Reduced Services at All DMPL Locations

All Des Moines Public Library locations have reduced in-person services at this time. Browsing will be unavailable, and public computers will only be available at Central Library by appointment. Curbside Pickup will continue at all locations. Go HERE for all the details about this decision and to see our new hours, services, and offerings at each DMPL location.

Forest Avenue Library

Forest Avenue Library exterior shot

Location Details

Address:
1326 Forest Ave
Des Moines, IA, 50314

Directions:
Google Maps

Brooke Santillan headshot

Brooke Santillan
Manager 
BASantillan@dmpl.org

Phone:
(515) 283-4152

Book a Forest Avenue Library meeting room

Curbside Pickup Hours

Sunday: Closed
Monday: 10 AM - 7 PM
Tuesday: 10 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 10 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 10 AM - 7 PM
Friday: 10 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: 10 AM - 5 PM

 

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

Virtual Storytime: Lions, and Tigers and Bears! Oh, My!

10:15am - 10:45am
Online Programming
Library Branch: DMPL Virtual
Room: Online Programming
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:
Join Miss Mary for a storytime featuring bears, tigers and maybe a lion!  We will read some stories, sing some songs and just have some fun together! ...

NFC House Party: Finding and Funding Your Dream Home

10:00am - 12:00pm
Zoom Program Room
Registration
Library Branch: DMPL Virtual
Room: Zoom Program Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 31
Event Details:
Whether you're just starting to think about purchasing your own home or getting ready to make repairs, our handy panel of experts can help you find your way! Buying a house can be an overwhelming process, but there are several resources available ...

Nintendo Switch Teen Tournament: Mario Kart 8

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Online Programming
Registration
Library Branch: DMPL Virtual
Room: Online Programming
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 9
Event Details:
Join us for a Mario Kart tournament for ages 10-18. You can participate in this event if you have a Nintendo Switch with a Nintendo Online subscription, and a copy of Mario Kart 8. The day of the tournament, log onto Mario Kart 8 on your Switch ...

DMPL Virtual Book Club

6:30pm - 7:30pm
Zoom Program Room
Registration
Library Branch: DMPL Virtual
Room: Zoom Program Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 4
Event Details:
Join us on Zoom for the DMPL Virtual Book Club. This month, we will be discussing Three Things about Elsie by Joanna Cannon. This program has limited space and requires registration. After registration, you will receive a confirmation em...

Join the Ukulele Craze and Learn How to Play

6:30pm - 7:30pm
Zoom Program Room
Library Branch: DMPL Virtual
Room: Zoom Program Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Get started on the ukulele and quickly learn to play familiar tunes while having fun! Play your own ukulele or borrow one of North Side Library's soprano ukuleles with your library card. Natalie Steenson will facilitate this 4-week class, t...

Take & Make: Wine Cork Trivet

6:30pm - 7:30pm
Zoom Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: DMPL Virtual
Room: Zoom Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Waitlist Seats Remaining: 5
Event Details:
Join us online for Take & Make: Wine Cork Trivet!  Registrants will receive a FREE kit some of the supplies needed to make a trivet. A trivet is very similar to a pot holder. It is used under a hot pan so it doesn't ru...

Iowa Goldfinch Award Bookclub

4:00pm - 4:30pm
Zoom Program Room
Registration
Library Branch: DMPL Virtual
Room: Zoom Program Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Book Clubs
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 2
Event Details:
Help choose the next Iowa Goldfinch Award winner!  The Goldfinch Award is decided entirely by kids in grades K - 3rd.  Join us for a Zoom book club with 3 sessions where you will listen to five of the nominated picture books.  This pro...