DMPL closed Sunday, March 31

All locations of the Des Moines Public Library will be closed Sunday, March 31 for the Easter holiday.

Upcoming Events

Age Group
Age Group
Program Type
Program Type
Library Branch
Ongoing Events
Registration Type

Primary tabs

This event is in the "Adults" group.
Registration
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational, Gaming
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 0
Event Details:
Calling all Janeites and escape room enthusiasts alike! Lydia Bennet has run away with the cowardly Mr. Wickham. Mr. Darcy humbly requests your help in finding them and saving the Bennets' reputation from ruin. Can you discover the pair before they e...
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.
This event is in the "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Family STEM Challenge: Pom Pom Launchers

10:00am - 12:00pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
The whole family can visit the library and take on our Family STEM Challenge.  This month we will have supplies available to create pom pom launchers.  Materials will be available between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.   The Franklin Lib...

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.

AARP Tax Preparation Assistance

10:00am - 3:30pm
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 3rd through April 13th to assist the public with their taxes. On Wednesday, 02/07 and 02/14, appointments are limited to 11:30-3:30. All other appointments are between 10:00-3:30...
This event is in the "Adults" group.
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Are you prepared for the next natural disaster?   Do you know what types of legal issues you could face during disaster recovery?  Do you know what resources are available to assist you in your recovery?   This FREE event incl...
This event is in the "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Art 101: Still Life Oil Painting

6:00pm - 7:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1
Registration
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 0
Event Details:
Join artist and library staff member Fueche Vang as he introduces participants to oil painting. Learn how to prepare, apply, and clean oil paints while working from a still life. Materials will be provided. No experience necessary. ...

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.

Mushroom Foraging

6:30pm - 7:30pm
East Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Join ISU Polk County Extension Natural Resources Program Coordinator, Gina Buelow, for a fun-filled program about mushroom foraging. Learn about what fungi are, how to identify mushrooms, and how you can forage safely and responsibly. Get ready to de...
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

9:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 3
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year is a free weekly postpartum support group for parents and their new babies. Facilitated by Blank Children's Hospital, each week will feature a guest presenter on a variety of postpartum topics, plus plenty of time to m...

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.

Reading Buddies with ARL TheraPets!

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 2, 3
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness, Play & Learn
Event Details:
Do you love animals? Then visit Central Library to practice reading with and learn about an ARL TheraPet! Engaging with animals is a great way to boost confidence and reduce anxiety around learning to read! Children under 10 must have a caregiver ...

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

Drop-in STEM Challenge: Magnet Maze

2:00pm - 7:00pm
North Side Children’s Area
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Event Details:
Drop-in to North Side every Wednesday to enjoy a craft or STEM activity! This week, draw your own maze and use a magnet to help guide a paperclip through the maze you create! ...

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.

South VolunTeens

4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Teens! Do you need volunteer hours? Students ages 12-18 may volunteer at the South Side Library for 1 hour performing various tasks during our South VolunTeens program! This is a great way to earn volunteer hours! All students must submit a V...
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Glowforge Training

3:00pm - 4:00pm
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: 0
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.  A library card nu...

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.

Introduction to the Foundation Directory Online

3:00pm - 4:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1
Registration
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology, Educational
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 14
Event Details:
Looking for funding for your non-profit organization? The Foundation Directory Online provides access to a database of grantmakers and more, that can help you in your search. Join us for a basic introduction to this valuable resource. Class size is l...

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.
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Join our talk as we explore the intersection of AI, education, and history. Discover how AI-animated portraits of historical figures leverage cutting-edge technology to create immersive educational experiences and decorate our memorials. Henry Winber...
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

9:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 3
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year is a free weekly postpartum support group for parents and their new babies. Facilitated by Blank Children's Hospital, each week will feature a guest presenter on a variety of postpartum topics, plus plenty of time to m...

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.

Drop-in Crafternoon: Art Cart

2:00pm - 7:00pm
North Side Children’s Area
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Event Details:
Drop-in to North Side every Wednesday to enjoy a craft or STEM activity! This week, enjoy our large selection of art and craft 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 "Teens" group.

Tech Take-Apart

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Registration
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 16
Event Details:
If you've ever wondered what's inside old electronics, now's your chance to find out! Each participant will have the chance to open up a used piece of tech and see what's inside! Use the parts to make a piece of art that you can take home with you an...

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

3:00pm - 4:00pm
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.  A library card nu...

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.

Bee a Friend to Pollinators

5:30pm - 6:30pm
East Side Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 18
Event Details:
Join us and welcome Joel from the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department to learn about bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in our neighborhood and how we can help them thrive.  Every participant will be able to make a bee ho...

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.

Superhero Day

10:00am - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
It's a bird...It's a plane...It's Superhero Day! Join us for a day of activities, crafts and scavenger hunt in the children's area from 10AM to 4 PM. All ages 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 "All Ages" group.
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Educational, Performances
Event Details:
Día is an international celebration of the joy found in early childhood and reading. This year, the Des Moines Public Library and its community partners are celebrating together! Join us at Union Park for FREE activities for the whole family: book...

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.

Inclement Weather

This program is hosted outdoors. In case of inclement weather please check back here for updates. 

Outdoor Program

This program is hosted outdoors.  

In case of inclement weather please check back here for updates. 

This event is in the "All Ages" group.

Seed Swap and Spring Gardening Workshop

1:00pm - 3:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Kick off gardening season by attending a seed swap & gardening workshop. This will be an opportunity to meet local gardeners while learning how to use your gardening space wisely, prepare your soil for success, as well as other vegetable gard...
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

9:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 3
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year is a free weekly postpartum support group for parents and their new babies. Facilitated by Blank Children's Hospital, each week will feature a guest presenter on a variety of postpartum topics, plus plenty of time to m...

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 "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

K-pop Meet Up

5:00pm - 6:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Do you like all things K-pop? Come to the Central Library every month and bring your photocards to trade, invite your friends or meet and hang out with other fans! Enjoy snacks, other activities, and listening to music. ...
This event is in the "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Drop-in STEM Challenge: Inventions

2:00pm - 7:00pm
North Side Children’s Area
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Event Details:
Drop-in to North Side every Wednesday to enjoy a craft or STEM activity! This week, dream up your own invention! We will also have plenty of craft supplies out for you to make a model of your invention. ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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