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Parking Lot Party

Friday, June 7, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:30pm
North Side Library Lawn at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Event Details:

Kick-off Summer Reading at North Side! Come to the North Side Library parking lot to enjoy fun activities for the whole family. We will have free mini train rides, face painting, a

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Library Lawn
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:
Kick-off Summer Reading at North Side! Come to the North Side Library parking lot to enjoy fun activities for the whole family. We will have free mini train rides, face painting, and more! ...

Disclaimer(s)

Inclement Weather

This program is hosted outdoors. In case of inclement weather please check back here for updates. 

Kid's Craft Day: Straw Rockets!

All Day
South Side Children’s Area at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn, Take & Make
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Drop in at South for Kid's Craft Day in the Children's Area! Crafts will be available all day while supplies last.  Best for youth ages 5 and up.

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn, Take & Make
Event Details:
Drop in at South for Kid's Craft Day in the Children's Area! Crafts will be available all day while supplies last.  Best for youth ages 5 and up. ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Inclement Weather

This program is hosted outdoors. In case of inclement weather please check back here for updates. 

Text that says "Family Stem Challenge" over a background of scientific equipment

Family STEM Challenge: Straw Airplane

Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Event Details:

The whole family can visit the library and take on our Family STEM Challenge.  This month we will have supplies available to make a straw airplane.  Materials will be ava

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
The whole family can visit the library and take on our Family STEM Challenge.  This month we will have supplies available to make a straw airplane.  Materials will be available between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.   The Franklin Librar...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Art Cart Saturdays

Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
East Side Children’s Area at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Stop in the library to do some fun arts and crafts with our Art Cart! While supplies last. Adult supervision is required. 

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:
Stop in the library to do some fun arts and crafts with our Art Cart! While supplies last. Adult supervision is required.  ...

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.

Tippi Toes Dance Class

Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

Tippi Toes is coming back to the library! Our exciting, high energy dance classes are the perfect opportunity for kids to try something new while having a blast and burning some

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:
Tippi Toes is coming back to the library! Our exciting, high energy dance classes are the perfect opportunity for kids to try something new while having a blast and burning some energy! Any child between the ages 2-10 can participate. ...

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.

Pride Month Mini Banner Take-and-Make Bags!

All Day
South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational, Play & Learn, Take & Make
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

Pick up a themed take-and-make activity bag at South Side Library! While Supplies Last  

Library Branch: South Side Library
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, Play & Learn, Take & Make
Event Details:
Pick up a themed take-and-make activity bag at South Side Library! While Supplies Last   ...

Art Cart Mondays

Monday, June 10, 2024 at 10:00am - 7:00pm
North Side Children’s Area at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Event Details:

Get creative at North Side! Drop-in to the library on Mondays during June and July to enjoy a variety of arts and crafts supplies.

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:
Get creative at North Side! Drop-in to the library on Mondays during June and July to enjoy a variety of arts and crafts supplies. ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

ASAP Mondays: Drama Workshop

Monday, June 10, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Do you like to try new things, think on your feet, play games, work in teams, create and perform skits, and make new friends? Join us Mondays in June from 4–5 p.m. at the Forest Av

Required
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 15
Event Details:
Do you like to try new things, think on your feet, play games, work in teams, create and perform skits, and make new friends? Join us Mondays in June from 4–5 p.m. at the Forest Ave Library for a fun Drama/Theater class with the After School Arts Pro...

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.

Family Storytime

Monday, June 10, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
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 crafts. You can even wear your jammies!  All Ages Welcome!

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 crafts. You can even wear your jammies!  All Ages Welcome! ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Spongebob Squarepants Scavenger Hunt

All Day 6/11 - 6/17
Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

This week we're taking a trip to Bikini Bottom! Spongebob, Patrick, Sandy, and all your friends are hiding throughout the library! Find them all and you'll win an absolutely pelagi

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:
This week we're taking a trip to Bikini Bottom! Spongebob, Patrick, Sandy, and all your friends are hiding throughout the library! Find them all and you'll win an absolutely pelagic prize!  Best for ages 6 ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Touch-a-Truck: Dump Truck!

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 1:00pm - 1:45pm
South Side Library Lawn at South Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Kids and caregivers! Come to the South Side Library's parking lot to see and touch a garbage and recycling truck! Visitors can learn from a community helper from the Public Wo

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Library Lawn
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:
Kids and caregivers! Come to the South Side Library's parking lot to see and touch a garbage and recycling truck! Visitors can learn from a community helper from the Public Works Department about how they use their trucks daily for their jo...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Inclement Weather

This program is hosted outdoors. In case of inclement weather please check back here for updates. 

Polk County Conservation-Trees are Terrific!

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

 Learn all about different types of trees, and the wildlife that use trees as a habitat with a Polk County Naturalist. Come learn and  see up close just how unique trees

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
 Learn all about different types of trees, and the wildlife that use trees as a habitat with a Polk County Naturalist. Come learn and  see up close just how unique trees are! Crafts and activities will follow after the program. ...

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.

Game On!

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Join us at Central Library for Game On! Tweens and Teens (10-18) are welcome to enjoy snacks and play games with friends! We'll alternate between board games, card games, and games

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:
Join us at Central Library for Game On! Tweens and Teens (10-18) are welcome to enjoy snacks and play games with friends! We'll alternate between board games, card games, and games on the Nintendo Switch.         ...

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.

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Sunshine Storytime

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 10:00am - 10:30am
East Side Library Lawn at East Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

Join us on the lawn for stories, songs and early literacy activities! Bring your own chair or blanket for seating and your energy for fun!  This event is geared for ages 3-6 b

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Library Lawn
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:
Join us on the lawn for stories, songs and early literacy activities! Bring your own chair or blanket for seating and your energy for fun!  This event is geared for ages 3-6 but older and younger siblings are welcome. In the case of inclement...

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.

Outdoor Obstacle Course Challenge!

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 10:30am - 11:30am
South Side Library Lawn at South Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Come to the South Side Library lawn and see how fast you can complete our outdoor obstacle course! Get ready to crawl, run, and maybe even get a little wet!  Best for ages

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Library Lawn
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:
Come to the South Side Library lawn and see how fast you can complete our outdoor obstacle course! Get ready to crawl, run, and maybe even get a little wet!  Best for ages 6 and up. ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Inclement Weather

This program is hosted outdoors. In case of inclement weather please check back here for updates. 

kids with flowerpots

Plant, Grow, Fly! with Des Moines Parks and Recreation

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 11:30am - 12:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Event Details:

Learn about butterflies and plants with Environmental Educator Joel Van Roekel, from the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. Participants will get to plant their own butter

Required
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 14
Event Details:
Learn about butterflies and plants with Environmental Educator Joel Van Roekel, from the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. Participants will get to plant their own butterfly garden to take home! Space is limited; registration required.&n...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

picture of green crayon costumed character

Party Outside the Box with Esteban the Crayon

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

Join us for a colorful celebration featuring crafts, activities, and games.  Special guest Esteban the Crayon from The Day the Crayons Quit will be here giving out high fives

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn
Event Details:
Join us for a colorful celebration featuring crafts, activities, and games.  Special guest Esteban the Crayon from The Day the Crayons Quit will be here giving out high fives and posing for photos. ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Lego Space Challenge at Franklin Library

LEGO Space Challenge

Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Blast off to your next LEGO challenge. Bring the family and your sense of fun creating epic spaceships, kooky aliens, and cool vehicles! But beware, you never know when disaster ma

Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Gaming
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 35
Event Details:
Blast off to your next LEGO challenge. Bring the family and your sense of fun creating epic spaceships, kooky aliens, and cool vehicles! But beware, you never know when disaster may strike! Registration is required.  Age 3 and up.   ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

All Aboard the Summer Reading Train!

Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Library Lawn at South Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Event Details:

Celebrate Summer Reading at South Side Library! Enjoy a train ride with our friends from Choo Choo Rides 4 U and be amazed at the balloon art stylings of Professor Von Air! 

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Library Lawn
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:
Celebrate Summer Reading at South Side Library! Enjoy a train ride with our friends from Choo Choo Rides 4 U and be amazed at the balloon art stylings of Professor Von Air!  Don't forget to stop by the Summer Reading sign-up table and get a f...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Inclement Weather

This program is hosted outdoors. In case of inclement weather please check back here for updates. 

Polk County Conservation: Reptiles

Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Discuss the fears and myths about these scaly critters people love to hate. Find out how reptiles smell, see, and move. A live animal will be used if available. Supports Iowa

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Discuss the fears and myths about these scaly critters people love to hate. Find out how reptiles smell, see, and move. A live animal will be used if available. Supports Iowa Life Science Standards. ...

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.

Intro to Dance

Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

The East Side Library welcomes dancers from Yaro Dance Company, dancers will be here to show off their shoes and costumes and talk about their love of dance! You can try some basic

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness
Event Details:
The East Side Library welcomes dancers from Yaro Dance Company, dancers will be here to show off their shoes and costumes and talk about their love of dance! You can try some basic moves from different dance styles, learn a little history behind danc...

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.

Insects! With Polk County Conservation

Friday, June 14, 2024 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

Kids and Families! Explore the world of bugs with a Polk County Conservation naturalist! We will even take a look at some live insects! 

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Kids and Families! Explore the world of bugs with a Polk County Conservation naturalist! We will even take a look at some live insects!  ...

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.

Touch-a-Truck: Street Sweeper & Dump Truck

Friday, June 14, 2024 at 10:00am - 11:00am
East Side Library Lawn at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational, Storytimes
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Kids and caregivers! Come to the East Side Library parking lot to get a close-up look at a City of Des Moines Street Sweeper and Dump Truck! Visitors can learn from a com

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Library Lawn
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational, Storytimes
Event Details:
Kids and caregivers! Come to the East Side Library parking lot to get a close-up look at a City of Des Moines Street Sweeper and Dump Truck! Visitors can learn from a community helper from the Public Works Department about how they use...

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.

Storytime at the Heritage Carousel

Friday, June 14, 2024 at 10:30am - 11:15am
Off Site
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

Join Ms. Alicia at the Heritage Carousel for a special storytime for the whole family! We will enjoy stories, songs, and movement together. After storytime, there will be a craf

Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Event Details:
Join Ms. Alicia at the Heritage Carousel for a special storytime for the whole family! We will enjoy stories, songs, and movement together. After storytime, there will be a craft or activity available and everyone will get a FREE carousel ride. ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Inclement Weather

This program is hosted outdoors. In case of inclement weather please check back here for updates.