuesdays for rhymes, songs, bounces, and a story followed by a short playtime.

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Babies and their caregivers can join Miss Jennifer on Tuesdays for rhymes, songs, bounces, and a story followed by a short playtime.

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, February 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

ASAP Tuesdays: Painting Party!

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children

Join ASAP for a group painting party, with a different finished work each week. Drop in once or every week; all supplies and snack provided.

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

Join ASAP for a group painting party, with a different finished work each week. Drop in once or every week; all supplies and snack provided.

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

K-pop Meet-up

Tuesday, February 24, 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.

 

This event is in the "Adults" group

DIY Mini Bookshelves

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Adults

Calling all craft lovers and bookworms! Decorate your own 3D-printed mini bookshelf in this hands-on program. Channel cozy cottage vibes, dark academia, or your favorite fandom as you create a unique display.

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

Calling all craft lovers and bookworms! Decorate your own 3D-printed mini bookshelf in this hands-on program. Channel cozy cottage vibes, dark academia, or your favorite fandom as you create a unique display.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group

Baby Rhyme Time

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 9:30am - 10:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Join us weekly for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.

 

 

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Join us weekly for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.

 

 

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

Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K Davis Center

Wednesday, February 25, 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.

This event is in the "Children" group

Park-N-Play

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children

Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Monday afternoons in the East Side Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost.

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

Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Monday afternoons in the East Side Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Career Connection Center: Job Support and Digital Skills

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 10:00am - 3:00pm
Central Library Conference Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology
Age Group:
Adults

Are you searching for a new job, having trouble navigating a website, or looking to learn a new digital skill? Goodwill is at the library to help!

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Conference Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology
Event Details:

Are you searching for a new job, having trouble navigating a website, or looking to learn a new digital skill? Goodwill is at the library to 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

Family Storytime

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 10:15am - 10:45am
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn, Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Listen to silly stories, sing songs, dance to music, and make art! Join Miss Emily for Family Storytime every Wednesday morning at 10:15 AM. Designed for children ages 0–5, this storytime welcomes all ages to join in the fun.

 

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn, Storytimes
Event Details:

Listen to silly stories, sing songs, dance to music, and make art! Join Miss Emily for Family Storytime every Wednesday morning at 10:15 AM. Designed for children ages 0–5, this storytime welcomes all ages to join in the fun.

 

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 "Birth-Preschool" group

Toddler Stories, Songs and Movement

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 10:15am - 10:45am
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Join Miss Donna for this fun filled story time! Together we will enjoy stories, songs, and more, all selected to engage your active toddler. Ages 18 months to 3 years old.

 

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Join Miss Donna for this fun filled story time! Together we will enjoy stories, songs, and more, all selected to engage your active toddler. Ages 18 months to 3 years old.

 

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

Reading Challenge Book Club

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Central Library Study Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Adults

Cross love story off your bingo card with this month's book, A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna. 

 

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Study Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

Cross love story off your bingo card with this month's book, A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna. 

 

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 Wednesdays: Let's Make Music

Wednesday, February 25, 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.

This event is in the "Children" group

Anime Watch Party: The Cat Returns

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 3:30pm - 5:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Movies
Age Group:
Children

Join us for an anime watch party! This month we are watching The Cat Returns.

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:

Join us for an anime watch party! This month we are watching The Cat Returns.

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 "Teens" group

The Art of Expression: Stained Glass

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
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 February 25, create a gorgeous work of art using everyday materials that mimic stained glass.

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
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 February 25, create a gorgeous work of art using everyday materials that mimic stained glass.

This event is in the "Teens" group

VolunTeen Drop-In Hour

Wednesday, February 25, 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.

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

Art Cart

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 4:00pm - 7:30pm
North Side Children’s Area at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children

Get creative at North Side! Drop-in on Wednesdays to enjoy our large cart of art supplies.

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Get creative at North Side! Drop-in on Wednesdays to enjoy our large cart of art supplies.

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

DIY Zen Garden

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Adults

Dreary February days got you down? So tired of winter and of taxes? 

Join us for a calming evening of designing and creating a mini zen garden of your very own. Supplies are limited!

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

Dreary February days got you down? So tired of winter and of taxes? 

Join us for a calming evening of designing and creating a mini zen garden of your very own. Supplies are limited!

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

Indie Lens Pop-Up Screening: The Inquisitor

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational, Movies
Age Group:
Adults

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

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

Join us for a free screening of Indie Lens Pop-up documentary: The Inquisitor 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.