Forest Avenue Library - Remodel is Complete!

The Forest Avenue Library public restrooms and drinking fountain remodel project is complete! Check out the Forest Avenue Library page for more information.

Upcoming Events

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Ongoing Events
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This event is in the "Adults" group

Snippets: A Writers' Workshop for Short Works 2025

10:00am–11:00am
Adults
Central Library Study Room 1
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Study Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Snippets: A Writers' Workshop for Shorter Works. This group will read and discuss works out loud. Seating is limited. Registration is required.

This event is in the "Adults" group

The Outreach Project

1:00pm–3:00pm
Adults
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
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.
This event is in the "Adults" group

Russian Conversation Club

1:00pm–2:00pm
Adults
Central Library Study Room 1
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.

 

This event is in the "Adults" group

Franklin Afternoon Book Discussion

1:00pm–2:00pm
Adults
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

November's selection is I Heard Her Call My Name by Lucy Sante.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Book Discussion

2:00pm–3:00pm
Adults
East Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

Join us on the 2nd Monday of every month for our book club. Enjoy good books, great discussions, and meet fellow book lovers. Snacks and coffee are provided! 

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

Novel November Write In

4:00pm–7:00pm
Adults
Central Library Study Room 1
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Study Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology, Educational, Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Keep up your writing momentum this Novel November!

Drop in to one of DMPL's write ins and surround yourselves with others while you all try to write your novels. Stay the whole time or pop in for a quick writing sprint!

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.

 

This event is in the "Adults" group

Glowforge Training

5:00pm–6:00pm
Adults
Central Library Tech Central
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 "Adults" group

Novel November Write In

4:00pm–7:00pm
Adults
Central Library Study Room 1
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Study Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology, Educational, Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Keep up your writing momentum this Novel November!

Drop in to one of DMPL's write ins and surround yourselves with others while you all try to write your novels. Stay the whole time or pop in for a quick writing sprint!

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.

 

This event is in the "Adults" group

Community Craft Night: Decoupage Planters

6:00pm–7:30pm
Adults
North Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:
Drop in and spend an evening creating something new while enjoying the company of local crafters. In November, use old book pages and antiquing wax to transform a terracotta pot into a rustic decoupage planter.
This event is in the "Adults" group

Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K Davis Center

10:00am–12:00pm
Adults
North Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
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 "Adults" group

Women's English Language Practice

2:00pm–3:00pm
Adults
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Join other women who are practicing their English in this casual conversation group. We will chat, share coffee, and learn together in this group moderated by a Forest Avenue Library staff member.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Novel November Write In

4:00pm–7:00pm
Adults
Central Library Study Room 1
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Study Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology, Educational, Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Keep up your writing momentum this Novel November!

Drop in to one of DMPL's write ins and surround yourselves with others while you all try to write your novels. Stay the whole time or pop in for a quick writing sprint!

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.

 

This event is in the "Adults" group

Books That Will Change Your Life: A Nonfiction Book Club: The Art of Gathering

6:00pm–7:30pm
Adults
Central Library Meeting Room 3
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

Broaden your perspective, find new strategies for handling life’s challenges, or deepen your understanding of a topic when you join us for a monthly conversation around a life-changing nonfiction book. 

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

Social Security & Retirement Planning Basics

6:30pm–7:30pm
Adults
East Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Whether retirement is years away or just around the corner, this workshop offers vital insights to help you plan with confidence.

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

Volunteer Brunch

11:00am–12:00pm
Adults
Central Library Meeting Room 3
Cancelled
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Join us for a Volunteer brunch! Whether you're new to volunteering at the Central Library or you've been helping out for years, we want to show our appreciation and share new opportunities.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Drop-In Tech Help

2:00pm–3:00pm
Adults
Central Library Success Center
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? Come by the Central Library at 2PM on Thursdays and our staff will work with you to figure things out. This is a drop-in, first-come first-served service.

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

Novel November Write In

4:00pm–7:00pm
Adults
Central Library Study Room 1
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Study Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology, Educational, Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Keep up your writing momentum this Novel November!

Drop in to one of DMPL's write ins and surround yourselves with others while you all try to write your novels. Stay the whole time or pop in for a quick writing sprint!

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.

 

This event is in the "Adults" group

Reading on the Margins Book Discussion

6:30pm–7:30pm
Adults
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

Join us once a month to discuss books by underrepresented authors. Our goal is to amplify these voices and experiences while discussing social issues in the context of fiction and non-fiction books.

This event is in the "Adults" group

The Outreach Project

1:00pm–3:00pm
Adults
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
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.
This event is in the "Adults" group

Novel November Write In

4:00pm–6:00pm
Adults
Central Library Study Room 1
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Study Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology, Educational, Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Keep up your writing momentum this Novel November!

Drop in to one of DMPL's write ins and surround yourselves with others while you all try to write your novels. Stay the whole time or pop in for a quick writing sprint!

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.

 

This event is in the "Adults" group

Russian Conversation Club

1:00pm–2:00pm
Adults
Central Library Study Room 1
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.

 

This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Teens" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "All Ages" group

Wicked Party!

4:00pm–7:00pm
Children, Teens, Adults, All Ages
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Children, Teens, Adults, All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Health & Wellness, Movies
Event Details:

Let us be glad, let us be grateful! Come rejoicify the release of Wicked: For Good at Central Library with a ballyhoo in honor of our two favorite witches. There will be crafts, activities, and a screening of the first film! 

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

Franklin Cinema Club – Stranger Than Fiction

6:30pm–7:45pm
Adults
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:

November's film selection is Stranger Than Fiction (2006), a quirky comedy directed by Marc Forster and starring Will Ferrell and Emma Thompson.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Friends of the North Side Library

1:00pm–1:45pm
Adults
North Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Library Meeting
Event Details:

 Friends of the North Side Library Meeting.  New members always welcome.