Event List

Age Group
Age Group
Program Type
Program Type
Library Branch
Ongoing Events
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This event is in the "Adults" group.

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 9:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year is a free weekly postpartum support group for parents and their new babies. Facilitated by Blank Children's Hospital, each week will feature a guest...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year is a free weekly postpartum support group for parents and their new babies.

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

Drop-in Crafternoon: Paper Flower Art

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 2:00pm - 7:00pm
North Side Children’s Area at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Drop-in to North Side every Wednesday to enjoy a craft or STEM activity! This week, we will make spiral paper flowers!

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

Drop-in to North Side every Wednesday to enjoy a craft or STEM activity!

This week, we will make spiral paper flowers!

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.

Natives in our Parks

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Join Joel with Des Moines Parks and Recreation to learn about what City of Des Moines Parks & Rec has done with Natives in their Parks program and with their Neighborhood progr...

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

Join Joel with Des Moines Parks and Recreation to learn about what City of Des Moines Parks & Rec has done with Natives in their Parks program and with their Neighborhood program!

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Glowforge Training

Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Central Library Tech Central at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational
Age Group:
Adults
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 th...

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Tech Central
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational
Required
Seats Remaining: 2
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 "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Read to a Pet with ARL TheraPets

Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Educational, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Join us at South Side Library to learn about and read to a therapy pet. Youth and their caregivers will have the opportunity to ask questions, practice reading, and, of course, pet...

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

Join us at South Side Library to learn about and read to a therapy pet.

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.

Gardening with Native Plants Meet-Up

Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 5:30pm - 7:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Connect with others interested in environmentally friendly gardens. The focus is on native plants which foster and nourish wildlife. Come to learn and to share your favorite garden...

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Connect with others interested in environmentally friendly gardens. The focus is on native plants which foster and nourish wildlife.

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

Fun with Folktales Take-and-Make Bags!

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

Pick up a folktales-themed take-and-make bag at South Side Library! Each bag contains a folktale, an activity, and suggestions for great books to read after you finish. Every month...

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

Pick up a folktales-themed take-and-make bag at South Side Library! Each bag contains a folktale, an activity, and suggestions for great books to read after you finish. Every month we'll have a brand new bag with a brand new folktale to enjoy!

This event is in the "Teens" group.

Franklin VolunTeens

Monday, May 13, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Library Meeting
Age Group:
Teens
Event Details:

We are no longer accepting teen volunteer applications for the 2023-2024 school year. Summer Volunteering: Teens ages 12-18 can pick up a volunteer application starting Monday, ...

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 2023-2024 school year.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 9:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year is a free weekly postpartum support group for parents and their new babies. Facilitated by Blank Children's Hospital, each week will feature a guest...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year is a free weekly postpartum support group for parents and their new babies.

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

Drop-in STEM Challenge: Build a Boat

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 2:00pm - 7:00pm
North Side Children’s Area at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Drop-in to North Side every Wednesday to enjoy a craft or STEM activity! This week, challenge yourself to build a boat that floats!

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

Drop-in to North Side every Wednesday to enjoy a craft or STEM activity!

This week, challenge yourself to build a boat that floats!

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.

South VolunTeens

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Teens
Event Details:

Teens! Do you need volunteer hours? Students ages 12-18 may volunteer at the South Side Library for 1 hour performing various tasks during our South VolunTeens program! This i...

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Teens! Do you need volunteer hours? Students ages 12-18 may volunteer at the South Side Library for 1 hour performing various tasks during our South VolunTeens program! This is a great way to earn volunteer hours!

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Glowforge Training

Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Central Library Tech Central at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational
Age Group:
Adults
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 th...

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Tech Central
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational
Required
Seats Remaining: 4
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 "Children" group.

STEAM Cart Challenge: Projectile Launchers

Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Learn about the fascinating science behind projectile motion. Attendees will have the opportunity to design, build, and test various types of launchers using simple materials,...

Required
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational
Required
Seats Remaining: 14
Event Details:

Learn about the fascinating science behind projectile motion. Attendees will have the opportunity to design, build, and test various types of launchers using simple materials, household items and materials from our STEAM Cart.

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.

The African American Museum of Iowa Presents Black Ag and Farmers Series: Part Two

Sunday, May 19, 2024 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Join the African American Museum of Iowa for part two of a three-part series.  Part two will focus on African American carceral farming and husbandry with presenter, D...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Join the African American Museum of Iowa for part two of a three-part series. 

Part two will focus on African American carceral farming and husbandry with presenter, Dr. Negus Rudison-Imhotep.

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

Art 101: Charcoal Portraits

Monday, May 20, 2024 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
Event Details:

Join artist and library staff member Fueche Vang as we dive into charcoal portrait drawing. Learn about concepts such as facial features, perspective, lighting and more! Basic mate...

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, Health & Wellness
Required
Seats Remaining: 8
Event Details:

Join artist and library staff member Fueche Vang as we dive into charcoal portrait drawing. Learn about concepts such as facial features, perspective, lighting and more! Basic materials such as paper, charcoal, and erasers will be provided.

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.

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 9:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year is a free weekly postpartum support group for parents and their new babies. Facilitated by Blank Children's Hospital, each week will feature a guest...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year is a free weekly postpartum support group for parents and their new babies.

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 "Children" group.

Reading Buddies with ARL TheraPets!

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational, Health & Wellness, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Do you love animals? Then visit Central Library to practice reading with and learn about an ARL TheraPet! Engaging with animals is a great way to boost confidence and reduce anxiet...

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

Do you love animals? Then visit Central Library to practice reading with and learn about 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 "Adults" group.

Discovering Des Moines History

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Interested in learning about the history of our great City? Or learning about your little corner of it? DMPL is offering free bimonthly presentations on Des Moines’ fascinating pas...

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

Interested in learning about the history of our great City? Or learning about your little corner of it? DMPL is offering free bimonthly presentations on Des Moines’ fascinating past.

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

Drop-in Crafternoon: Art Cart

Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 2:00pm - 7:00pm
North Side Children’s Area at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Drop-in to North Side every Wednesday to enjoy a craft or STEM activity! This week, get creative with our arts and crafts supplies!

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

Drop-in to North Side every Wednesday to enjoy a craft or STEM activity!

This week, get creative with our arts and crafts 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 "Adults" group.
This event is in the "All Ages" group.

Cicadas 2024!

Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults, All Ages
Event Details:

Dive into the fascinating world of cicadas alongside ISU Polk County Extension and Outreach Natural Program Coordinator, Gina Buelow! Find out more about the 2024 emergence of ...

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

Dive into the fascinating world of cicadas alongside ISU Polk County Extension and Outreach Natural Program Coordinator, Gina Buelow!

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.

Glowforge Training

Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Central Library Tech Central at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational
Age Group:
Adults
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 th...

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Tech Central
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational
Required
Seats Remaining: 4
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 "Teens" group.

Summer VolunTeen Orientation

Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Teens
Event Details:

Teens! Do you need volunteer hours over the summer? Students ages 12-18 may volunteer at the South Side Library this summer. All students must submit a VolunTeens Application an...

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Teens! Do you need volunteer hours over the summer? Students ages 12-18 may volunteer at the South Side Library this summer.

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

Family STEM Challenge: Bird Kites

Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Event Details:

The whole family can visit the library and take on our Family STEM Challenge.  This month we will have supplies available to make a kite shaped like a bird.  Materials wi...

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

The whole family can visit the library and take on our Family STEM Challenge.  This month we will have supplies available to make a kite shaped like a bird.  Materials will be available between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.

 

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.

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 9:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year is a free weekly postpartum support group for parents and their new babies. Facilitated by Blank Children's Hospital, each week will feature a guest...

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year is a free weekly postpartum support group for parents and their new babies.

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.