This event is in the "Adults" group This event is in the "All Ages" group May 1 2026 Fri DART New Routes Open House 2:00pm–4:00pm Adults, All Ages Central Library Meeting Room 3 This event is in the "Adults" group This event is in the "All Ages" group May 1 2026 Fri DART New Routes Open House 2:00pm–4:00pm Central Library Meeting Room 3 Library Branch: Central Library Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3 Age Group: Adults, All Ages Program Type: Educational Event Details: The countdown is on – DART will change all bus routes in June to provide service that runs more often all week long! Join us for an open house style event and chat with DART staff about the new routes or receive support in trip planning
This event is in the "All Ages" group May 2 2026 Sat Forest Avenue Friends Soul Food Festival 11:00am–2:00pm All Ages Forest Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "All Ages" group May 2 2026 Sat Forest Avenue Friends Soul Food Festival 11:00am–2:00pm Forest Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: All Ages Program Type: Exhibits Event Details: Join us for the Friends of the Forest Avenue Library's annual Soul Food Festival! Meals will be served 11 AM-2 PM. A la carte and dessert items also available. $10 - Chicken $15 - Ribs
This event is in the "All Ages" group May 4 2026 Mon Yiddish Music with Abe Goldstien 6:30pm–7:30pm All Ages Franklin Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "All Ages" group May 4 2026 Mon Yiddish Music with Abe Goldstien 6:30pm–7:30pm Franklin Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: All Ages Program Type: Performances Event Details: In celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month, join us for a night of song and stories with accordion player, Abe Goldstien. 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 This event is in the "All Ages" group May 5 2026 Tue DART New Routes Open House 5:00pm–7:00pm Adults, All Ages This event is in the "Adults" group This event is in the "All Ages" group May 5 2026 Tue DART New Routes Open House 5:00pm–7:00pm Library Branch: North Side Library Age Group: Adults, All Ages Program Type: Educational Event Details: The countdown is on – DART will change all bus routes in June to provide service that runs more often all week long! Join us for an open house style event and chat with DART staff about the new routes or receive support in trip planning
This event is in the "All Ages" group May 8 - 10 2026 BIG BOOK SALE All Day 5/8–5/10 All Ages Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 This event is in the "All Ages" group May 8 - 10 2026 BIG BOOK SALE All Day 5/8–5/10 Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 Library Branch: Central Library Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 Age Group: All Ages Program Type: Book Sales Event Details: Hunt for treasures and support your library! Central Library's BIG BOOK SALE is back. 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 "Children" group This event is in the "All Ages" group May 9 2026 Sat Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical Sneak Preview 10:30am–11:00am Children, All Ages Franklin Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "All Ages" group May 9 2026 Sat Polkadots: The Cool Kids 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 Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical, a story about acceptance and friendship. 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 "All Ages" group May 9 2026 Sat Crossroads: A Journey with the Blues 2:00pm–3:00pm All Ages Forest Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "All Ages" group May 9 2026 Sat Crossroads: A Journey with the Blues 2:00pm–3:00pm Forest Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: All Ages Program Type: Educational, Performances Event Details: Join us at Forest Avenue Library for a Student Harmonica Giveaway and Lesson with Bob Pace.
This event is in the "All Ages" group May 13 2026 Wed Make n' Mend Meetup 5:00pm–7:00pm All Ages East Side Meeting Room This event is in the "All Ages" group May 13 2026 Wed Make n' Mend Meetup 5:00pm–7:00pm East Side Meeting Room Library Branch: East Side Library Room: East Side Meeting Room Age Group: All Ages Program Type: Arts & Crafts Event Details: Drop in for a couple hours to work on your latest craft or mending project. A sewing machine will be available for use. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you.
This event is in the "All Ages" group May 14 2026 Thu DART New Routes Open House 5:00pm–7:00pm All Ages South Side Meeting Room This event is in the "All Ages" group May 14 2026 Thu DART New Routes Open House 5:00pm–7:00pm South Side Meeting Room Library Branch: South Side Library Room: South Side Meeting Room Age Group: All Ages Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness Event Details: The countdown is on – DART will change all bus routes in June to provide service that runs more often all week long! Join us for an open house style event and chat with DART staff about the new routes or receive suppo 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 This event is in the "All Ages" group May 14 2026 Thu AViD Presents: Shannon Chakraborty 7:00pm–9:00pm Adults, All Ages Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 This event is in the "Adults" group This event is in the "All Ages" group May 14 2026 Thu AViD Presents: Shannon Chakraborty 7:00pm–9:00pm Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 Library Branch: Central Library Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 Age Group: Adults, All Ages Program Type: Author Visits Event Details: Shannon Chakraborty is the critically acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author of The Daevabad Trilogy and The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi.
This event is in the "All Ages" group May 15 2026 Fri Board Game Open Play 12:00pm–5:00pm All Ages Forest Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "All Ages" group May 15 2026 Fri Board Game Open Play 12:00pm–5:00pm Forest Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: All Ages Program Type: Gaming Event Details: Join us for a drop-in event for all ages. Come in, get cozy, and choose from a variety of games or puzzles to play with friends! 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.
This event is in the "All Ages" group May 18 - 23 2026 Calm Kit Pick-up All Day 5/18–5/23 All Ages East Side Children’s Area This event is in the "All Ages" group May 18 - 23 2026 Calm Kit Pick-up All Day 5/18–5/23 East Side Children’s Area Library Branch: East Side Library Room: East Side Children’s Area Age Group: All Ages Program Type: Health & Wellness, Take & Make Event Details: Our community came together to build Calm Kits and now they’re ready to go home with you! 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 "All Ages" group May 19 2026 Tue DART New Routes Open House 5:00pm–7:00pm All Ages East Side Meeting Room This event is in the "All Ages" group May 19 2026 Tue DART New Routes Open House 5:00pm–7:00pm East Side Meeting Room Library Branch: East Side Library Room: East Side Meeting Room Age Group: All Ages Program Type: Educational Event Details: The countdown is on – DART will change all bus routes in June to provide service that runs more often all week long! Join us for an open house style event and chat with DART staff about the new routes or receive support in trip planning
This event is in the "All Ages" group May 20 2026 Wed Friends of Forest Meeting 4:30pm–6:00pm All Ages Forest Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "All Ages" group May 20 2026 Wed Friends of Forest Meeting 4:30pm–6:00pm Forest Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: All Ages Program Type: Library Meeting Event Details: Join the Friends of the Forest Avenue Library for the monthly meeting at Forest Avenue Library!
This event is in the "All Ages" group May 21 2026 Thu Paws and Read with ARL Therapets 5:00pm–7:00pm All Ages East Side Meeting Room This event is in the "All Ages" group May 21 2026 Thu Paws and Read with ARL Therapets 5:00pm–7:00pm East Side Meeting Room Library Branch: East Side Library Room: East Side Meeting Room Age Group: All Ages Program Type: Storytimes Event Details: Relax, read, and spend time with friendly therapy animals from the ARL! Drop in to meet our cuddly visitors and enjoy a calm, cozy evening at the library. 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. 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 This event is in the "Teens" group This event is in the "Adults" group This event is in the "All Ages" group May 25 2026 Mon Tech Central Open House 6:00pm–7:30pm Children, Teens, Adults, All Ages Central Library Tech Central Cancelled Registration Required 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 May 25 2026 Mon Cancelled Tech Central Open House 6:00pm–7:30pm Central Library Tech Central Library Branch: Central Library Room: Central Library Tech Central Age Group: Children, Teens, Adults, All Ages Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational, Play & Learn Registration Required Event Details: Check out what's new in Central Library's maker lab, Tech Central. From 3D printers to laser cutters, VHS digitizing to t-shirt making, sewing to button making and more! Various crafts and demonstrations available. 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 "All Ages" group May 30 2026 Sat Drop in: Puzzle Swap! 10:00am–1:00pm All Ages East Side Meeting Room This event is in the "All Ages" group May 30 2026 Sat Drop in: Puzzle Swap! 10:00am–1:00pm East Side Meeting Room Library Branch: East Side Library Room: East Side Meeting Room Age Group: All Ages Program Type: Gaming Event Details: Love jigsaw puzzles? Bring one you’ve finished and trade it for a new challenge! Join fellow puzzle enthusiasts to swap, share, and discover fresh puzzles to enjoy at home. All ages are welcome!
This event is in the "All Ages" group May 30 2026 Sat Des Moines Metro Opera Preview - Tosca 3:30pm–4:30pm All Ages Franklin Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "All Ages" group May 30 2026 Sat Des Moines Metro Opera Preview - Tosca 3:30pm–4:30pm Franklin Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: All Ages Program Type: Performances Event Details: Join Des Moines Metro Opera Preview Lecturer Joshua Borths for an exciting opera preview of Giacomo Puccini's Tosca. 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 "All Ages" group Jun 13 2026 Sat Des Moines Metro Opera Preview - Of Mice and Men and King Roger 2:00pm–3:00pm All Ages Franklin Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "All Ages" group Jun 13 2026 Sat Des Moines Metro Opera Preview - Of Mice and Men and King Roger 2:00pm–3:00pm Franklin Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: All Ages Program Type: Performances Event Details: Join Des Moines Metro Opera Preview Lecturer Joshua Borths for an exciting opera preview of American composer Carlisle Floyd's Of Mice and Men based on the Steinbeck novel, and Karol Szymanowski's 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 This event is in the "All Ages" group Jun 15 2026 Mon AViD Presents: Tayari Jones 7:00pm–9:00pm Adults, All Ages Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 This event is in the "Adults" group This event is in the "All Ages" group Jun 15 2026 Mon AViD Presents: Tayari Jones 7:00pm–9:00pm Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 Library Branch: Central Library Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 Age Group: Adults, All Ages Program Type: Author Visits Event Details: New York Times bestselling author Tayari Jones is the author of four novels, including An American Marriage, an Oprah’s Book Club selection that appeared on Barack Obama’s summer and year-end reading lists.
This event is in the "All Ages" group Jun 17 2026 Wed Friends of Forest Meeting 4:30pm–6:00pm All Ages Forest Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "All Ages" group Jun 17 2026 Wed Friends of Forest Meeting 4:30pm–6:00pm Forest Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: All Ages Program Type: Library Meeting Event Details: Join the Friends of the Forest Avenue Library for the monthly meeting at Forest Avenue Library!
This event is in the "All Ages" group Jun 18 2026 Thu Crafternoon : Beaded Suncatchers 12:00pm–5:00pm All Ages Forest Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "All Ages" group Jun 18 2026 Thu Crafternoon : Beaded Suncatchers 12:00pm–5:00pm Forest Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: All Ages Program Type: Arts & Crafts Event Details: Join us for a drop-in craft at Forest! Use the provided supplies and instructions to create a beaded suncatcher to take home. Stop by anytime between 12–5 PM. Fun for all ages 8 and up. 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.
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 Jun 22 2026 Mon Tech Central Open House 6:00pm–7:30pm Children, Teens, Adults, All Ages Central Library Tech Central Registration Required 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 Jun 22 2026 Mon Tech Central Open House 6:00pm–7:30pm Central Library Tech Central Library Branch: Central Library Room: Central Library Tech Central Age Group: Children, Teens, Adults, All Ages Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational, Play & Learn Registration Required Event Details: Check out what's new in Central Library's maker lab, Tech Central. From 3D printers to laser cutters, VHS digitizing to t-shirt making, sewing to button making and more! Various crafts and demonstrations available. 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 This event is in the "All Ages" group Jun 27 2026 Sat AViD Presents: Patrick Bringley at the Des Moines Arts Festival 11:00am–1:00pm Adults, All Ages Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 This event is in the "Adults" group This event is in the "All Ages" group Jun 27 2026 Sat AViD Presents: Patrick Bringley at the Des Moines Arts Festival 11:00am–1:00pm Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 Library Branch: Central Library Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 Age Group: Adults, All Ages Program Type: Author Visits Event Details: Patrick Bringley is the New York Times bestselling author of All the Beauty in the World, a memoir about his decade working as a guard at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
