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

Filters
Age Group
Program Type

Play, Grow, Learn!

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

Play, Grow, Learn is an opportunity to meet families with other young children and engage in the five simple steps to success - Read, Write, Sing, Play, and Talk.  We will have a variety of toys available that promote learning for

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

Play, Grow, Learn is an opportunity to meet families with other young children and engage in the five simple steps to success - Read, Write, Sing, Play, and Talk.  We will have a variety of toys available that promote learning for

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.

Family Storytime

Family Storytime

Wednesday, March 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.

Image displayed is picture of animated, smiling children sitting on music notes.

Wiggles and Giggles

Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 10:15am - 10:45am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn, Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! 


 

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn, Storytimes
Event Details:

Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! 


 

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.

 

play and learn group

Play and Learn Group

Friday, March 27, 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Bring your littles to our Play and Learn Group, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different play equipment, toys, and sensory activities.

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

Bring your littles to our Play and Learn Group, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different play equipment, toys, and sensory activities.

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.

Library Scavenger Hunt

All Day 3/30 - 4/4
East Side Rosie's Nature Nook at East Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
All Ages

Find all of the hidden pictures for a prize! 

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Rosie's Nature Nook
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Find all of the hidden pictures for a prize! 

Play, Grow, Learn!

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:30am
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Play, Grow, Learn is an opportunity to meet families with other young children and engage in the five simple steps to success - Read, Write, Sing, Play, and Talk.  We will have a variety of toys available that promote learning for

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

Play, Grow, Learn is an opportunity to meet families with other young children and engage in the five simple steps to success - Read, Write, Sing, Play, and Talk.  We will have a variety of toys available that promote learning for

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.

Family Storytime

Family Storytime

Wednesday, April 1, 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.

Image displayed is picture of animated, smiling children sitting on music notes.

Wiggles and Giggles

Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 10:15am - 10:45am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn, Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! 


 

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn, Storytimes
Event Details:

Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! 


 

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.

 

lego open play

LEGO Open Play

Friday, April 3, 2026 at 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children

Join us in the Forest Meeting Room where building blocks will be available for open play! Use your imagination to build your ideas or use the STEM-challenge prompts and building guides to bring ideas to life. Drop-in anytime between 12-5pm.

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

Join us in the Forest Meeting Room where building blocks will be available for open play! Use your imagination to build your ideas or use the STEM-challenge prompts and building guides to bring ideas to life. Drop-in anytime between 12-5pm.

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.

Little Explorers program

Little Explorers

Monday, April 6, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Bring your young ones to our Little Explorers program, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different sensory activities. No Registration is Required. Please wear play clothes as some activities may be messy.

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

Bring your young ones to our Little Explorers program, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different sensory activities. No Registration is Required. Please wear play clothes as some activities may be messy.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.

Play, Grow, Learn!

Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:30am
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Play, Grow, Learn is an opportunity to meet families with other young children and engage in the five simple steps to success - Read, Write, Sing, Play, and Talk.  We will have a variety of toys available that promote learning for

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

Play, Grow, Learn is an opportunity to meet families with other young children and engage in the five simple steps to success - Read, Write, Sing, Play, and Talk.  We will have a variety of toys available that promote learning for

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.

Family Storytime

Family Storytime

Wednesday, April 8, 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.

Image displayed is picture of animated, smiling children sitting on music notes.

Wiggles and Giggles

Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 10:15am - 10:45am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn, Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! 


 

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn, Storytimes
Event Details:

Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! 


 

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.

 

play and learn group

Play and Learn Group

Friday, April 10, 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Bring your littles to our Play and Learn Group, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different play equipment, toys, and sensory activities.

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

Bring your littles to our Play and Learn Group, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different play equipment, toys, and sensory activities.

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.

Play, Grow, Learn!

Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:30am
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Play, Grow, Learn is an opportunity to meet families with other young children and engage in the five simple steps to success - Read, Write, Sing, Play, and Talk.  We will have a variety of toys available that promote learning for

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

Play, Grow, Learn is an opportunity to meet families with other young children and engage in the five simple steps to success - Read, Write, Sing, Play, and Talk.  We will have a variety of toys available that promote learning for

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.

Family Storytime

Family Storytime

Wednesday, April 15, 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.

Image displayed is picture of animated, smiling children sitting on music notes.

Wiggles and Giggles

Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 10:15am - 10:45am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn, Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! 


 

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn, Storytimes
Event Details:

Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! 


 

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.

 

City of Des Moines Park-n-Play logo

Little Explorers with Park-N-Play

Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Little Explorers has a new twist!

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Little Explorers has a new twist!

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.

Play, Grow, Learn!

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:30am
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Play, Grow, Learn is an opportunity to meet families with other young children and engage in the five simple steps to success - Read, Write, Sing, Play, and Talk.  We will have a variety of toys available that promote learning for

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

Play, Grow, Learn is an opportunity to meet families with other young children and engage in the five simple steps to success - Read, Write, Sing, Play, and Talk.  We will have a variety of toys available that promote learning for

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.

STEM challenge

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.

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.

 

Family Storytime

Family Storytime

Wednesday, April 22, 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.

Image displayed is picture of animated, smiling children sitting on music notes.

Wiggles and Giggles

Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 10:15am - 10:45am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn, Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! 


 

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn, Storytimes
Event Details:

Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! 


 

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.

 

play and learn group

Play and Learn Group

Friday, April 24, 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Bring your littles to our Play and Learn Group, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different play equipment, toys, and sensory activities.

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

Bring your littles to our Play and Learn Group, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different play equipment, toys, and sensory activities.

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.