All DMPL locations are warming centers

All DMPL locations are serving as warming centers during open hours. DART will be providing free rides to designated warming centers through Friday, December 5. Learn more about additional warming centers.

Event List

Age Group
Age Group
Program Type
Program Type
Library Branch
Ongoing Events
Registration Type

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This event is in the "Adults" group

Snippets: A Writers' Workshop for Short Works 2025

Friday, December 5, 2025 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Study Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Adults

Snippets: A Writers' Workshop for Shorter Works. This group will read and discuss works out loud. Seating is limited. Registration is required.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Study Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Snippets: A Writers' Workshop for Shorter Works. This group will read and discuss works out loud. Seating is limited. Registration is required.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Study Break with the ARL

Friday, December 5, 2025 at 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults

Take a study break at Forest Avenue Library with TheraPets from the Animal Rescue League! With finals approaching, it’s important to manage stress and recharge.

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Take a study break at Forest Avenue Library with TheraPets from the Animal Rescue League! With finals approaching, it’s important to manage stress and recharge.

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

Taylor Swift Party

Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 10:30am - 12:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Happy Birthday Taylor! Make friendship bracelets and other Taylor-themed crafts with your fellow Swifties while enjoying chai cookies, a photo booth, and your favorite songs at North Side!

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

Happy Birthday Taylor! Make friendship bracelets and other Taylor-themed crafts with your fellow Swifties while enjoying chai cookies, a photo booth, and your favorite songs at North Side!

Disclaimer(s)

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

Sit n' Stitch

Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 1:30pm - 3:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Teens, Adults

Spend a couple hours with other crafters and work on your knit, crochet, or needle craft projects. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you. This program happens the first Saturday of the month.

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

Spend a couple hours with other crafters and work on your knit, crochet, or needle craft projects. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you. This program happens the first Saturday of the 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.
This event is in the "Children" group

Park-N-Play

Monday, December 8, 2025 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.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group
This event is in the "Children" group

Stuffy Sleepover

Monday, December 8, 2025 at 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational, Health & Wellness, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children

Bring your stuffed friend to Central Library for a fun craft before leaving them overnight to get into some mischief! Pick up your buddy the next day and see photos of all their adventures.

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

Bring your stuffed friend to Central Library for a fun craft before leaving them overnight to get into some mischief! Pick up your buddy the next day and see photos of all their adventures.

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 "Children" group

ASAP Mondays : Watercolor Painting

Monday, December 8, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children

Dive into painting at ASAP’s watercolor class! Sharpen your skills, explore new techniques, and enjoy the fun of painting alongside others with an ASAP teaching artist.

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

Dive into painting at ASAP’s watercolor class! Sharpen your skills, explore new techniques, and enjoy the fun of painting alongside others with an ASAP teaching artist.

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 "Adults" group

Glowforge Training

Monday, December 8, 2025 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.

 

This event is in the "All Ages" group

Take and Make: Book Charms

All Day 12/9 - 12/11
East Side Children’s Area at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Take & Make
Age Group:
All Ages

📔Pick up a Take & Make craft kit to create your own book charm! 

Craft at home or stay to make it in the library—everything you need is included.

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Children’s Area
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Take & Make
Event Details:

📔Pick up a Take & Make craft kit to create your own book charm! 

Craft at home or stay to make it in the library—everything you need is included.

This event is in the "Children" group

ASAP Tuesdays: Jewelry Making

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children

Bring your creativity to our jewelry-making class and craft wearable art using wire, beads, and other materials with guidance from a professional ASAP artist.

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

Bring your creativity to our jewelry-making class and craft wearable art using wire, beads, and other materials with guidance from a professional ASAP artist.

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.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Community Craft Night: Embroidery 101

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Adults

Drop in and spend an evening creating something new while enjoying the company of local crafters. In December, learn the basics of hand embroidery and practice a mix of beginner stitches.

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

Drop in and spend an evening creating something new while enjoying the company of local crafters. In December, learn the basics of hand embroidery and practice a mix of beginner stitches.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group

Family Storytime

Wednesday, December 10, 2025 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.

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

ASAP Wednesdays: Theater Master Class

Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Join us for a fun, interactive program to learn or improve your auditioning, musical theater, and scene acting skills. Led by an ASAP teaching artist, this program is recommended for ages 9–17.

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

Join us for a fun, interactive program to learn or improve your auditioning, musical theater, and scene acting skills. Led by an ASAP teaching artist, this program is recommended for ages 9–17.

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: Mystery Box

Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
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 December 10, you'll create a unique art piece using secret items in a mystery box.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
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 December 10, you'll create a unique art piece using secret items in a mystery box.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group
This event is in the "Children" group

Art Cart

Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 4:00pm - 7:30pm
North Side Children’s Area at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children

Get creative at North Side! Drop-in on Wednesdays to enjoy our large cart of art supplies.

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Get creative at North Side! Drop-in on Wednesdays to enjoy our large cart of art supplies.

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 Thursdays: Creative Movement

Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Let’s move! Join an ASAP teaching artist for fun movement and dance games, learn choreography, and get active. A snack will be provided for all participants. December 4, 11, 18.

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

Let’s move! Join an ASAP teaching artist for fun movement and dance games, learn choreography, and get active. A snack will be provided for all participants. December 4, 11, 18.

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
This event is in the "Adults" group

Sew Social

Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens, Adults

Join us at the Forest Avenue Library for Sew Social!

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Event Details:

Join us at the Forest Avenue Library for Sew Social!

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.

Children’s Program

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

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group
This event is in the "Children" group

Festive Lights Garland Take-and-Makes!

All Day
South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational, Play & Learn, Take & Make
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children

Stop by South Side Library and pick up a Take-and-Make bag full of fun activities and crafts!

While Supplies Last

 

Library Branch: South Side Library
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, Play & Learn, Take & Make
Event Details:

Stop by South Side Library and pick up a Take-and-Make bag full of fun activities and crafts!

While Supplies Last

 

This event is in the "Children" group

Park-N-Play

Monday, December 15, 2025 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.

This event is in the "Children" group

ASAP Mondays : Watercolor Painting

Monday, December 15, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children

Dive into painting at ASAP’s watercolor class! Sharpen your skills, explore new techniques, and enjoy the fun of painting alongside others with an ASAP teaching artist.

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

Dive into painting at ASAP’s watercolor class! Sharpen your skills, explore new techniques, and enjoy the fun of painting alongside others with an ASAP teaching artist.

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

ASAP Tuesdays: Jewelry Making

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children

Bring your creativity to our jewelry-making class and craft wearable art using wire, beads, and other materials with guidance from a professional ASAP artist.

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

Bring your creativity to our jewelry-making class and craft wearable art using wire, beads, and other materials with guidance from a professional ASAP artist.

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.

This event is in the "Children" group

Creative Readers: Cocoa, Cookies and Canvas

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Age Group:
Children

Celebrate the season with cookies & hot chocolate while we listen to a story and create a masterpiece! Meeting Room. Ages 3+

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Event Details:

Celebrate the season with cookies & hot chocolate while we listen to a story and create a masterpiece! Meeting Room. Ages 3+

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

Red Rover! Red Rover! Cars on Mars! with Dan Hoy

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 4:00pm - 4:45pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational
Age Group:
Children

Exploration rovers have been studying Mars for nearly 30 years.

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

Exploration rovers have been studying Mars for nearly 30 years.

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

Embroidered Sweaters

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Adults

Join Karlie Hunter, owner of Handful of Made, as she guides you through the process of embroidering a sweater with yarn and a needle.

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

Join Karlie Hunter, owner of Handful of Made, as she guides you through the process of embroidering a sweater with yarn and a needle.

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.