Decemb er/ January Events Central Library
Children
I Spy Scavenger Hunts
Come search for pictures of well-known people, fictional characters, and more. Once you’ve found them all, stop at the Youth desk to claim your prize! A new scavenger hunt is set up every two weeks. Check the events page for the current theme.
Stuffy Sleepover
Monday, December 8, 4–4:30 PM
Bring your stuffed friend to Central Library for a craft and an overnight adventure! Pick up your buddy the next day and see photos of their mischief. Pajamas are welcome. Drop-offs are accepted December 6–8 at the Youth Desk. Pick up your stuffed friend on December 9 at the front desk.
Reading Buddies with ARL TheraPets!
Tuesday, December 16 and January 20, 4–5 PM
Practicing reading out loud can feel intimidating when you are learning to read. Visit Central Library to practice with an ARL TheraPet. Interacting with animals helps boost confidence and reduce reading-related anxiety. Children under 10 must be accompanied by a caregiver to attend the program.
Little Explorers
Saturday, December 20 and January 17, 10–11 AM
Bring your children ages 0–5 to our Little Explorers program to discover, learn, and play! Activities are designed to build early literacy skills through the five Simple Steps: Read, Write, Sing, Play, and Talk. Please wear play clothes, as some activities may be messy.
Baby Rhyme Time
Wednesdays, 9:30–10 AM
Join us each week for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and playtime. This program is for caregivers and babies ages 0–18 months. A special bilingual session takes place on the first Wednesday of each month.
Wiggles and Giggles
Thursdays, 10:15–10:45 AM
Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming!
Spoonful of Sugar: Mary Poppins Movie with Hot Cocoa Bar
Tuesday, December 30, 2–4 PM
Wear your pajamas and slippers, bring your blanket and stuffy, and join us for a cozy showing of the original Mary Poppins! We’ll have a craft and hot cocoa bar!
New Year’s Eve Goodie Bags
Wednesday, December 31, 9–5 PM
Celebrate the upcoming year by grabbing a New Year’s goodie bag at the Central youth desk! Each child may have one bag, while supplies last.
VolunTEENS Work Time
Wednesday, December 10 and January 14, 4–5 PM
If you’re between the ages of 12-18 and looking for a fun and rewarding volunteer opportunity, give the library a try! We would love to have your help!
Teen Adult
Writers’ Workshop
Monday, December 1 and January 5, 5:30–7:30 PM
Join the DMPL Writers’ Workshop on the first Monday of each month from 5:30–7:30 PM. Share your work and receive feedback from fellow writers. Email submissions to agugonzalez@dmpl.org by 12 PM the Tuesday before, including your name on the file and document.
Manualidades para adultos | Crafting for Adults
Dog Man Crafternoon!
Thursday, January 22, 4–5 PM
Join us for an hour of Dog Man–inspired activities, crafts, and snacks. Participants can also enter a drawing to win four tickets to Dog Man: The Musical on January 31, presented by Des Moines Performing Arts.
K-pop Meet-up
Tuesday, December 30 and January 27, 5–6 PM
Join us at the Central Library each month for all things K-pop! Trade photocards, hang out with friends, and meet other fans. Enjoy snacks, activities, and music while connecting with the K-pop community.
3D Printer Training Class
Thursday, December 4 and January 8, 3–4 PM
Monday, December 15 and January 26, 5–6 PM
Learn to use the Bambu X-1 Carbon filament and Formlabs Form 3 resin 3D printers. This session covers free software for preparing 3D files to print at the library. After training and signing the Tech Central waiver, participants can reserve and use either printer. Registration Required.
Tuesday, December 2 and January 6, 3:30–5 PM
Snippets: A Writers’ Workshop for Short Works
Friday, December 5 and January 9, 10–11 AM
Snippets
A Writers’ Workshop for Short Works
Drop-In Tech Help
In December, we’re creating a giant winter snowflake using paper bags and other available materials. In January, complete a diamond painting project. You are also welcome to bring your own crafting project and socialize. Registration required.
En diciembre, crearemos un copo de nieve gigante con bolsas de papel y otros materiales disponibles. En enero, completaremos un proyecto de pintura de diamantes. También puedes traer tu propio proyecto de manualidades y charlar un rato. Registration Required.
Thursday, December 4, 11, & 18, and January 8, 2–3 PM
Get help with your phone, laptop, tablet, or other electronic devices at the Central Library on Thursdays at 2 PM. Our staff will work with you to solve any issues. This is a drop-in service available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Outreach Project
Snippets: A Writers’ Workshop for Shorter Works offers participants a chance to read and discuss writing aloud. Snippets takes place the same week as the monthly Writers’ Workshop, held on the first Monday of each month, except when a holiday occurs.
Friday, December 5, 12, & 19, 1-3 PM
January 9, 16, 23, & 30, 1–2 PM
The Des Moines Public Library partners with local organizations to connect people with community resources. Advocates provide information on meal sites, shelters, and other services, and can assist with appointments or ID applications. Learn more at dmpl.org/outreach-project.
Freedom in Freeform
Friday, December 5, 4–5:30 PM
Freedom in Freeform invites local poets to share their original work. Performances are available on a first-come, first-served basis, though attending does not require performing. Bring your poems and snapping fingers to celebrate and share the passion of poetry in a supportive and creative space.
Russian Conversation Club
Saturdays in December, 1–2 PM
This conversation club welcomes both native Russian speakers and those learning the language. Discussions focus on light, casual topics. Join to meet other community members or to help others practice Russian. Everyone is welcome, and we look forward to seeing you there!
Grown-Up Book Fair
Saturday, December 6, 12-4 PM
We’re bringing back the Grown-Up Book Fair for a special holiday edition! Buy all the books, gifts, and more at Central Library on Saturday, December 6, from 12–4 PM. Eighteen vendors will be stationed throughout the first floor of the library to make for a smooth shopping experience.
DMPL & Dragons
Sunday, December 7 and January 4, 12:30–3:30 PM
Thursday, December 18 and January 15, 5:30–7:30 PM
Join us for Dungeons & Dragons on the first Sunday of each month. New players are welcome to join the adventure. You may bring a 1st-level 5E character or use a pre-generated one. The program is recommended for ages 12 and up, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Glowforge Training
Monday, December 8 and January 12, 5-6 PM Thursday, December 18 and January 29, 3–4 PM
Learn to use the Glowforge Plus Laser Engraver at Tech Central. This program replaces the one-on-one tutorial and prepares you to operate the Glowforge independently. A library card and email are required, and a Glowforge account must be set up beforehand. The class starts promptly; late arrivals cannot be admitted. Registration Required.
Books That Will Change Your Life: A Nonfiction Book Club
• Wednesday, December 10, 6–7:30 PM – Abundance
• Wednesday, January 14, 6–7:30 PM – Lies My Teacher Told Me
Join us for a monthly discussion of thoughtprovoking nonfiction books that inspire new perspectives and practical insights. Limited copies of each book are available a few weeks prior to the program.
Saturday, December 13, 2–3 PM
Enjoy a free holiday concert at the library with the Beaver Creek Jazz Ensemble. The group performs big band favorites as well as rock hits from the 1950s and 1960s. Warm up with complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, or tea while enjoying an evening of lively, festive music for all ages.
Korean Mythology Escape Room
Monday, December 15, 5:15–6 PM and 6:30–7:15 PM
A new exhibit of Korean artifacts is set to open in less than an hour, but the centerpieces have gone missing! To find them, you will face ancient myths and outsmart the creatures they depict. Are you ready to uncover where the Dokkaebi tiles were taken and save the exhibit? Registration Required.
Pride and Prejudice Escape Room:
The Flight of Lydia Bennet
Monday, January 26, 5:15–6 PM and 6:30–7:15 PM
Calling all Janeites and escape room fans! Lydia Bennet has run off with the scandalous Mr. Wickham, and Mr. Darcy urgently requests your help to find them before they reach Scotland. Solve clues, uncover secrets, and save the Bennet family’s reputation. Period attire is encouraged for added fun! Registration Required.
Indie Lens Pop-Up Screening: The Librarians
Wednesday, January 28, 6–7:30 PM
Join us for a free screening of The Librarians, an Indie Lens Pop-Up documentary, followed by a brief discussion. The film explores how librarians across the U.S. are navigating book challenges and censorship efforts, examining the impact on education, inclusion, and the future of public libraries.
Seed Swap and Giveaway
Saturday, January 31, 12–2 PM
Plan your perfect garden at the Seed Swap and Giveaway! Choose from vegetables, herbs, flowers, and native prairie seeds. Gardeners of all ages and experience levels are welcome. Each attendee may take up to five free seed packets, with up to two additional packets for each non-perishable food donation.
Tiny Art Show
• December 27-January 3: Materials pickup at all DMPL locations*
• Saturday, January 31, 2–4 PM: Reception at Central Library
Create a mini-masterpiece for the Des Moines Public Library’s second annual Tiny Art Show! Kits will include a miniature easel, canvas, paint and a brush. You must register with your email and your library card number to get your free kit. Limit one kit per registrant. Artwork must be submitted by Wednesday, January 7. Then you can stop back and see an art show gallery of all the artwork from January 12-31!
*Kits will be available while supplies last
