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.

Upcoming Events

This event is in the "Children" group.

Trees Scavenger Hunt

All Day 4/23 - 4/27
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:
Trees! That's right, trees! This week at the Forest Avenue Library we are honoring Arbor Day (and our namesake) with a celebration of trees! From the tallest to the smallest and the oldest to the boldest, learn all you can about trees! Find each clue...

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 "Children" group.

Exploring Mayan Ruins

6:30pm - 7:30pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Computers & Technology, Educational, Storytimes
Event Details:
Come to Forest to explore the Mayan ruins on the Yucatan Peninsula in southern Mexico. We will interact with 365/4k recorded footage of multiple Mayan ruins; We will have a special guest who will talk about their experiences as a native person o...

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.

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.

Virtual Cookbook Club

6:30pm - 7:30pm
Zoom Program Room
Registration
Virtual Event
Library Branch: DMPL Virtual
Room: Zoom Program Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs, Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 3
Event Details:
Join us from the comfort of your own homes and kitchens for a DMPL cookbook club that celebrates substitutions, creativity, sustainability and independence in home cooking. Prepare or use for inspiration one or more recipes from the selected cookbook...

Disclaimer(s)

Email Required

Please make sure you have entered a valid email address as the online event details will be sent to you prior to the event. If you have not received a confirmation email your inbox, please check your spam folder.

This event is in the "Teens" group.

ASAP Mondays: Hip Hop Dance

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 12
Event Details:
Join us Mondays 4–5 p.m. this Spring for a weekly program in Hip Hop dance, choreography, cultural history, and more, with the After School Arts Program (ASAP) and teaching artist Mia of Creative Netwerk. These classes will provide opportunities to g...

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 "Children" group.
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:
It's a comic book showdown for the ages! Batman vs. Iron Man, The Flash vs. The Hulk, and Aquaman vs. The Black Panther! All these matchups and more are on display in the library, but who will win?? Only you can decide!  Help us find each pair, ...

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 "Birth-Preschool" group.

Family Storytime

10:15am - 10:45am
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn, Storytimes
Event Details:
Listen to silly stories, sing songs, dance to music, and make art! Join us at Forest Avenue Library for Family Storytime every Wednesday morning at 10:15 A.M. Family Storytime is aimed at children ages 0-5, but all ages are welcome to ...

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.

Art Club: Yayoi Kusama

6:00pm - 7:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Event Details:
Art Club will occur on the first Thursday of each month. It will feature picture books and a related art project each month. We will learn about artists, art concepts, and topics that will give us inspiration to make our own art. Come read stories an...

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.