Warming Centers

All DMPL locations are serving as warming centers during open hours through February 2. DART will provide free rides to designated warming center locations while the Extreme Temperature Plan is in effect.

Live. Read. Grow... at the South Side Library

Live Read Grow

It’s time to get your Des Moines Public Library card! DMPL has six convenient branches across the city, including your South Side Library.

 

LIVE 

Explore South Side Library’s array of indoor and outdoor nature features displays, where you can see and learn about bug hotels, hummingbird feeders, bird baths, a hornet’s nest, composters, and more!

 

READ 

Check out books and movies for every age in your family. Kids can hang out in our children’s section, take part in our special I Spy nature game, and more!

 

GROW

Take the learning home with you! Bring this card into South Side Library and sign up for a FREE library card will get their own Pollinator Starter Kit, full of fun things like a bug hotel starter, pollinator seeds, bookmarks, and more! Limited supply, first-come, first-served.

 

FIND US: 1111 Porter Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50315

OPEN: 10 AM-8 PM Monday-Thursday, 10 AM-6 PM Friday, 10 AM-5 PM Saturday

South Side Library Location Graphic Map

Upcoming Events

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

ASAP Thursdays: Art Adventures

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
Event Details:

This class celebrates the process of artmaking as much as the final piece. Each week offers new techniques and mediums that create true art adventures. An ASAP teaching artist leads the class and supports every young creator.

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 "Birth-Preschool" group
This event is in the "Children" group

Family Storytime

6:30pm–7:00pm
Birth-Preschool, Children
South Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Join us for our evening Family Storytime at 6:30 p.m.! Kids and caregivers can join us for fun songs, stories, and acivities. You can even wear your jammies!  

Best for ages 6 and under, but all 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 "Birth-Preschool" group
This event is in the "Children" group

Park-N-Play

10:00am–11:30am
Birth-Preschool, Children
South Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Tuesday mornings in the South Side Library meeting room. Drop in and enjoy toys and fun activities for families at no cost.

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 "Birth-Preschool" group

Preschool Storytime

10:00am–10:30am
Birth-Preschool
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, music, and fun activities!