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 "Adults" group

Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K Davis Center

Wednesday, March 11, 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 11, 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 "Adults" group

Resources & Guidance for the 2026 Tax Filing Season

Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
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 our Zoom call during your lunch break for 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 our Zoom call during your lunch break for resources and guidance for filing taxes for the 2026 season.

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

Drop-In STEM Challenge : Magnetic Slime

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Join us at Forest for a Magnetic Slime STEM Challenge!

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational, Play & Learn
Event Details:

Join us at Forest for a Magnetic Slime STEM Challenge!

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

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

Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K Davis Center

Wednesday, March 18, 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 18, 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 "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 "Adults" group

Seed starting with Nine Square Feet

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults

Learn the basics of starting seeds indoors at this workshop!  Choose from a nice variety of tomatoes, peppers, herbs and flowers.

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

Learn the basics of starting seeds indoors at this workshop!  Choose from a nice variety of tomatoes, peppers, herbs and flowers.

This event is in the "Adults" group

DMPL Digital Drop-In

Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Franklin Avenue Family Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology, Educational
Age Group:
Adults

Stop by Franklin Ave Library and learn how to use DMPL’s digital resources like Libby, Consumer Reports, Kanopy, and newspapers.

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Family Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology, Educational
Event Details:

Stop by Franklin Ave Library and learn how to use DMPL’s digital resources like Libby, Consumer Reports, Kanopy, and newspapers.

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
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "All Ages" group

Tech Central Open House

Monday, March 23, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Tech Central at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children, Teens, Adults, All Ages

Check out what's new in Central Library's maker lab, Tech Central. From 3D printers to laser cutters, VHS digitizing to t-shirt making, sewing to button making and more! Various crafts and demonstrations available.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Tech Central
Age Group: Children, Teens, Adults, All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational, Play & Learn
Registration Required
Event Details:

Check out what's new in Central Library's maker lab, Tech Central. From 3D printers to laser cutters, VHS digitizing to t-shirt making, sewing to button making and more! Various crafts and demonstrations available.

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

K-pop Meet-up

Tuesday, March 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

Identity Theft Prevention Workshop

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults

Hosted by BMO, this free program will help you recognize the warning signs of identity theft and fraud, explore the different ways these crimes occur, and learn practical strategies to safeguard yourself. 

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

Hosted by BMO, this free program will help you recognize the warning signs of identity theft and fraud, explore the different ways these crimes occur, and learn practical strategies to safeguard yourself. 

This event is in the "Adults" group

Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K Davis Center

Wednesday, March 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 "Adults" group

Identity Theft Prevention Workshop

Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 10:30am - 12:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults

Hosted by BMO, this free program will help you recognize the warning signs of identity theft and fraud, explore the different ways these crimes occur, and learn practical strategies to safeguard yourself. 

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

Hosted by BMO, this free program will help you recognize the warning signs of identity theft and fraud, explore the different ways these crimes occur, and learn practical strategies to safeguard yourself. 

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

ASAP Wednesdays: Fun With Drawing

Wednesday, March 25, 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 "Teens" group
This event is in the "Adults" group

Introduction to Reiki

Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Teens, Adults

Discover the gentle, powerful practice of Reiki energy healing in this engaging and interactive presentation.

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Discover the gentle, powerful practice of Reiki energy healing in this engaging and interactive presentation.

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 Tallest Dwarf

Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational, Movies
Age Group:
Adults

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

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

Join us for a free screening of Indie Lens Pop-up documentary: The Tallest Dwarf 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, March 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 "Teens" group

Gardening 101

Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Teens

Join Community Youth Concepts for a hands-on Gardening 101 workshop where middle and high schoolers will plant their own seeds and learn the basics of starting and caring for a garden, from Iowa-friendly plants to eco-smart growing tips.

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

Join Community Youth Concepts for a hands-on Gardening 101 workshop where middle and high schoolers will plant their own seeds and learn the basics of starting and caring for a garden, from Iowa-friendly plants to eco-smart growing tips.

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.