This event is in the "Children" group Jan 12 2026 Mon ASAP Mondays : Now We're Cooking! 4:00pm–5:00pm Children Forest Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group Jan 12 2026 Mon ASAP Mondays : Now We're Cooking! 4:00pm–5:00pm Forest Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: Children Program Type: Arts & Crafts Event Details: Aprons on, culinary kids! Kids will team up with an ASAP teaching artist to make a new delicious recipe each week. All supplies and snacks are provided, making this a fun and flavorful hands-on experience for young chefs. 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 Jan 12 2026 Mon Family Storytime 6:30pm–7:00pm Birth-Preschool, Children South Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group This event is in the "Children" group Jan 12 2026 Mon 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 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 Jan 13 2026 Tue ASAP Tuesdays: Fantastical Art 3:30pm–4:30pm Children East Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group Jan 13 2026 Tue ASAP Tuesdays: Fantastical Art 3:30pm–4:30pm East Side Meeting Room Library Branch: East Side Library Room: East Side Meeting Room Age Group: Children Program Type: Arts & Crafts Event Details: Use your fantastic imagination to create castles, fairy houses, dragon eggs and more with a professional ASAP artist. A snack will be provided for all participants. 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 This event is in the "Teens" group Jan 13 2026 Tue Chess Club 4:00pm–5:00pm Children, Teens Forest Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group Jan 13 2026 Tue Chess Club 4:00pm–5:00pm Forest Avenue Meeting Room 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 Jan 13 2026 Tue Noche de Juegos | Game Night 6:00pm–7:00pm Children, Teens Forest Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group Jan 13 2026 Tue Noche de Juegos | Game Night 6:00pm–7:00pm Forest Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: Children, Teens Program Type: Educational, Gaming Event Details: Join us at Forest Avenue Library for Noche de Juegos—a fun-filled game night for bilingual kids and language learners! 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 Jan 14 2026 Wed ASAP Wednesdays: Air-Dry Clay Creations 3:30pm–4:30pm Children, Teens North Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group Jan 14 2026 Wed ASAP Wednesdays: Air-Dry Clay Creations 3:30pm–4:30pm 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: Get hands-on with air-dry clay and create a miniature masterpiece to take home each week. A professional ASAP teaching artist leads this fun, creative class, and a snack is provided for every participant. 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 Jan 14 2026 Wed Art Cart 4:00pm–7:30pm Birth-Preschool, Children North Side Children’s Area This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group This event is in the "Children" group Jan 14 2026 Wed Art Cart 4:00pm–7:30pm 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 Jan 15 2026 Thu Park-N-Play 10:00am–12:00pm Children Franklin Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group Jan 15 2026 Thu Park-N-Play 10:00am–12:00pm 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 Jan 15 2026 Thu ASAP Thursdays: Art Adventures 4:00pm–5:00pm Children, Teens South Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group Jan 15 2026 Thu ASAP Thursdays: Art Adventures 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: This class celebrates the process of artmaking as much as the final piece. Each week offers new techniques and mediums that create true art adventures. An ASAP teaching artist leads the class and supports every young creator. 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 Jan 15 2026 Thu EPIC Graphic Novel Book Club 4:00pm–5:00pm Children Franklin Avenue Meeting Room Registration Required This event is in the "Children" group Jan 15 2026 Thu EPIC Graphic Novel Book Club 4:00pm–5:00pm Franklin Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: Children Program Type: Book Clubs Registration Required Event Details: Are you a fan of graphic novels? Join us for our EPIC Graphic Novel BOOK CLUB for kids ages 7-11. We will have a brief discussion about this month's book followed by fun activities and crafts related to the book! 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 Jan 15 2026 Thu It's Chai Time! Storytime 6:00pm–7:00pm Children East Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group Jan 15 2026 Thu It's Chai Time! Storytime 6:00pm–7:00pm East Side Meeting Room Library Branch: East Side Library Room: East Side Meeting Room Age Group: Children Program Type: Storytimes Event Details: ☕ Warm up your winter evening with a good story and a cup of chai! Families are invited to enjoy engaging storytelling and authentic chai prepared by Gurwinder Kapur, a local cultural educator. 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 Jan 20 - 31 2026 I Spy: Dog Man All Day 1/20–1/31 Children Central Library Children’s Area This event is in the "Children" group Jan 20 - 31 2026 I Spy: Dog Man All Day 1/20–1/31 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 Dog Man 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 This event is in the "Teens" group Jan 20 2026 Tue Drop-In STEM Challenge : Marshmallow Tower 2:00pm–5:00pm Children, Teens Forest Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group Jan 20 2026 Tue Drop-In STEM Challenge : Marshmallow Tower 2:00pm–5:00pm 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 Forest for The Big Marshmallow Tower STEM Challenge! 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 Jan 20 2026 Tue ASAP Tuesdays: Fantastical Art 3:30pm–4:30pm Children East Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group Jan 20 2026 Tue ASAP Tuesdays: Fantastical Art 3:30pm–4:30pm East Side Meeting Room Library Branch: East Side Library Room: East Side Meeting Room Age Group: Children Program Type: Arts & Crafts Event Details: Use your fantastic imagination to create castles, fairy houses, dragon eggs and more with a professional ASAP artist. A snack will be provided for all participants. 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 Jan 20 2026 Tue Dog Man Bingo 3:30pm–4:30pm Children North Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group Jan 20 2026 Tue Dog Man Bingo 3:30pm–4:30pm North Side Meeting Room Library Branch: North Side Library Room: North Side Meeting Room Age Group: Children Program Type: Gaming Event Details: Dog Man: The Musical is coming to town. Celebrate your love of Dog Man while competing for prizes at Dog Man Bingo! 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 Jan 20 2026 Tue Creative Readers 4:00pm–4:45pm Children Franklin Avenue Children’s Area This event is in the "Children" group Jan 20 2026 Tue Creative Readers 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: Join us in celebrating the joy of reading and art as we explore materials and STEM activities inspired by a picture book. Ages 3 and up. 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 Jan 20 2026 Tue Reading Buddies with ARL TheraPets! 4:00pm–5:00pm Children Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 This event is in the "Children" group Jan 20 2026 Tue Reading Buddies with ARL TheraPets! 4:00pm–5:00pm 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 Jan 20 2026 Tue Sensory Play Hour 4:00pm–5:00pm Birth-Preschool, Children South Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group This event is in the "Children" group Jan 20 2026 Tue Sensory Play Hour 4:00pm–5:00pm 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 Jan 21 2026 Wed ASAP Wednesdays: Air-Dry Clay Creations 3:30pm–4:30pm Children, Teens North Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group Jan 21 2026 Wed ASAP Wednesdays: Air-Dry Clay Creations 3:30pm–4:30pm 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: Get hands-on with air-dry clay and create a miniature masterpiece to take home each week. A professional ASAP teaching artist leads this fun, creative class, and a snack is provided for every participant. 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 Jan 21 2026 Wed Paper Circuit Art 3:30pm–5:00pm Children, Teens South Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group Jan 21 2026 Wed Paper Circuit Art 3:30pm–5:00pm South Side Meeting Room Library Branch: South Side Library Room: South Side Meeting Room Age Group: Children, Teens Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology Event Details: Design your own glowing artwork using copper tape, LEDs, and batteries, while learning simple principles of electricity and creativity. All materials provided—just bring your imagination!
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group This event is in the "Children" group Jan 21 2026 Wed Art Cart 4:00pm–7:30pm Birth-Preschool, Children North Side Children’s Area This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group This event is in the "Children" group Jan 21 2026 Wed Art Cart 4:00pm–7:30pm 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 Jan 22 2026 Thu Park-N-Play 10:00am–12:00pm Children Franklin Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group Jan 22 2026 Thu Park-N-Play 10:00am–12:00pm 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 Jan 22 2026 Thu ASAP Thursdays: Art Adventures 4:00pm–5:00pm Children, Teens South Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group Jan 22 2026 Thu ASAP Thursdays: Art Adventures 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: This class celebrates the process of artmaking as much as the final piece. Each week offers new techniques and mediums that create true art adventures. An ASAP teaching artist leads the class and supports every young creator. 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 Jan 22 2026 Thu Dog Man Crafternoon! 4:00pm–5:00pm Children Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 This event is in the "Children" group Jan 22 2026 Thu Dog Man Crafternoon! 4:00pm–5:00pm Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 Library Branch: Central Library Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 Age Group: Children Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational Event Details: Join us for an hour of Dog Man-inspired activities, crafts, and snacks! Enter a drawing to win 4 tickets to Dog Man: The Musical on January 31st, presented by Des Moines Performing Arts. 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. 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.
