Library News and Publications

Download Our Newsletters and Publications

Engage - February-March 2024

Download our Annual Report

Insight - Spring 2024

Upcoming Events

Pokédex Scavenger Hunt

All Day 2/1–2/28

All Ages

Library Branch: DMPL Systemwide

Age Group: All Ages

Program Type: Gaming

Event Details:

Become a Pokémon master at the Des Moines Public Library! We’re celebrating the 30th anniversary of Pokémon with a systemwide scavenger hunt.

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.

Black History Month: Ella Sings the Songbook Display

All Day 2/2–2/27

All Ages

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library

Age Group: All Ages

Program Type: Exhibits

Event Details:

Join us at the Franklin Avenue Library for Ella Sings the Songbook, a traveling display from The Great American Songbook Foundation.

I Spy: Black History Month - Authors

All Day 2/17–3/1

Children

Central Library Children’s Area

Library Branch: Central Library

Room: Central Library Children’s Area

Age Group: Children

Program Type: Play & Learn

Event Details:

Visit the Central children's area to learn about some amazing Black authors, then check out one of their books! Find all the hidden pictures to win a prize!

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.

Children’s Program

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

Library Scavenger Hunt

All Day 2/23–2/28

All Ages

East Side Children's Nook

Library Branch: East Side Library

Room: East Side Children's Nook

Age Group: All Ages

Program Type: Play & Learn

Event Details:

Find all of the hidden pictures for a prize!

Preschool Storytime

10:00am–10:30am

Birth-Preschool

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.

Toddler Storytime

10:00am–10:30am

Birth-Preschool

East Side Meeting Room

Library Branch: East Side Library

Room: East Side Meeting Room

Age Group: Birth-Preschool

Program Type: Storytimes

Event Details:

Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy introductory stories, songs, music, and movement! For ages 18 months to 36 months.

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.

Career Connection Center: Job Support and Digital Skills

10:00am–3:00pm

Adults

Central Library Conference Room 1

Library Branch: Central Library

Room: Central Library Conference Room 1

Age Group: Adults

Program Type: Computers & Technology

Event Details:

Are you searching for a new job, having trouble navigating a website, or looking to learn a new digital skill? Goodwill is at the library to help!

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.

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Latest Blog Entries

Beyond The Shelves - Libraries As Third Spaces

This month on Beyond the Shelves, Sarah and Jes unpack the idea of “third spaces” why we crave them, why they’re disappearing, and how libraries have stepped in to fill the gap. Stick around for the Book Bulletin, where they unpack everything from LGBTQ+ publishing setbacks to Shakespearean fan fict...

Beyond The Shelves: 2026 Reading Challenge Recommendations

In this episode of Beyond the Shelves, Sarah and Jes discuss the 2026 reading challenge, recommend books to complete your bingo board, and in the book bulletin, talk about the hit series Heated Rivalry on HBO. Apple Podcasts/iTunes | Spotify | Podbean | ...

DMPL Locations Are Warming Centers

Library News and Publications

Download Our Newsletters and Publications

Engage - February-March 2024

Download our Annual Report

Insight - Spring 2024

Pokédex Scavenger Hunt

Pokédex Scavenger Hunt

Disclaimer(s)

Accessibility

Black History Month: Ella Sings the Songbook Display

Black History Month: Ella Sings the Songbook Display

I Spy: Black History Month - Authors

I Spy: Black History Month - Authors

Disclaimer(s)

Central Parking

Children’s Program

Library Scavenger Hunt

Library Scavenger Hunt

Preschool Storytime

Preschool Storytime

Toddler Storytime

Toddler Storytime

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults

Career Connection Center: Job Support and Digital Skills

Career Connection Center: Job Support and Digital Skills

Disclaimer(s)

Central Parking

Latest Blog Entries

Beyond The Shelves - Libraries As Third Spaces

Beyond The Shelves: 2026 Reading Challenge Recommendations

Recent Press Releases