Amina Luqman-Dawson is the Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award-winning and bestselling author of Freewater. The book is a middle grade novel about two enslaved children, their escape from a plantation, and the community that they find as they search for freedom.
David Baldacci
Monday, April 21, 7 PM | Franklin Event Center (4801 Franklin Avenue)
David Baldacci is a global #1 bestselling author and one of the world’s favorite storytellers. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with 150 million copies sold worldwide. His newest book, Strangers in Time, is a historical fiction novel set in London during World War II.
African American Museum of Iowa’s Mapping Exclusion: Redlining in Iowa Exhibit
April 1-May 31 | Franklin Avenue Library
Join us at the Franklin Avenue Library for Mapping Exclusion: Redlining in Iowa. This exhibit from the African American Museum of Iowa explores the impact of housing discrimination and segregation in the state of Iowa. Redlining, the systematic denial of services by government agencies and the private sector to residents of specific neighborhoods, impacted black populations in seven Iowa cities, including Des Moines.
Abby Jimenez
Thursday, May 15, 7 PM | Franklin Event Center (4801 Franklin Avenue)*
Abby Jimenez is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of laugh-out-loud, pull-at-your-heartstrings romantic fiction. Her novels have sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide. Her newest novel, Say You’ll Remember Me, is a playful, emotional story about a couple navigating a long-distance relationship.
*Please note: The venue for this event has changed since our initial announcement.
Beyond Birth: Baby’s First Year
Tuesdays, 9 AM | Central Library
Beyond Birth: Baby’s First Year is a free weekly postpartum support group for parents and their new babies. Facilitated by Blank Children’s Hospital, each week will feature a guest presenter on a variety of postpartum topics, plus plenty of time to meet other new parents and enjoy time at the library.
adults
One-on-One Computer Sessions
Tuesdays, 10 AM-12 PM | Forest Avenue Library
A library staff member will provide individual assistance with creating an email, polishing a resume, typing a document, or applying for a job. Individual computer assistance will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Manualidades para adultos: Arte de hilos tensados | Crafting for Adults: String Art
Tuesday, April 1, 3:30 PM | Central Library
Do you love to craft? Come make a string art project or bring your current piece and make some progress! Registration recommended.
¿Te encanta hacer manualidades? ¡Ven a hacer arte de hilos tensados o trae tu proyecto actual y progresa! Se recomienda registrarte.
Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K. Davis Center
Wednesdays, 10 AM-12 PM | North Side Library
Staff from the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families are ready to provide one-on-one job search and resume assistance to job seekers. A career coach can guide you through resume building, applying for jobs, referrals to employers, and other resources. Walk-ins welcome.
AARP Tax Preparation Assistance
Wednesday, April 2, Saturday, April 5, Wednesday, April 9 and Saturday, April 12, 10 AM-4 PM | East Side Library
AARP volunteers will be at the East Side Library to assist the public with their taxes. Appointments can be made with AARP by calling 515-635-1471. Walk-ins will be accommodated as staffing allows. The library is unable to schedule appointments.
Card Club
Wednesday, April 2 and May 7, 6 PM | Forest Avenue Library
Join us at Forest Avenue Library for Card Club. We will play trick-taking card games such as 500, Euchre, Hearts, Spades, Tiến lên and others. It’s a perfect opportunity to meet people, learn a new game, or join a group playing your favorite card games.
Glowforge Training
Thursdays, 3-4 PM | Central Library
Learn how to use the Glowforge Plus Laser Engraver at Tech Central! This program takes the place of the one-on-one Glowforge tutorial, so you will be fully qualified to book and use the Glowforge on your own after this program. Registration required.
Garden Planning Basics with Polk County Master Gardeners
Thursday, April 3, 6 PM | South Side Library
Whether you’re a brand new gardener or just need some ideas to spruce up your layout, you will enjoy this program. Join us for an evening with the Master Gardeners to bring your garden to the next level with a bit of planning.
Board Game Café
Friday, April 4 & May 9, 12-5 PM | Forest Avenue Library
Saturday, April 19, 12-4 PM | South Side Library
Join us for a drop-in event for all ages. Come in, grab a warm drink and a snack, get cozy, and choose from a variety of games or puzzles to play with friends!
The Outreach Project
Fridays, 1-3 PM | Central Library
Community advocates will provide information about community resources like meal sites and shelters. They may also offer support and referrals for matters like scheduling a medical or mental health appointment or applying for an ID.
Community Crafting: Card Making
Saturday, April 5, 2-4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library
Have fun making greeting cards using layers of patterned paper. All supplies provided – cards, envelopes, and lots and lots of pretty paper! The inside of the card will be blank so you can write your own personalized message. Registration required.
Sit n’ Stitch
Saturday, April 5 and May 3, 1:30 PM | North Side Library
Spend a couple hours with other crafters and work on your knit, crochet, or needle craft projects. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you. This program happens the first Saturday of the month.
DMPL & Dragons
Sunday, April 6 and May 4, 12:30-3:30 PM | Central Library
Thursday, April 17 and May 22, 5:30-7:30 PM | Central Library
Dungeons & Dragons is a role-playing game set in worlds of swords and sorcery where players use their imaginations to tell a story and create an adventure together. New players are always welcome, and no future commitment is required. For ages 12+; minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Technology Basics
Monday, April 7, 3 PM | North Side Library
Join us for a computer basics class and increase your skills. In this month’s workshop, you will learn how to navigate the Windows 10 and 11 operating systems, manage applications using the task manager, find and manage files and folders, save and delete files, and more.
Writers’ Workshop
Monday, April 7 and May 5, 5:30 PM | Central Library
Share samples of work and receive feedback from other writers in the group. Email your submission to Arlette at agugonzalez@dmpl.org by 12 PM the Tuesday before the program. Please include your name on the file and at the top of the submitted document.
Sew Social
Tuesday, April 8 and May 13, 6 PM | Forest Avenue Library
Join us as we meet monthly to work on sewing projects, share skills and techniques, and spend time with fellow sewers at Forest Avenue Library. Kaitlyn, our Sewing for Beginners series instructor, will be on hand to help answer any questions you may have while working on your projects.
Weep, Wail, Write
Tuesday, April 8, 6 PM | East Side Library
Thursday, April 10, 6 PM | Forest Avenue Library
Develop skills for processing grief during this one-hour writing workshop. During this program, participants will learn how to process their grief through poetry and journaling. This program is specifically built to help people find the words to express their emotions during their grief journey. Registration required.
Mindfulness Meditation
Wednesday, April 9 and 23, and May 14 and 28, 1:30 PM | Central Library
This program will include a brief overview of where Mindfulness Meditation comes from and why we do it, followed by a 20-minute sitting practice with time for Q&A afterwards. Chair seating will be available. Guests are also welcome to bring a cushion or blanket to sit on.
Craft-n-Carry: DIY Suncatcher
Wednesday, April 9, 6 PM | South Side Library
Grab this month’s supplies and receive a quick tutorial on this month’s craft. Can›t make it to the program? We›ll have Craft-N-Carry bags available with instructions and supplies after the program. Supplies are first-come, first-served. Tag @desmoinespubliclibrary with pictures of your creations!
New Parenthood Journey
Thursday, April 10, 17, & 24, 10:30 AM | East Side Library
The New Parenthood Journey Program consists of three sessions designed to support all parents, both new and experienced, as they navigate the transitions in parenthood. Individuals are encouraged to attend all three sessions but not required. Kids are welcome to attend.
Live Music Composition Clinic with the Belin Quartet
Thursday, April 10, 5:30 PM | Central Library
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Civic Music Association by taking part in this one-of-a-kind workshop. The Belin Quartet and composer Matthew Quayle will create and workshop a new composition in front of patrons, allowing them to ask questions about the process along the way.
Plan a Container Garden with Polk County Master Gardeners
Thursday, April 10, 6 PM | South Side Library
Want to grow some veggies, but don’t have much space? Join us for an evening with Polk County Master Gardeners to learn how to create the container garden of your dreams!
Sewing Basics: Zippers, Buttons, and Snaps
Thursday, April 10, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library
We will be repurposing fabric and learning how to create closures like zippers, buttons, and snaps. The instructor will have those materials and fabric available, and attendees can also bring an adult or child-sized pair of pants to repurpose into a bag if they choose. Registration required.
adults
Snippets: A Writers’ Workshop for Short Works 2025
Friday, April 11 and May 9, 10 AM | Central Library
This group will read and discuss works of short fiction out loud. Seating is limited. Registration required.
Compre. Coma. Viva Saludable (Buy. Eat. Live Healthy)
Saturdays, April 12-May 31, 12 PM | North Side Library
Aprenda a hacer recetas fáciles, nutritivas y baratas con una instructora de Iowa State University – Extension. Durante esta clase de 8 semanas, aprenderá a: ahorrar dinero, ahorrar tiempo, y aprender a hacer comidas fáciles y nutritivas.
Puzzle Exchange
Saturday, April 12, 2 PM | South Side Library
Love puzzles? Have puzzles at home that you’ve done and loved but won’t do again? We’re having a good old-fashioned puzzle swap! Come to the South Side Library Meeting Room and exchange your beloved puzzles for new-to-you ones.
Repair Café
Sunday, April 13, 12-3:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library
Do you have an item in your home in need of repair? Stop by Franklin Avenue Library’s Repair Café to get help from expert volunteers who can fix your item(s) or refer you to a local professional. Go to dmpl.org/events to see the list of items that can and cannot be repaired at this program.
3D Printer Training Class
Monday, April 14, Tuesday, April 29, May 12, 5 PM | Central Library
Learn how to use the Bambu X-1 Carbon filament 3D printer and the Formlabs Form 3 resin 3D printer. Participants will learn how to use the free software to prepare their 3D files for printing at the library. After completing the training, participants may then register to use either 3D printer.
Community Craft Night
Tuesday, April 15 and May 20, 6:30 PM | North Side Library
Spend an hour making something new while enjoying the company of other local crafters. In April, celebrate spring by painting a terra cotta pot. In May, use the library’s button-maker to create pins with your own hand-drawn designs and images. All materials provided.
Craft Night
Wednesday, April 16 and May 21, 6 PM | Forest Avenue Library
Craft Night at the Forest Avenue Library is a great place to spend time with friends, meet new people, and enjoy a fun activity. Each month will focus on a new craft, and supplies will be provided. In April, we’re cross stitching. In May, we’ll make a macrame air plant holder.
Swedish Death Cleaning 101
Thursday, April 17, 6 PM | North Side Library
Swedish death cleaning is the thoughtful method of organizing and decluttering, made popular by the book The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. Join professional home organizer, Carrie Blackburn, for an introduction to the process, as well as tips and tricks for decluttering and downsizing your own home.
adults
Memory Café
Friday, April 18, 2 PM | Franklin Avenue Library
Memory Cafés provide a welcoming social gathering for people living with dementia and their care partners. We’ll begin with relaxed socializing, move on to a planned activity revolving around a specific theme, and end with more social time. Memory Cafés create a sense of community without the pressure to share in a support group environment.
Franklin Cinema Club: The Graduate
Monday, April 21, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library
Discuss noteworthy films at the Franklin Cinema Club. Participants view the selected film prior to attending the discussion on Kanopy or through our DVD collection. In April, we’ll watch the 1967 comedydrama The Graduate, starring Anne Bancroft and Dustin Hoffman.
Pop Bottle Bird Feeders
Tuesday, April 22, 5:30 PM | East Side Library
Join us this Earth Day for a fun and eco-friendly workshop where we turn everyday pop bottles into a bird feeder! Joel, with City of Des Moines Parks & Rec, will help you craft your bird feeder and fill it with bird feed to take home. This hands-on event is perfect for families, children, and nature enthusiasts of all ages. All materials will be provided as supplies last.
Korean Mythology Escape Room
Tuesday, April 22, 6:30 PM | Central Library
A new exhibit of Korean artifacts is being unveiled in less than an hour, but the centerpieces have gone missing! Finding them will mean coming face to face with ancient myths and outsmarting the creatures they depict. Registration required.
Birding For Life
Thursday, April 24, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library
Rev. Dr. LoraKim Joyner, a conservationist and avian wildlife veterinarian for over 38 years, will explore how people relate and respond to nature, and specifically to birds. The mindful practice of birds can take only minutes a day but conversely also involves a lifetime of commitment, exploration, and wonder.
Birding for Life Walk
Saturday, April 26, 9 AM | Franklin Avenue Library
During the walk we will have time for conversation, reflections, and quiet, as well as seeking to identify as many birds as possible. We will do about a 1.5 mile walk, most of it on pavement.
Yoga Flow
Saturday, April 26, 10 AM-11:30 AM | East Side Library
Join us for a yoga session that will cultivate gratitude and boost selfworth. Trauma-informed yoga is a compassionate approach to yoga practice that prioritizes creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals who have experienced trauma, emphasizing safety, empowerment, and mindfulness.
Crossroads:
A Journey with the Blues featuring Scott Eggleston
Saturday, April 26, 2 PM | Forest Avenue Library
Join us at Forest Avenue Library for a live Blues performance provided by the Central Iowa Blues Society. Scott Eggleston, a founding member of the award-winning blues band The Soul Searchers, will be presenting Traditional and Delta Blues Guitar.
How to Ride DART
Thursday, May 1, 2 PM | Central Library
DART staff will lead a training to help individuals learn to ride the bus in Greater Des Moines and provide updates on new services. Training will demonstrate how to plan a trip, read maps and schedules, pay fares, and more. Attendees will receive a free monthly bus pass. Registration required.
AARP Fraud Watch
Thursday, May 1, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library
AARP Iowa invites you to a free Fraud Watch Presentation. Financial crimes target Iowans of all ages. The lists of scams are growing, and the scammers are not going away. In this program, you’ll learn about the latest scams and get tips and resources to protect yourself and your family.
Problem Gambling and Sports Betting
Tuesday, May 6, 6 PM | East Side Library
With online gambling and sports betting continuing to increase, gambling has become a norm in society. This presentation is designed to educate on current problem gambling tendencies and gambling trends, including how to educate children about gambling at a younger age.
Sewing Basics: Pockets
Thursday, May 8, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library
Learn how to add pockets to a dress or skirt. Bring your own or learn the concept on scrap fabric provided by instructor. Registration required.
Sourdough Basics
Saturday, May 17, 2 PM | Franklin Avenue Library
We will explore the fundamentals of sourdough, including what it is and all the things you can make from it. Steve Bryce, the presenter, is a restaurateur, baker, and chef who operates ScottageScapes Bakery, a boutique home bakery. Registration required.
Intro to Fishing and Fly Tying with the DNR
Monday, May 19, 5 PM (Fishing) & 6:30 PM (Fly Tying) | East Side Library
There’s no better time to fish in Iowa than summer mornings. Learn about fishing and fly tying from experts during these two programs. You’ll learn about equipment, tactics, locations, and more as you take part in either or both of these classes.
Plant. Grow. Fly. with Des Moines Parks & Recreation
Tuesday, May 20, 5:30 PM | East Side Library
Learn about butterflies and plants with Joel from Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department! This program will involve learning about what pollinators need so they can survive and why they are so important to people. Participants will also decorate and plant a pot to support pollinators at home.
The Belin String Quartet, presented by the Civic Music Association
Tuesday, May 27, 5:30 PM | Central Library
The Belin Quartet will perform a 45-minute program that will feature music that spans from classical to modern. Bring a lawn chair, enjoy the spring weather, and relax while listening to this free program. This is part of the Belin String Quartet’s 25th anniversary season.
Grown-Up Book Fair
Saturday, May 31, 12-4 PM | Central Library
Remember those awesome book fairs from your days in school? Re-capture that fun and magic as an adult at the Des Moines Public Library’s first ever Grown-Up Book Fair! Visit with vendors from throughout the area, and purchase books, stickers, food, and more.
Des Moines Metro Opera Preview –The Flying Dutchman
Saturday, May 31, 2 PM | Franklin Avenue Library
Des Moines Metro Opera opens its 2025 season with the return of Richard Wagner’s epic ghost story, The Flying Dutchman. Join Des Moines Metro Opera Preview Lecturer, Joshua Borths, for an in-depth look at this operatic masterpiece!
History of Juneteenth: Remember our History, Release the Past, and Reshape Our Future
Saturday, May 31, 2 PM | North Side Library
Juneteenth is more than a celebration; it is a pivotal chapter in American history. This presentation, themed ‘Remember Our History, Release the Past, and Reshape Our Future,’ will explore the historical significance of Juneteenth, the lessons it holds for today, and how we can collectively build a future that provides liberty and justice for all.
