Memorial Day Closure

All DMPL locations will be closed Sunday, May 25 and Monday, May 26 for the Memorial Day holiday. 

Event List

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

Primary tabs

This event is in the "All Ages" group.

African American Museum of Iowa's Mapping Exclusion: Redlining in Iowa Exhibit

All Day 4/21 - 5/24
Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Exhibits
Age Group:
All Ages

Join us at the Franklin Avenue Library for Mapping Exclusion: Redlining in Iowa. This exhibit from the African American Museum of Iowa explores the impact of housing discrimination and segregation in the state of Iowa.

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Exhibits
Event Details:

Join us at the Franklin Avenue Library for Mapping Exclusion: Redlining in Iowa. This exhibit from the African American Museum of Iowa explores the impact of housing discrimination and segregation in the state of Iowa.

This event is in the "Children" group.

I Spy: Iowa Wildflowers

All Day 5/12 - 5/24
Central Library Children’s Area at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children

Wildflowers are not only beautiful; they are super important for animals and insects! Learn to identify a few common Iowa wildflowers, then go outside and see if you can find them for real! 

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Wildflowers are not only beautiful; they are super important for animals and insects! Learn to identify a few common Iowa wildflowers, then go outside and see if you can find them for real! 

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.

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

Percy Jackson Scavenger Hunt!

All Day 5/12 - 5/24
South Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens

Visit South and try our Scavenger Hunt! Drop in and search the library for all of the items on the sheet and win a prize!

Library Branch: South Side Library
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Visit South and try our Scavenger Hunt! Drop in and search the library for all of the items on the sheet and win a prize!

This event is in the "Children" group.

Lilo & Stitch Scavenger Hunt

All Day 5/19 - 5/24
Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational, Gaming
Age Group:
Children

Visit the library and find all of the pictures hiding in the Children's Area.

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational, Gaming
Event Details:

Visit the library and find all of the pictures hiding in the Children's Area.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Compre. Coma. Viva Saludable (Buy. Eat. Live Healthy)

Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 12:00pm - 1:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults

Aprenda a hacer recetas fáciles, nutritivas y baratas con una instructora de Iowa State University - Extension.  Durante esta clase de 8 semanas, aprenderá a:

Ahorrar dinero: comprar y gastar menos en sus alimentos.

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Aprenda a hacer recetas fáciles, nutritivas y baratas con una instructora de Iowa State University - Extension.  Durante esta clase de 8 semanas, aprenderá a:

Ahorrar dinero: comprar y gastar menos en sus alimentos.

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.

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 "Adults" group.

Russian Conversation Club

Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Central Library Study Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults

This conversation club is both for native speakers and those wanting to learn Russian. Topics of conversation are meant to be light. Get to know other members of your community, or assist those wanting to learn Russian.

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

This conversation club is both for native speakers and those wanting to learn Russian. Topics of conversation are meant to be light. Get to know other members of your community, or assist those wanting to learn Russian.

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.

Memorial Day

All Day 5/25 - 5/26
Central Library, East Side Library, Forest Avenue Library, Franklin Avenue Library, North Side Library, South Side Library, Off Site, DMPL Systemwide

All locations will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.

Closing
Branches:
Central Library, East Side Library, Forest Avenue Library, Franklin Avenue Library, North Side Library, South Side Library, Off Site, DMPL Systemwide
Description:

All locations will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.

This event is in the "All Ages" group.

African American Museum of Iowa's Mapping Exclusion: Redlining in Iowa Exhibit

All Day 5/27 - 5/30
Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Exhibits
Age Group:
All Ages

Join us at the Franklin Avenue Library for Mapping Exclusion: Redlining in Iowa. This exhibit from the African American Museum of Iowa explores the impact of housing discrimination and segregation in the state of Iowa.

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Exhibits
Event Details:

Join us at the Franklin Avenue Library for Mapping Exclusion: Redlining in Iowa. This exhibit from the African American Museum of Iowa explores the impact of housing discrimination and segregation in the state of Iowa.

This event is in the "Children" group.

I Spy: Bikes

All Day 5/27 - 5/31
Central Library Children’s Area at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children

It's National Bike Month! Find all of the pictures in the Youth area to get a prize!

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

It's National Bike Month! Find all of the pictures in the Youth area to get a prize!

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 27, 2025 at 9:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Family Room at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults

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

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Family Room
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 "Birth-Preschool" group.

Play, Grow, Learn!

Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 10:00am - 11:30am
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Children ages 0-5 and their caregivers can engage in open play, come and go activities at South. 

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

Children ages 0-5 and their caregivers can engage in open play, come and go activities at South. 

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.

One-on-One Computer Sessions

Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology
Age Group:
Adults

For those looking for basic computer help come to the Forest Avenue Library. We will provide individual assistance with creating an email, polishing a resume, typing a document, or applying for a job.

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology
Event Details:

For those looking for basic computer help come to the Forest Avenue Library. We will provide individual assistance with creating an email, polishing a resume, typing a document, or applying for a job.

This event is in the "Children" group.

ASAP Tuesdays: Air Dry Clay

Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children

This month's artist: Amanda Rhodes

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

This month's artist: Amanda Rhodes

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 "Teens" group.

Summer VolunTeen Orientation

Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Teens

Teens - earn volunteer hours this summer at South Side Library! Students ages 12-18 may apply to volunteer by submitting a VolunTeens Application and waiver, signed by a parent/guardian.

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

Teens - earn volunteer hours this summer at South Side Library! Students ages 12-18 may apply to volunteer by submitting a VolunTeens Application and waiver, signed by a parent/guardian.

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

K-pop Meet-up

Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Central Library Study Room 1 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 Study Room 1
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.

This event is in the "All Ages" group.

CMA presents the Belin String Quartet in a free outdoor concert

Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 5:30pm - 6:15pm
Central Library Lawn at Central Library
Program Type:
Performances
Age Group:
All Ages

Celebrate the Belin String Quartet’s 25th anniversary season with a free outdoor concert on the lawn of the Central Library. Enjoy a 45-minute program featuring music that spans from classical to modern.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Lawn
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Performances
Event Details:

Celebrate the Belin String Quartet’s 25th anniversary season with a free outdoor concert on the lawn of the Central Library. Enjoy a 45-minute program featuring music that spans from classical to modern.

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.

Inclement Weather

This program is hosted outdoors. In case of inclement weather please check back here for updates. 

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K Davis Center

Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology
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: Computers & Technology
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.

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

ASAP Wednesdays: Cardboard Creations

Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Unleash your creativity and turn plain old cardboard into something extraordinary! Each week, you'll take on a new challenge, transforming everyday materials into imaginative works of art.

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

Unleash your creativity and turn plain old cardboard into something extraordinary! Each week, you'll take on a new challenge, transforming everyday materials into imaginative works of art.

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.

Summer VolunTeen Orientation

Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Teens

Teens - earn volunteer hours this summer at South Side Library! Students ages 12-18 may apply to volunteer by submitting a VolunTeens Application and waiver, signed by a parent/guardian.

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

Teens - earn volunteer hours this summer at South Side Library! Students ages 12-18 may apply to volunteer by submitting a VolunTeens Application and waiver, signed by a parent/guardian.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Frankenstein Escape Room

Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational, Gaming
Age Group:
Adults

The truth of Dr. Frankenstein's crimes is slowly coming to light. Your detective team has been contracted to find the evidence necessary to convict him.

Registration Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational, Gaming
Registration Required
Event Details:

The truth of Dr. Frankenstein's crimes is slowly coming to light. Your detective team has been contracted to find the evidence necessary to convict him.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Drop-In Tech Help

Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library Success Center at Central Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology
Age Group:
Adults

Need help with a phone, laptop, or tablet, or another electronic device? Drop-in to the Central Library at 2PM on Thursdays and our staff will work with you to figure things out.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Success Center
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology
Event Details:

Need help with a phone, laptop, or tablet, or another electronic device? Drop-in to the Central Library at 2PM on Thursdays and our staff will work with you to figure things out.

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 29, 2025 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.

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

ASAP Thursdays: Drama Games

Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children, Teens

Explore creativity, build confidence, and connect with others through games, movement, and improvisation.

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

Explore creativity, build confidence, and connect with others through games, movement, and improvisation.

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.

The Outreach Project

Friday, May 30, 2025 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults

The Des Moines Public Library is partnering with area organizations to connect people with community resources. Community advocates will provide information about community resources like meal sites and shelters.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

The Des Moines Public Library is partnering with area organizations to connect people with community resources. Community advocates will provide information about community resources like meal sites and shelters.

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.