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.

South Side Library

South Side exterior shot

Location Details

Address:
1111 SW Porter Avenue 
Des Moines, IA, 50315

Directions:
Google Maps

Brooke Santillan headshot

Brooke Santillan
Manager 
BASantillan@dmpl.org

Phone:
(515) 283-4152

Book a South Side 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 South Side Library features a wide collection of materials and a large updated children's area: Rosie's Zoo. The teen loft hosts an extensive teen book collection and comfortable seating. Our study rooms have been newly renovated with a focus on creating spaces for conversations and virtual meetings. The South Side Library welcomes community groups to take advantage of its spacious meeting room.

For Volunteer Opportunities: Adult volunteers, please contact Rebecca Cloud - RLCloud@dmpl.org. Teens and kids, please contact Alissa Cornick - ABCornick@dmpl.org.

South Side Event Newsletter - November 2025

Click the full screen button in the lower right corner to expand the size of the newsletter.

Upcoming Events

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

Mo Willems Scavenger Hunt!

All Day 1/20–1/24
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Library Branch: South Side Library
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Visit South and try our Scavenger Hunt! Drop in and search the library for all of the items on the sheet and win a prize!

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 "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 "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.
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.