DMPL closed Sunday, March 31

All locations of the Des Moines Public Library will be closed Sunday, March 31 for the Easter holiday.

Upcoming Events

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

Primary tabs

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

Drop-in Crafternoon: Art Cart

2:00pm - 7:00pm
North Side Children’s Area
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, enjoy our large selection of art and craft 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.

Art in the Library: Oil Pastel Skylines

4:00pm - 4:45pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 10
Event Details:
Create a dramatic city skyline using our oil pastels or chalk. Art in the Library is for children ages 6-12 and requires preregistration.     The Franklin Library is located on DART Route #5. ...

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
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 7-18.    The Franklin Library is located...

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.

Open Art Hour

4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:
Come to South Side Library for an open art hour, where you can use our supplies and your creativity to express yourself however you like. From paints to beads to drawing and more, you can explore ways to make art as unique as you! ...

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.

Bee a Friend to Pollinators

5:30pm - 6:30pm
East Side Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 18
Event Details:
Join us and welcome Joel from the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department to learn about bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in our neighborhood and how we can help them thrive.  Every participant will be able to make a bee ho...

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.

Superhero Day

10:00am - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
It's a bird...It's a plane...It's Superhero Day! Join us for a day of activities, crafts and scavenger hunt in the children's area from 10AM to 4 PM. All ages 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.

Nintendo Switch Party!

3:00pm - 4:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:
Join us for a Nintendo Switch Party! We will have games like Mario Kart 8 & Super Mario Bros. Ultimate. Feel free to bring your own Switch or share the library’s controllers. ...

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.

Art Cart Saturdays

10:00am - 4:00pm
East Side Children’s Area
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:
Stop in the library to do some fun arts and crafts with our Art 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 "Children" group.

PAWS and Read with Therapy Dogs

10:30am - 11:30pm
East Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:
Join us for PAWS & Read with therapy dogs from Dog Training Elite here in Des Moines.  Reading to trained therapy pets can help build self-esteem, offers children a non-judgmental audience to build skills, confidence, and kids get to prac...

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.

Family Storytime

6:30pm - 7:00pm
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 crafts. You can even wear your jammies!  All Ages 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.
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:
It's a comic book showdown for the ages! Batman vs. Iron Man, The Flash vs. The Hulk, and Aquaman vs. The Black Panther! All these matchups and more are on display in the library, but who will win?? Only you can decide!  Help us find each pair, ...

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.

Creative Readers-From Book to Art!

4:00pm - 4:45pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Event Details:
Children will listen to a story and then create a masterpiece while exploring with art and STEM activities. Ages 3 to 8 years old, but younger and older siblings 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.

After-School Club: Crochet a Granny Square

4:00pm - 5:30pm
North Side Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 7
Event Details:
Tweens and teens ages 10-18 can join us after school on Tuesdays to enjoy activities in our meeting room. This week, we will learn some crochet basics and start working on a granny square together! You will be able to take your yarn and crochet ho...
This event is in the "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Drop-in STEM Challenge: Inventions

2:00pm - 7:00pm
North Side Children’s Area
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, dream up your own invention! We will also have plenty of craft supplies out for you to make a model of your invention. ...

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.

Grassy Head Cups

6:00pm - 7:00pm
East Side Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 12
Event Details:
Join us for a fun-filled crafting session at the library where participants will create their very own "Grassy Head Cups"! This engaging program offers a unique opportunity to unleash your creativity and cultivate your own mini garden masterpiece wit...

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.

Little Artists Storytime

6:00pm - 7:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Event Details:
Little Artists Storytime will feature a picture book and a related art project every week. Come read stories and create works of art to take home!  Please note: this program is designed for elementary school children (6-11 yrs.) ...

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.

Kid's Craft Day: Dog Man Finger Puppets

All Day
South Side Children’s Area
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn, Take & Make
Event Details:
Drop in at South for Kid's Craft Day in the Children's Area! For kids ages 5-12. Crafts will be available all day while supplies last.  ...

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.

Star Wars Day-May the 4th be with you!

10:00am - 4:00pm
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:
Celebrate everything Star Wars!  Bring the family and join us for crafts, activities and a scavenger hunt in the children's area from 10 AM to 4 PM. Costumes are welcome! May the Force be with you! ...

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 "All Ages" group.

Ivy + Bean the Musical Sneak Preview

10:30am - 11:00am
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, All Ages
Program Type: Performances
Event Details:
Visit the library for a special sneak preview of the Des Moines Community Playhouse production of Ivy + Bean the Musical which is based on the series by Annie Barrows. Enjoy the performance and enter to win free tickets to the play!  ...

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.
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:
May The Force Be With You! This week at the library we've got Jedi and Sith hiding all throughout the library! Find them all and you'll win a galactically cool prize!  Best for ages 6+   ...

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.

After-School Club: Switch Gaming

4:00pm - 5:00pm
North Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:
Tweens and teens ages 10-18 can join us after school on Tuesdays to enjoy activities on our meeting room. This week, play Nintendo Switch Games on our big screen! ...
This event is in the "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Drop-in Crafternoon: Paper Flower Art

2:00pm - 7:00pm
North Side Children’s Area
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 "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Read to a Pet with ARL TheraPets

4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room
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. Youth and their caregivers will have the opportunity to ask questions, practice reading, and, of course, pet a therapy animals from the Animal Rescue League's TheraPets program. ...

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.

Plant, Grow, Fly!

5:30pm - 6:30pm
East Side Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 15
Event Details:
Learn about butterflies and plants with the East Side Library and the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department! Kids can listen to a story about butterflies from Miss Nichole and learn more information about plants and butterflies from Environmenta...

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.