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

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
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 "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 "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.

 

This event is in the "Adults" group

Glowforge Training

Thursday, February 26, 2026 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 "Adults" group

Retirement University: Investment & Taxes

Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults

Join the library and the Society for Financial Awareness for a series of free programs to help you plan for retirement. At this session we will cover:

- Creating a tax plan

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

Join the library and the Society for Financial Awareness for a series of free programs to help you plan for retirement. At this session we will cover:

- Creating a tax plan

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

Korean New Year Family Storytime

Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational, Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children

Join Miss Minsu for a special storytime celebrating the Korean (Lunar) New Year! We will read a story and learn more about this important holiday in Korean culture, as well as do a craft together.

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

Join Miss Minsu for a special storytime celebrating the Korean (Lunar) New Year! We will read a story and learn more about this important holiday in Korean culture, as well as do a craft together.

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

Medicare Advantage 101

Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment starts Jan 1 and ends March 31.
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness
Event Details:
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment starts Jan 1 and ends March 31.

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

Writers' Workshop

Monday, March 2, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults

Join us for the DMPL Writer's Workshop on the first* Monday of the month from 5:30-7:30 PM. Share samples of work and receive feedback from other writers in the group.

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

Join us for the DMPL Writer's Workshop on the first* Monday of the month from 5:30-7:30 PM. Share samples of work and receive feedback from other writers in the group.

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

Introduction to Herbal Medicine

Monday, March 2, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults

Curious about the world of herbs but don't know where to start? Join us for Introduction to Herbal Medicine class, facilitated by Sara O'Connell.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Registration Required
Event Details:

Curious about the world of herbs but don't know where to start? Join us for Introduction to Herbal Medicine class, facilitated by Sara O'Connell.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K Davis Center

Wednesday, March 4, 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
This event is in the "Teens" group

ASAP Wednesdays: Fun With Drawing

Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Pick up your pencil and let's have fun with lines, shapes, patterns, and color. Each week we'll make a different drawing project to take home. 

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

Pick up your pencil and let's have fun with lines, shapes, patterns, and color. Each week we'll make a different drawing project to take home. 

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

Science Wednesdays: Tech Take Apart

Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children

Ever wondered what everyday materials look like on the inside?  Get a chance to take apart a piece of used technology and explore what it is made of.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational
Registration Required
Event Details:

Ever wondered what everyday materials look like on the inside?  Get a chance to take apart a piece of used technology and explore what it is made of.

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

NFC's Journey to Homeownership (J2H)

Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults

Ready to own a home but not sure where to start?

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

Ready to own a home but not sure where to start?

This event is in the "Adults" group

Retirement University: Estate Planning, Long-term Care and Legacy Planning

Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults

Join the library and the Society for Financial Awareness for a series of free programs to help you plan for retirement. At this session we will cover:

- Estate planning misconceptions

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

Join the library and the Society for Financial Awareness for a series of free programs to help you plan for retirement. At this session we will cover:

- Estate planning misconceptions

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

Sew Social

Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens, Adults

Join us at the Forest Avenue Library for Sew Social!

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

Join us at the Forest Avenue Library for Sew Social!

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.

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

Franklin VolunTeens

Monday, March 9, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Library Meeting
Age Group:
Teens

Are you looking for a great place to volunteer? Become a volunteen and help with library projects and programs.

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

Are you looking for a great place to volunteer? Become a volunteen and help with library projects and programs.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Glowforge Training

Monday, March 9, 2026 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
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 "Adults" group

Resources & Guidance for the 2026 Tax Filing Season

Monday, March 9, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Zoom Meeting Room at DMPL Systemwide
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Filing taxes can be overwhelming when you aren't sure what you need or who can help. Join us via Zoom as Dan Belarmino shares resources and guidance for filing taxes for the 2026 season.
Virtual Event
Library Branch: DMPL Systemwide
Room: Zoom Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Filing taxes can be overwhelming when you aren't sure what you need or who can help. Join us via Zoom as Dan Belarmino shares resources and guidance for filing taxes for the 2026 season.
This event is in the "Adults" group

Swedish Death Cleaning 101

Monday, March 9, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults

Swedish death cleaning is the thoughtful and effective method of organizing and decluttering, made popular by Margareta Magnusson's best-selling book and television series, "The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning".

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

Swedish death cleaning is the thoughtful and effective method of organizing and decluttering, made popular by Margareta Magnusson's best-selling book and television series, "The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning".

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

Catapult Launchers with STEAM STARZ!

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Explore forces, motion, and energy transfer in action as families design, build, and launch their own mini catapults.

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Computers & Technology, Educational
Event Details:

Explore forces, motion, and energy transfer in action as families design, build, and launch their own mini catapults.

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, 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.