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This event is in the "Children" group

I Spy: Winter Activities

All Day 12/8 - 12/21
Central Library Children’s Area at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children

Come find pictures (and inspiration!) of fun, classic winter activities in the Central Youth area. Once you've found them all, stop at the Youth desk to claim your prize!

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Come find pictures (and inspiration!) of fun, classic winter activities in the Central Youth area. Once you've found them all, stop at the Youth desk to claim your prize!

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

Wiggles and Giggles

Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 10:15am - 10:45am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn, Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! 


 

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn, Storytimes
Event Details:

Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! 


 

Disclaimer(s)

Central Parking

Free library parking is available in Central's underground parking garage for two hours per visit. Parking around the library is metered at various costs from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

 

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group

Little Explorers

Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Bring your young ones to our Little Explorers program, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play! Activities will help build early literacy skills through the five Simple Steps: Read, Write, Sing, Play, Talk.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Bring your young ones to our Little Explorers program, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play! Activities will help build early literacy skills through the five Simple Steps: Read, Write, Sing, Play, Talk.

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

I Spy: KPop Demon Hunters

12/22/2025 @ 12:00am to 12/24/2025 @ 5:00pm
Central Library Children’s Area at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children

Come find pictures of your favorite KPop Demon Hunters characters in the Central Youth area. Once you've found them all, stop at the Youth desk to claim your prize!

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Come find pictures of your favorite KPop Demon Hunters characters in the Central Youth area. Once you've found them all, stop at the Youth desk to claim your prize!

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

Baby Rhyme Time

Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at 9:30am - 10:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Join us weekly for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.

 

 

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Join us weekly for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.

 

 

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

I Spy: KPop Demon Hunters

All Day 12/27 - 12/30
Central Library Children’s Area at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children

Come find pictures of your favorite KPop Demon Hunters characters in the Central Youth area. Once you've found them all, stop at the Youth desk to claim your prize!

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Come find pictures of your favorite KPop Demon Hunters characters in the Central Youth area. Once you've found them all, stop at the Youth desk to claim your prize!

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

Spoonful of Sugar: Mary Poppins Movie with Hot Cocoa Bar

Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Movies
Age Group:
Children

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!

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:

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!

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.

Central Parking

Free library parking is available in Central's underground parking garage for two hours per visit. Parking around the library is metered at various costs from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

 

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.
This event is in the "Children" group

New Year's Eve Goodie Bags

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 9:00am - 5:00pm
Central Library Children’s Area at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children

Celebrate the upcoming year by grabbing a New Year's goodie bag at the Central youth desk! One per child, while supplies last.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Health & Wellness, Play & Learn
Event Details:

Celebrate the upcoming year by grabbing a New Year's goodie bag at the Central youth desk! One per child, while supplies last.

Disclaimer(s)

Central Parking

Free library parking is available in Central's underground parking garage for two hours per visit. Parking around the library is metered at various costs from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

 

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

Baby Rhyme Time

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 9:30am - 10:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Join us weekly for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.

 

 

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Join us weekly for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.

 

 

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

I Spy: Bad Guys 2

All Day 1/5 - 1/18
Central Library Children’s Area at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children

Come find pictures of your favorite Bad Guys 2 characters in the Central Youth area. Once you've found them all, stop at the Youth desk to claim your prize!

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Come find pictures of your favorite Bad Guys 2 characters in the Central Youth area. Once you've found them all, stop at the Youth desk to claim your prize!

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

Baby Rhyme Time: Bilingual Storytime!

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 9:30am - 10:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Acompáñanos a nuesta edición mensual de Baby Rhyme Time bilingüe con invitada especial Arlette el primer miercoles de cada mes!
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:
Acompáñanos a nuesta edición mensual de Baby Rhyme Time bilingüe con invitada especial Arlette el primer miercoles de cada mes!

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

Wiggles and Giggles

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 10:15am - 10:45am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn, Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! 


 

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn, Storytimes
Event Details:

Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! 


 

Disclaimer(s)

Central Parking

Free library parking is available in Central's underground parking garage for two hours per visit. Parking around the library is metered at various costs from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

 

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group

Baby Rhyme Time

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 9:30am - 10:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Join us weekly for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.

 

 

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Join us weekly for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.

 

 

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

Wiggles and Giggles

Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 10:15am - 10:45am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn, Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! 


 

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn, Storytimes
Event Details:

Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! 


 

Disclaimer(s)

Central Parking

Free library parking is available in Central's underground parking garage for two hours per visit. Parking around the library is metered at various costs from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

 

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group

Little Explorers

Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Bring your young ones to our Little Explorers program, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play! Activities will help build early literacy skills through the five Simple Steps: Read, Write, Sing, Play, Talk.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Bring your young ones to our Little Explorers program, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play! Activities will help build early literacy skills through the five Simple Steps: Read, Write, Sing, Play, Talk.

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

I Spy: Dog Man

All Day 1/20 - 1/31
Central Library Children’s Area at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children

Come find pictures of your favorite Dog Man characters in the Central Youth area. Once you've found them all, stop at the Youth desk to claim your prize!

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Come find pictures of your favorite Dog Man characters in the Central Youth area. Once you've found them all, stop at the Youth desk to claim your prize!

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

Reading Buddies with ARL TheraPets!

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational, Health & Wellness, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children

When you're learning to read, practicing out loud can be daunting! Visit Central Library to practice reading with an ARL TheraPet. Engaging with animals is a great way to boost confidence and reduce anxiety around learning to read.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness, Play & Learn
Event Details:

When you're learning to read, practicing out loud can be daunting! Visit Central Library to practice reading with an ARL TheraPet. Engaging with animals is a great way to boost confidence and reduce anxiety around learning to read.

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.

Central Parking

Free library parking is available in Central's underground parking garage for two hours per visit. Parking around the library is metered at various costs from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

 

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group

Baby Rhyme Time

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 9:30am - 10:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Join us weekly for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.

 

 

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Join us weekly for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.

 

 

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

Wiggles and Giggles

Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 10:15am - 10:45am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn, Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! 


 

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn, Storytimes
Event Details:

Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! 


 

Disclaimer(s)

Central Parking

Free library parking is available in Central's underground parking garage for two hours per visit. Parking around the library is metered at various costs from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

 

This event is in the "Children" group

Dog Man Crafternoon!

Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children

Join us for an hour of Dog Man-inspired activities, crafts, and snacks! 

Enter a drawing to win 4 tickets to Dog Man: The Musical on January 31st, presented by Des Moines Performing Arts.

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Event Details:

Join us for an hour of Dog Man-inspired activities, crafts, and snacks! 

Enter a drawing to win 4 tickets to Dog Man: The Musical on January 31st, presented by Des Moines Performing Arts.

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.

Central Parking

Free library parking is available in Central's underground parking garage for two hours per visit. Parking around the library is metered at various costs from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

 

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

Wiggles and Giggles

Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 10:15am - 10:45am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn, Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! 


 

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn, Storytimes
Event Details:

Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! 


 

Disclaimer(s)

Central Parking

Free library parking is available in Central's underground parking garage for two hours per visit. Parking around the library is metered at various costs from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

 

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group

Baby Rhyme Time: Bilingual Storytime!

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 9:30am - 10:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Acompáñanos a nuesta edición mensual de Baby Rhyme Time bilingüe con invitada especial Arlette el primer miercoles de cada mes!
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:
Acompáñanos a nuesta edición mensual de Baby Rhyme Time bilingüe con invitada especial Arlette el primer miercoles de cada mes!

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

Wiggles and Giggles

Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 10:15am - 10:45am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn, Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool

Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! 


 

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn, Storytimes
Event Details:

Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! 


 

Disclaimer(s)

Central Parking

Free library parking is available in Central's underground parking garage for two hours per visit. Parking around the library is metered at various costs from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

 

This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Teens" group

Fail-a-bration!

Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Children, Teens

You tried. You missed. You're invited!

Anyone who has ever done anything has failed at least once. You didn't learn to walk without falling down a ton of times! It's part of learning. And that's worth celebrating!

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Health & Wellness
Event Details:

You tried. You missed. You're invited!

Anyone who has ever done anything has failed at least once. You didn't learn to walk without falling down a ton of times! It's part of learning. And that's worth celebrating!

Disclaimer(s)

Central Parking

Free library parking is available in Central's underground parking garage for two hours per visit. Parking around the library is metered at various costs from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

 

Children’s Program

Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.