Warming Centers

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

Forest Avenue Library

Forest Avenue Library exterior shot

Location Details

Address:
1326 Forest Ave
Des Moines, IA, 50314

Directions:
Google Maps

Marli Head Shot

Marli Jefferson
Manager
MNJefferson@dmpl.org

Phone:
(515) 248-6265

Book a Forest Avenue Library meeting room

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.

Forest Avenue Library—engage December 2025/January 2026

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Upcoming Events

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group

Play and Learn Group

10:00am–12:00pm
Birth-Preschool
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Bring your littles to our Play and Learn Group, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different play equipment, toys, and sensory activities.

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.

This event is in the "Children" group

ASAP Mondays : Now We're Cooking!

4:00pm–5:00pm
Children
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Aprons on, culinary kids! Kids will team up with an ASAP teaching artist to make a new delicious recipe each week. All supplies and snacks are provided, making this a fun and flavorful hands-on experience for young chefs.

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.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Forest Avenue Library Book Discussion

6:00pm–7:00pm
Adults
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

Stop by the Forest Avenue Library to pick up a copy of this month's title, Monsters: a fan's dilemma by Claire Dederer.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Women's English Language Practice

2:00pm–3:00pm
Adults
Forest Avenue Conference Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Conference Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Join other women practicing English in this casual conversation group. Share coffee, chat, and learn together with guidance from a Forest Avenue Library staff member.

This event is in the "All Ages" group

Crafternoon

12:00pm–5:00pm
All Ages
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Cancelled
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Crafternoon

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.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Seed Swap and Giveaway

12:00pm–2:00pm
Adults
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness, Take & Make
Event Details:

Start planning your perfect garden with help from Nine Square Feet Choose from a variety of seeds, including vegetables, herbs, flowers, and native prairie specie

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.

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 "All Ages" group

Pokémon Scavenger Hunt

All Day 2/1–2/15
All Ages
Library Branch: DMPL Systemwide
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Celebrate 30 years of our favorite Pokémon characters with a DMPL 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.