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

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ASAP Days

ASAP Thursdays: Sticker Factory

Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Learn how to design, build, and collect your own artistic, adorable, and/or awesome stickers. We'll even make puffy stickers and a mini-sticker album to keep our creations safe! Supplies and snacks provided.

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

Learn how to design, build, and collect your own artistic, adorable, and/or awesome stickers. We'll even make puffy stickers and a mini-sticker album to keep our creations safe! Supplies and snacks provided.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

EPIC Graphic Novel Book Club

Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Children

Are you a fan of graphic novels? Join us for our EPIC Graphic Novel BOOK CLUB for kids ages 7-11. We will have a brief discussion about this month's book followed by fun activities and crafts related to the book!

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

Are you a fan of graphic novels? Join us for our EPIC Graphic Novel BOOK CLUB for kids ages 7-11. We will have a brief discussion about this month's book followed by fun activities and crafts related to the book!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Paws and Read with ARL Therapets

Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 5:00pm - 7:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
All Ages

Relax, read, and spend time with friendly therapy animals from the ARL! Drop in to meet our cuddly visitors and enjoy a calm, cozy evening at the library.

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

Relax, read, and spend time with friendly therapy animals from the ARL! Drop in to meet our cuddly visitors and enjoy a calm, cozy evening at the library.

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.

Age requirement

This program requires participants to be within a specific age range. Please select the correct age/grade when registering. 

A warrior leaping forward to attack a dragon

DMPL & Dragons: Thursday

Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Adults

Dungeons & Dragons is a role-playing game set in worlds of swords and sorcery where players use their imaginations to tell a story and create an adventure together.  We usually get together on the third Thursday of each month to play, but

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Dungeons & Dragons is a role-playing game set in worlds of swords and sorcery where players use their imaginations to tell a story and create an adventure together.  We usually get together on the third Thursday of each month to play, but

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.

 

Pajama Storytime : Polar Bears

Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Children

Join us at Forest for a special Pajama Storytime all about polar bears! Enjoy stories, a warm beverage, and a fun craft. Wear your coziest pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal to snuggle along.

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Join us at Forest for a special Pajama Storytime all about polar bears! Enjoy stories, a warm beverage, and a fun craft. Wear your coziest pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal to snuggle along.

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.

Retirement University graphic

Retirement University: Social Security & Medicare

Thursday, February 19, 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:

- Filing strategies

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:

- Filing strategies

Career Connection Center: Job Support and Digital Skills

Friday, February 20, 2026 at 10:00am - 3:00pm
Central Library Conference Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology
Age Group:
Adults

Are you searching for a new job, having trouble navigating a website, or looking to learn a new digital skill? Goodwill is at the library to help!

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Conference Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology
Event Details:

Are you searching for a new job, having trouble navigating a website, or looking to learn a new digital skill? Goodwill is at the library to help!

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.

 

Pokémon Party

Friday, February 20, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Celebrate all things Pokémon at North Side! We will have Pokémon crafts and games for the whole family.

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

Celebrate all things Pokémon at North Side! We will have Pokémon crafts and games for the whole family.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

board game open play

Board Game Open Play

Friday, February 20, 2026 at 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
All Ages

Join us for a drop-in event for all ages. Come in, get cozy, and choose from a variety of games or puzzles to play with friends!

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Join us for a drop-in event for all ages. Come in, get cozy, and choose from a variety of games or puzzles to play with friends!

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.

The Outreach Project Logo

The Outreach Project

Friday, February 20, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults

Connect with area organizations for resources. Community advocates will provide information about community resources like meal sites and shelters.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Connect with area organizations for resources. Community advocates will provide information about community resources like meal sites and shelters.

City of Des Moines Park-n-Play logo

Little Explorers with Park-N-Play

Saturday, February 21, 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.

Mah Jongg 101

Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 1:30pm - 4:45pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Adults

Join the Dealt Hand and learn to play American Mah Jong!  This program is designed to give you the basics of how to play, getting you up to speed on reading the tiles, learning how to interpret the scoring card, and then getting you int

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Join the Dealt Hand and learn to play American Mah Jong!  This program is designed to give you the basics of how to play, getting you up to speed on reading the tiles, learning how to interpret the scoring card, and then getting you int

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.

Crossroads: A Journey with the Blues

Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Performances
Age Group:
All Ages

Join us at Forest Avenue Library for History of the Blues with Tom Buckmiller and Steve Vasquez.

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

Join us at Forest Avenue Library for History of the Blues with Tom Buckmiller and Steve Vasquez.

Tarot Journaling Workshop graphic

Tarot Journaling Workshop

Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Adults
This workshop will provide a creative exploration into Tarot through art and journal writing. Dr. Susan Harper will lead you through the basics of Tarot and guide participants through the art of Tarot journaling.
Registration Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Registration Required
Event Details:
This workshop will provide a creative exploration into Tarot through art and journal writing. Dr. Susan Harper will lead you through the basics of Tarot and guide participants through the art of Tarot journaling.

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.

Library Scavenger Hunt

All Day 2/23 - 2/28
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! 

Preschool Storytime

Monday, February 23, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Preschoolers and their caregivers can enjoy stories, rhymes, music, and learn school readiness skills. Afterwards, we will enjoy free-play together.

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Preschoolers and their caregivers can enjoy stories, rhymes, music, and learn school readiness skills. Afterwards, we will enjoy free-play together.

Toddler Storytime

Monday, February 23, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy introductory stories, songs, music, and movement! For ages 18 months to 36 months.

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy introductory stories, songs, music, and movement! For ages 18 months to 36 months.

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.

Career Connection Center: Job Support and Digital Skills

Monday, February 23, 2026 at 10:00am - 3:00pm
Central Library Conference Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology
Age Group:
Adults

Are you searching for a new job, having trouble navigating a website, or looking to learn a new digital skill? Goodwill is at the library to help!

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Conference Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology
Event Details:

Are you searching for a new job, having trouble navigating a website, or looking to learn a new digital skill? Goodwill is at the library to help!

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.

 

Park-N-Play

Monday, February 23, 2026 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children

Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Monday afternoons in the East Side Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost.

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Monday afternoons in the East Side Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys, games, crafts, and activities for families at no cost.

ASAP cardboard creations

ASAP Mondays : Cardboard Creations

Monday, February 23, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children

Get creative 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: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Get creative 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)

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.

Clock pieces and silhouettes of people

Forest Avenue Library Book Discussion

Monday, February 23, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Adults

Stop by the Forest Avenue Library to pick up a copy of this month's title, How to Stop Time by Matt Haig.

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

Stop by the Forest Avenue Library to pick up a copy of this month's title, How to Stop Time by Matt Haig.

Tech Central

Tech Central Open House

Monday, February 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.

 

Winter Puzzle Competition

Monday, February 23, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:45pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
All Ages
Join us for our fourth annual Winter Puzzle Competition! Spend the night competing against the clock to complete a 300-piece puzzle.
Registration Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Gaming
Registration Required
Event Details:
Join us for our fourth annual Winter Puzzle Competition! Spend the night competing against the clock to complete a 300-piece puzzle.

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.

Family Storytime

Monday, February 23, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children

Join us for our evening Family Storytime at 6:30 p.m.! Kids and caregivers can join us for fun songs, stories, and acivities. You can even wear your jammies!  

Best for ages 6 and under, but all are welcome!

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Join us for our evening Family Storytime at 6:30 p.m.! Kids and caregivers can join us for fun songs, stories, and acivities. You can even wear your jammies!  

Best for ages 6 and under, but all are welcome!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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