Location Details
Address:
1326 Forest Ave
Des Moines, IA, 50314
Directions:
Google Maps
Marli Jefferson
Manager
MNJefferson@dmpl.org
Phone:
(515) 248-6265
In-Person Services
- 10:00 AM-8:00 PM Monday-Thursday
- 10:00 AM-6:00 PM Friday
- 10:00 AM-5:00 PM Saturday
- Closed Sunday
The Forest Avenue Library features an extensive Foreign Language collection, including materials in Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese, and Karen. The library also provides computers to access language learning materials, including Mango.
Children will be delighted with Rosie's Forest, the library’s early literacy center, which includes artwork done by Sticks and a wide variety of early literacy stations where children can come to learn and play.
Located in a vibrant neighborhood, the Forest Avenue Library welcomes community groups and individuals to use our meeting spaces and take advantage of everything the library has to offer.
Upcoming Events
No parking on the dancefloor—show us your moves and learn some new ones in this fun and active class! Snack provided for all participants.
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.
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.
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.
Listen to silly stories, sing songs, dance to music, and make art! Join Miss Emily for Family Storytime every Wednesday morning at 10:15 AM. Designed for children ages 0–5, this storytime welcomes all ages to join in the fun.
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.
VIRTUAL: Resources & Guidance for the 2026 Tax Filing Season
Filing taxes can be overwhelming when you aren't sure what you need or who can help. Join our Zoom call during your lunch break for resources and guidance for filing taxes for the 2026 season.
Book Club Pizza Party : The Eyes and the Impossible
Join us at Forest for a book club and pizza party just for tweens! Each month features a new book exploring different genres, formats, and topics.
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.