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.

Upcoming Events

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

ASAP Mondays : Watercolor Painting

4:00pm–5:00pm
Children
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
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 "Birth-Preschool" group
This event is in the "Children" group

Family Storytime

6:30pm–7:00pm
Birth-Preschool, Children
South Side Meeting Room
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.

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

Drop-In STEM Challenge : Binary Code Ornaments

2:00pm–5:00pm
Children, Teens
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational, Play & Learn
Event Details:

Join us at the Forest Ave. Library for a drop-in STEM challenge. Supplies for making Binary Code Ornaments will be available for you to make and take home.

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

3:30pm–4:30pm
Children
East Side Meeting Room
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

4:00pm–4:45pm
Children
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
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

4:00pm–4:45pm
Children
North Side Meeting Room
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 "Children" group

Reading Buddies with ARL TheraPets!

4:00pm–5:00pm
Children
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
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.

 

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

Sensory Play Hour

4:00pm–5:00pm
Birth-Preschool, Children
South Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Come to South Side for an hour of sensory exploration!

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 Wednesdays: Theater Master Class

3:30pm–4:30pm
Children, Teens
North Side Meeting Room
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 "Birth-Preschool" group
This event is in the "Children" group

Art Cart

4:00pm–7:30pm
Birth-Preschool, Children
North Side Children’s Area
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

Park-N-Play

10:00am–12:00pm
Children
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Thursday mornings in the Franklin Avenue Library meeting room.

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

ASAP Thursdays: Creative Movement

4:00pm–5:00pm
Children, Teens
South Side Meeting Room
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

Kids Pokémon Card Swap

4:00pm–5:00pm
Children
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Are you looking for a place to trade your Pokémon cards? 

Bring your friends and come to this monthly program with any cards you want to trade.  This event is open to children ages 6-18. 

 

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

Fairy Tale Adventures: Gingerbread Man

6:00pm–7:00pm
Children
East Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Run, run, as fast as you can! Can you catch the Gingerbread Man? 

Join us for an interactive retelling of The Gingerbread Man with songs, fractured fairy tales, and a make-your-own gingerbread character craft to take home.

Disclaimer(s)

Age requirement

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

This event is in the "Children" group

Pajama Storytime : Winter Solstice

6:30pm–7:30pm
Children
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Celebrate the Winter Solstice at a special Pajama Storytime! 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.

This event is in the "Children" group

Ugly Sweater Art Cart

10:00am–3:00pm
Children
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:
It’s sweater weather! Color and design a one-of-a-kind sweater using the materials provided on our art cart, the uglier the better! All ages welcome. Children's Area.

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

Welcome the New Year Take-and-Makes!

All Day
Birth-Preschool, Children
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

I Spy: KPop Demon Hunters

12/22/2025 @ 12:00am–12/24/2025 @ 5:00pm
Children
Central Library Children’s Area
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Come find pictures of your favorite KPop Demon Hunters characters in the Central Youth area. Once you've found them all, stop at the Youth desk to claim your 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 "Children" group

Favorite Character Bingo

3:00pm–4:30pm
Children
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Join us for another round of everyone's favorite game, BINGO!  This time your BINGO card will be filled with some of your favorite characters.  Can you find them all in a row to win 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 "Children" group

Park-N-Play

3:30pm–4:30pm
Children
East Side Meeting Room
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
This event is in the "Teens" group
This event is in the "Adults" group

Little Women Sit & Stitch Tea Party

2:30pm–5:00pm
Children, Teens, Adults
North Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Movies
Event Details:

Cozy up for a movie at North Side! Bring your own craft project or try a beginner-friendly embroidery project while watching Little Women (2019, PG).

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

CANCELED: Chess Club

4:00pm–5:00pm
Children, Teens
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Cancelled
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.

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

DIY Cookie Decorating

4:00pm–5:00pm
Children, Teens
South Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Visit South Side to decorate your own sugar cookies! With colorful frosting and fun toppings, we’ll provide everything you need to create delicious, one-of-a-kind cookie creations that are unique as you are.

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

I Spy: KPop Demon Hunters

All Day 12/27–12/30
Children
Central Library Children’s Area
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Come find pictures of your favorite KPop Demon Hunters characters in the Central Youth area. Once you've found them all, stop at the Youth desk to claim your prize!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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