Upcoming Events

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Ongoing Events
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This event is in the "Teens" group

Franklin VolunTeens

4:00pm–5:00pm
Teens
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Educational, Library Meeting
Event Details:

We are no longer accepting teen volunteer applications for the 2025-2026 school year.

 

This event is in the "All Ages" group

Central Library Architectural Tour

5:00pm–6:00pm
All Ages
Library Branch: Central Library
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Take a behind the scenes tour of the Central Library to help us celebrate the 20th birthday for the building. 

This event is in the "Adults" group

Writers' Workshop

5:30pm–7:30pm
Adults
Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Join us for the DMPL Writer's Workshop on the first* Monday of the month from 5:30-7:30 PM. Share samples of work and receive feedback from other writers in the group.

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

Central Library Architectural Tour

11:00am–12:00pm
All Ages
Library Branch: Central Library
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Take a behind the scenes tour of the Central Library to help us celebrate the 20th birthday for the building. 

This event is in the "Adults" group

Women & Money

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

Join us at the East Side Library for Women & Money to celebrate Financial Literacy Month.

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

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 "All Ages" group

Central Library's 20th Birthday Bash

2:00pm–4:00pm
All Ages
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: Educational
Event Details:

Celebrate the Central Library building at 1000 Grand Avenue turning 20 years old!

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

ASAP Wednesdays: Art Trading Cards

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:

Calling all collectors! Join ASAP for a fun trading card workshop, where participants will get to design, print, and create your very own trading cards to play and trade with friends.

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 "Teens" group

VolunTeen Drop-In Hour

4:00pm–5:00pm
Teens
South Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Earn volunteer hours by assisting with library programs and projects! Teens ages 12 to 18 can drop in any open Wednesday and volunteer for one hour.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Des Moines Public Library: The First 160 Years

6:00pm–7:00pm
Adults
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

The Des Moines Public Library has been serving the community for 160 years.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Death Café

6:30pm–7:45pm
Adults
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness
Event Details:

A Death Café is a relaxed, welcoming space where people gather to talk openly about death and dying over tea and conversation.

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

Central Library Architectural Tour

2:00pm–3:00pm
All Ages
Library Branch: Central Library
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Take a behind the scenes tour of the Central Library to help us celebrate the 20th birthday for the building. 

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

ASAP Days: Cardboard Creations

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, Educational
Event Details:

Get creative in this class and give plain old cardboard exciting new life! Each week will present a different challenge to transform something ordinary into something extraordinary. Snack provided for all participants.

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

Trees are Terrific with Polk County Conservation

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

An interactive program led by Polk County Conservation exploring why trees matter, how they grow, and how they support people and wildlife in Iowa. 

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 "Adults" group

STARTING SMART: What You Need To Know Before Launching Your Business

10:30am–12:00pm
Adults
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Learn how SCORE's free mentoring and resources can help you prepare, plan, and move forward 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.

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

Sock Dance Party!

11:00am–12:00pm
All Ages
East Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Educational, Play & Learn
Event Details:

Kick off your shoes and dance at the library! Join dance instructor Casey Keller for a high-energy Sock Dance Party where we’ll learn simple moves and have fun together.

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

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

Herbal Tea Blending

6:00pm–7:30pm
Adults
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Registration Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Registration Required
Event Details:

This session, facilitated by Sara O'Connell, will highlight a selection of herbs, focusing on their properties and therapeutic benefits.

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

CANCELLED: 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

Noche de Juegos | Game Night

6:00pm–7:00pm
Children, Teens
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 "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 "Children" group
This event is in the "Teens" group

ASAP Wednesdays: Art Trading Cards

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:

Calling all collectors! Join ASAP for a fun trading card workshop, where participants will get to design, print, and create your very own trading cards to play and trade with friends.

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 "Teens" group

The Art of Expression: Ransom Note Poetry

4:00pm–5:00pm
Teens
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Registration Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Event Details:

The Art of Expression is a monthly program for teens to learn and create different types of art in a relaxed atmosphere. 

On April 15, we will use magazine cutouts to create poetry and celebrate National Poetry Month.