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

Student Harmonica Session with Bob Pace

Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational, Performances
Age Group:
Adults

Bring your own or pick up a student harmonica when you arrive. Bob Pace will guide you through the basics of the "Mississippi Saxophone".

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

Bring your own or pick up a student harmonica when you arrive. Bob Pace will guide you through the basics of the "Mississippi Saxophone".

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.

 

Image for "Job Seekers"

Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K Davis Center

Wednesday, April 1, 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.

white text on a yellow background that reads "Art in the Library"

Art in the Library: 3D Coral Sculptures

Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children

Design and create a three-dimensional coral sculpture with ocean creatures using a variety of materials.

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

Design and create a three-dimensional coral sculpture with ocean creatures using a variety of materials.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Franklin VolunTeens

Monday, April 6, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Library Meeting
Age Group:
Teens

We are no longer accepting teen volunteer applications for the 2025-2026 school year.

 

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

We are no longer accepting teen volunteer applications for the 2025-2026 school year.

 

illustration of a typewriter with letters spilling out

Writers' Workshop

Monday, April 6, 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.

 

Image for "Job Seekers"

Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K Davis Center

Wednesday, April 8, 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.

Gift of Good Measure Keychain

Glowforge Training

Monday, April 13, 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.

 

Herbal Tea Blending

Monday, April 13, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults

This session, facilitated by Sara O'Connell, will highlight a selection of herbs, focusing on their properties and therapeutic benefits.

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

This session, facilitated by Sara O'Connell, will highlight a selection of herbs, focusing on their properties and therapeutic benefits.

chess club

Chess Club

Tuesday, April 14, 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.

Text reads: "Noche de Juegos: Game Night - 2nd Tuesday of each month from 6-7 PM"

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.

Image for "Job Seekers"

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.

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 magazines 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 magazines cutouts to create poetry and celebrate National Poetry Month. 

Neighborhood Finance Corporation logo

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)

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.
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.

 

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.

 

Image for "Job Seekers"

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.

Tech Central

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.

 

Chess Club

Chess Club

Tuesday, April 28, 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.

The-Grocery-List-Show_Signature-Image Credit: Sam Paakkonen Caption: Host Chrissy Camba in the grocery store

Indie Lens Pop-Up Screening: The Grocery List Show

Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational, Movies
Age Group:
Adults

Hosted by Top Chef contender Chrissy Camba, The Grocery List Show is a trip to five bustling international grocery stores in America and the communities they serve.

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

Hosted by Top Chef contender Chrissy Camba, The Grocery List Show is a trip to five bustling international grocery stores in America and the communities they serve.

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.

 

Image for "Job Seekers"

Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K Davis Center

Wednesday, April 29, 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.

Gift of Good Measure Keychain

Glowforge Training

Thursday, April 30, 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.

 

Franklin VolunTeens

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

We are no longer accepting teen volunteer applications for the 2025-2026 school year.

 

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

We are no longer accepting teen volunteer applications for the 2025-2026 school year.