Event List

Age Group
Age Group
Program Type
Program Type
Library Branch
Ongoing Events
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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 "Adults" group

Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K Davis Center

Wednesday, April 15, 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: Art Trading Cards

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Calling all collectors! Join ASAP for a fun trading card workshop, where participants will get to design, print, and create your very own trading cards to play and trade with friends.

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

Calling all collectors! Join ASAP for a fun trading card workshop, where participants will get to design, print, and create your very own trading cards to play and trade with friends.

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: 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 magazine 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 magazine cutouts to create poetry and celebrate National Poetry Month. 

This event is in the "Children" group

Build Piñatas to Break Barriers: a Bilingual Event with Prevent Child Abuse Iowa

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Children

“Build Piñatas to Break Barriers” is a family workshop promoting creativity, connection, and community during National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

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

“Build Piñatas to Break Barriers” is a family workshop promoting creativity, connection, and community during National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

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.

 

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

ASAP Days: Cardboard Creations

Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Get creative in this class and give plain old cardboard exciting new life! Each week will present a different challenge to transform something ordinary into something extraordinary. Snack provided for all participants.

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

Get creative in this class and give plain old cardboard exciting new life! Each week will present a different challenge to transform something ordinary into something extraordinary. 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 "Adults" group

NFC General Information Session

Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults

Renovate with Confidence - Understanding Home Improvement Loans with Neighborhood Finance Corporation (NFC)

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

Renovate with Confidence - Understanding Home Improvement Loans with Neighborhood Finance Corporation (NFC)

This event is in the "Children" group

Build Piñatas to Break Barriers: a Bilingual Event with Prevent Child Abuse Iowa

Friday, April 17, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Children

“Build Piñatas to Break Barriers” is a family workshop promoting creativity, connection, and community during National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

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

“Build Piñatas to Break Barriers” is a family workshop promoting creativity, connection, and community during National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

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.

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

Russian Conversation Club

Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Central Library Study Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults

This conversation club is both for native speakers and those wanting to learn Russian. Topics of conversation are meant to be light. Get to know other members of your community, or assist those wanting to learn Russian.

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

This conversation club is both for native speakers and those wanting to learn Russian. Topics of conversation are meant to be light. Get to know other members of your community, or assist those wanting to learn Russian.

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

Woodworking 101

Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Members of the Des Moines Woodworking Association will present an introduction to the art of woodworking.
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Event Details:
Members of the Des Moines Woodworking Association will present an introduction to the art of woodworking.
This event is in the "All Ages" group

Language of Life: An Introduction to Writing Poetry

Monday, April 20, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
All Ages

Join author Tom Montgomery Fate ( https://tomfate.com/about/ ) for a free workshop that teaches introductory craft strategies for poetry during National Poetry Month.&n

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Event Details:

Join author Tom Montgomery Fate ( https://tomfate.com/about/ ) for a free workshop that teaches introductory craft strategies for poetry during National Poetry Month.&n

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

Drop-In STEM Challenge : Build a Bridge

Tuesday, April 21, 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 Build a Bridge 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 Build a Bridge 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

Reading Buddies with ARL TheraPets!

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational, Health & Wellness, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children

When you're learning to read, practicing out loud can be daunting! Visit Central Library to practice reading with an ARL TheraPet. Engaging with animals is a great way to boost confidence and reduce anxiety around learning to read.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness, Play & Learn
Event Details:

When you're learning to read, practicing out loud can be daunting! Visit Central Library to practice reading with an ARL TheraPet. Engaging with animals is a great way to boost confidence and reduce anxiety around learning to read.

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

K-pop Meet-up

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 3 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 3
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 "All Ages" group

Climbing Everest: An Iowa Woman’s Journey to the Summit

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
All Ages

Jennifer Loeb is an Iowa native, Wartburg College graduate, and accomplished mountaineer who began climbing in 2010 after years of volunteer work both locally and internationally. She has since summited peaks around the world, including Mt.

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

Jennifer Loeb is an Iowa native, Wartburg College graduate, and accomplished mountaineer who began climbing in 2010 after years of volunteer work both locally and internationally. She has since summited peaks around the world, including Mt.

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, April 22, 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: Art Trading Cards

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Calling all collectors! Join ASAP for a fun trading card workshop, where participants will get to design, print, and create your very own trading cards to play and trade with friends.

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

Calling all collectors! Join ASAP for a fun trading card workshop, where participants will get to design, print, and create your very own trading cards to play and trade with friends.

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

ASAP Days: Cardboard Creations

Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Get creative in this class and give plain old cardboard exciting new life! Each week will present a different challenge to transform something ordinary into something extraordinary. Snack provided for all participants.

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

Get creative in this class and give plain old cardboard exciting new life! Each week will present a different challenge to transform something ordinary into something extraordinary. 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 "Adults" group
This event is in the "All Ages" group

Disney and Lucas: Filmmaking Visionaries

Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults, All Ages

Join DMACC Journalism Professor Andy Langager to learn about the history of Walt Disney and George Lucas, and how each changed how stories were told, pushed for innovation, and left a lasting legacy.

 

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

Join DMACC Journalism Professor Andy Langager to learn about the history of Walt Disney and George Lucas, and how each changed how stories were told, pushed for innovation, and left a lasting legacy.

 

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 "Children" group

Model Train Workshop for Kids

Friday, April 24, 2026 at 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children

Interested in learning about model trains?  Come to this unique event with members of DesMoiNTrak Model Train Club.  Learn about the history of trains and model trains, and design your own piece of track!

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

Interested in learning about model trains?  Come to this unique event with members of DesMoiNTrak Model Train Club.  Learn about the history of trains and model trains, and design your own piece of track!

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group
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

Model Train Display with DesMoiNTrak

Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 10:00am - 5:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational, Exhibits, Take & Make
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens, Adults, All Ages

All aboard! Trains are taking over the Central Library! Visit the library to see a huge model train display set up by the DesMoiNTrak modular railroad club.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens, Adults, All Ages
Program Type: Educational, Exhibits, Take & Make
Event Details:

All aboard! Trains are taking over the Central Library! Visit the library to see a huge model train display set up by the DesMoiNTrak modular railroad club.

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.

 

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

Russian Conversation Club

Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Central Library Study Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults

This conversation club is both for native speakers and those wanting to learn Russian. Topics of conversation are meant to be light. Get to know other members of your community, or assist those wanting to learn Russian.

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

This conversation club is both for native speakers and those wanting to learn Russian. Topics of conversation are meant to be light. Get to know other members of your community, or assist those wanting to learn Russian.

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

Model Train Display with DesMoiNTrak

Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational, Exhibits, Take & Make
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens, Adults, All Ages

All aboard! Trains are taking over the Central Library! Visit the library to see a huge model train display set up by the DesMoiNTrak modular railroad club.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens, Adults, All Ages
Program Type: Educational, Exhibits, Take & Make
Event Details:

All aboard! Trains are taking over the Central Library! Visit the library to see a huge model train display set up by the DesMoiNTrak modular railroad club.

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.

 

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

Tech Central Open House

Monday, April 27, 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.