Upcoming Events

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Preschool Storytime

10:00am - 10:30am
South Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:
Children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers can join us Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. for a 30-minute storytime with stories, musical activities and take-home activities that prepare your child for school.   ...

Disclaimer(s)

Indoor Program

This program is hosted indoors.  Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.

Storytime Disclaimer

Masks are encouraged for attendees 2 years and older. Please observe social distancing when possible and visit us another day if you or your child are not feeling well.

Glowforge Training

10:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Tech Central
Registration
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Tech Central
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 4
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. You can also make a Gift o...

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.

Indoor Program

This program is hosted indoors.  Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.

Bilingual Job Seekers Help with the Financial Empowerment Center

10:00am - 1:00pm
South Side Computer Room
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Computer Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology, Educational
Event Details:
Staff from the Financial Empowerment Center and Evelyn K Davis Center for Working Families are ready to provide one-on-one job search and resume assistance to job seekers. A career coach can guide you through resume building, applying for jobs, ...

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.

Indoor Program

This program is hosted indoors.  Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.

Wiggles and Giggles

10:15am - 10:45am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn, Storytimes
Event Details:
Join us at the Central Library for a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! The storytime will take place in the meeting room to allow for social distancing.   ...

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.

Preschool Storytime

10:30am - 11:00am
North Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:
Preschoolers and their caregivers can enjoy stories, rhymes, music, and learn school readiness skills. Afterwards, we will enjoy free-play together. ...

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.

Storytime Disclaimer

Masks are encouraged for attendees 2 years and older. Please observe social distancing when possible and visit us another day if you or your child are not feeling well.

South Side Book Discussion: Read Dangerously

2:00pm - 3:00pm
South Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:
Join us for our monthly South Side Book Discussion! Our February book is Read Dangerously: The Subversive Power of Literature in Troubled Times by Azar Nafisi. ...

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.

Indoor Program

This program is hosted indoors.  Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.

English Practice

3:30pm - 4:30pm
North Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Want to read, write, and speak better? Meet at the North Side Library on Thursdays at 3:30 PM for free help with English. We will practice together. ...

EPIC Graphic Novel Book Club

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Book Clubs
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 2
Event Details:
Are you a graphic novel fan? Join us for our EPIC Graphic Novel BOOK CLUB for ages 7-11. We will chat about the book: Bedhead Ted by Scott SanGiacomo and work on a fun activity or craft related to the book! Registration Required.  ...

Disclaimer(s)

Indoor Program

This program is hosted indoors.  Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.

DMPL & Dragons

5:30pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Conference Room 2
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Conference Room 2
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:
Dungeons & Dragons is a role-playing game set in worlds of swords and sorcery where players use their imaginations to create characters and tell a story together.  This adventuring group meets on the third Thursday of each month from 5:30 to...

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.

Indoor Program

This program is hosted indoors.  Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.

Cooking Class: Vegan Empanadas

6:00pm - 7:00pm
North Side Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 0
Event Details:
Join us in the kitchen as we prepare delicious Latin Empanadas. In this class, you'll learn how to make empanada dough from scratch, the versatility of empanadas with both sweet and savory plant based fillings, and how to bake the perfect empanada. E...

Disclaimer(s)

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Family Storytime: Pillow Pets

6:30pm - 7:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:
Make your own pillow pet to snuggle or take on adventures using basic hand-sewing or glue.  We will enjoy a story and stuff our own creations to take home.  Best for ages 6+ as supplies last.     ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.

Indoor Program

This program is hosted indoors.  Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.

Library Date Night

6:30pm - 7:30pm
South Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:
Looking to break out of the same old movie-and-dinner date night routine? Think the library is just for your kids? Come discover the more romantic side of the South Side Library with a couples-themed scavenger hunt, board games, music, hot drinks, sn...

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.

Indoor Program

This program is hosted indoors.  Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.

Inner Light Sanctuary Farm Animal Rescue

6:30pm - 8:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Learn more about the Inner Light Sanctuary, a nonprofit home for rescued farmed animals, located just outside of Carlisle. While sharing the mission of the sanctuary, the founder will also discuss their family's journey to a vegan lifestyle. Famil...

Disclaimer(s)

Indoor Program

This program is hosted indoors.  Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.

The Outreach Project

1:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library Cafe Gallery
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Cafe Gallery
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. They may also offer support and ...

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.

Willy Wonka's Escape Room

4:00pm - 4:30pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 6
Event Details:
Welcome to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate factory.  Step inside to see where your favorite candies are invented and even some that have not yet been released.  Can you follow all the hidden clues to make it through this partially edible escape roo...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.

Willy Wonka's Escape Room

5:00pm - 5:30pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 10
Event Details:
Welcome to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate factory.  Step inside to see where your favorite candies are invented and even some that have not yet been released.  Can you follow all the hidden clues to make it through this partially edible escape roo...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.

Art Cart: Scratch-Art Bookmarks

10:00am - 4:30pm
East Side Children’s Area
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:
Visit the children's area to scratch art into a bookmark.  This is an unstaffed activity. Materials and instructions are provided but children may need assistance from an accompanying adult. Offered while supplies last. ...

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.

AARP Tax Preparation Assistance

10:30am - 12:30pm
East Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
AARP will be at the library every Wednesday and Saturday from February through April 12 to assist the public with their taxes.  Appointments can be made by calling 1-888-227-7669 or 515-635-1471. Walk-ins will be accommodated as sta...

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.

Painting Poorly

2:00pm - 3:30pm
North Side Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 9
Event Details:
Let's get creative! Whether you're a practiced painter or a complete beginner, come express yourself with a no-pressure painting project led by a librarian who is NOT an artist but IS enthusiastic. It looks easy on the internet.  Will the result...

Watercolor Art: Winter Series 3

2:00pm - 3:30pm
East Side Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 6
Event Details:
Please join us for this three-part series combining beginning watercolor lessons and hands-on workshops. This program will focus on landscape and still-life studies and address the technical and creative challenges of expressive winter painting. Begi...

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.

Indoor Program

This program is hosted indoors.  Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.

Open Slay Dungeons & Dragons

2:00pm - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 0
Event Details:
Prepare for adventure! Open Slay Dungeons & Dragons is for teens and tweens who know how to play D&D and are ready to take on a campaign! All gaming supplies and characters will be provided by The Rook Room. Online registration is requi...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.

Indoor Program

This program is hosted indoors.  Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.

Staff In-Service Day

All Day
Branches:
Central Library, East Side Library, Forest Avenue Library, Franklin Avenue Library, North Side Library, South Side Library
Description:
All branches will be closed for Staff In-Service. ...

Black History Month: Influential Figures Scavenger Hunt

All Day 2/21 - 2/25
Library Branch: Central Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:
Visit the Central Library Children's Area for a scavenger hunt celebrating influential figures in Black history! ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.

Harlem Renaissance Scavenger Hunt

All Day 2/21 - 2/25
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:
This scavenger hunt will teach kids about the amazing history of the Harlem Renaissance and its role in US History! Major writers, artists, and performers who contributed to this cultural movement will be posted throughout the library and if you find...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.