This event is in the "Children" group May 7 2026 Thu Art Club : Sun Prints 6:30pm–7:30pm Children Forest Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group May 7 2026 Thu Art Club : Sun Prints 6:30pm–7:30pm 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. We will learn about artists, techniques, concepts, or art processes that will give us inspiration to make our own art at the library! 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 This event is in the "All Ages" group May 9 2026 Sat Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical Sneak Preview 10:30am–11:00am Children, All Ages Franklin Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "All Ages" group May 9 2026 Sat Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical Sneak Preview 10:30am–11:00am Franklin Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: Children, All Ages Program Type: Performances Event Details: Visit the library for a special sneak preview of the Des Moines Community Playhouse production of Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical, a story about acceptance and friendship. 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 May 11 - 23 2026 I Spy: Bikes All Day 5/11–5/23 Children Central Library Children’s Area This event is in the "Children" group May 11 - 23 2026 I Spy: Bikes All Day 5/11–5/23 Central Library Children’s Area Library Branch: Central Library Room: Central Library Children’s Area Age Group: Children Program Type: Play & Learn Event Details: Join us at the Central Library to celebrate National Bike Month! Find all the hidden pictures to win a prize! 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 "Children" group May 11 2026 Mon ASAP Mondays : Fantastic Fiber Arts 4:00pm–5:00pm Children Forest Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group May 11 2026 Mon ASAP Mondays : Fantastic Fiber Arts 4:00pm–5:00pm Forest Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: Children Program Type: Arts & Crafts Event Details: Join ASAP to make fantastic fiber arts projects using thread, yarn, and wool fibers, and exploring art forms such as wet felting, stuffie making, fabric collages, and more. All supplies and snacks are provided. 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 "Birth-Preschool" group This event is in the "Children" group May 11 2026 Mon Family Storytime 6:30pm–7:00pm Birth-Preschool, Children South Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group This event is in the "Children" group May 11 2026 Mon Family Storytime 6:30pm–7:00pm South Side Meeting Room 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 acivities. You can even wear your jammies! Best for ages 6 and under, but all are welcome! 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 May 12 2026 Tue ASAP Tuesdays: Comics 3:30pm–4:30pm Children East Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group May 12 2026 Tue ASAP Tuesdays: Comics 3:30pm–4:30pm East Side Meeting Room Library Branch: East Side Library Room: East Side Meeting Room Age Group: Children Program Type: Arts & Crafts Event Details: Calling all fans of graphic novels and comic books: Learn new techniques on developing your own characters, learn basics of sequential art, and even construct your own zine! 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.
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group May 12 2026 Tue Chess Club 4:00pm–5:00pm Children, Teens Forest Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group May 12 2026 Tue Chess Club 4:00pm–5:00pm Forest Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: Children, Teens Program Type: Educational, Gaming Event Details: Join the fun at Chess Club! Chess is one of the world's most popular games and is played by millions of people worldwide. This is a drop-in program where resources will be available to learn to play or come to test your skills with other players. 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 This event is in the "Teens" group May 12 2026 Tue Comic Collage Bookmarks 4:00pm–5:00pm Children, Teens South Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group May 12 2026 Tue Comic Collage Bookmarks 4:00pm–5:00pm South Side Meeting Room Library Branch: South Side Library Room: South Side Meeting Room Age Group: Children, Teens Program Type: Arts & Crafts Event Details: Design a unique bookmark using pictures from comic pages and other craft accessories. We'll bring the supplies, you bring your imagination!While supplies last. 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 This event is in the "Teens" group May 12 2026 Tue Noche de Juegos | Game Night 6:00pm–7:00pm Children, Teens Forest Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group May 12 2026 Tue Noche de Juegos | Game Night 6:00pm–7:00pm Forest Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: Children, Teens Program Type: Educational, Gaming Event Details: Join us at Forest Avenue Library for Noche de Juegos—a fun-filled game night for bilingual kids and language learners! 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 This event is in the "Teens" group May 13 2026 Wed ASAP Wednesdays: Culinary Kids 3:30pm–4:30pm Children, Teens North Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group May 13 2026 Wed ASAP Wednesdays: Culinary Kids 3:30pm–4:30pm North Side Meeting Room Library Branch: North Side Library Room: North Side Meeting Room Age Group: Children, Teens Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational Event Details: Aprons on, culinary kids! Join ASAP and learn to make a different delicious recipe each week. May 6, 13, 21, 27. 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 This event is in the "Children" group May 13 2026 Wed Art Cart 4:00pm–7:30pm Birth-Preschool, Children North Side Children’s Area This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group This event is in the "Children" group May 13 2026 Wed Art Cart 4:00pm–7:30pm North Side Children’s Area Library Branch: North Side Library Room: North Side Children’s Area Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children Program Type: Arts & Crafts Event Details: Get creative at North Side! Drop-in on Wednesdays to enjoy our large cart of art supplies. 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 This event is in the "Teens" group May 14 2026 Thu ASAP Days: Jewelry Making 4:00pm–5:00pm Children, Teens South Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group May 14 2026 Thu ASAP Days: Jewelry Making 4:00pm–5:00pm South Side Meeting Room Library Branch: South Side Library Room: South Side Meeting Room Age Group: Children, Teens Program Type: Educational Event Details: Bring your fashionable ideas to our jewelry making class and use wire, beads, and other materials to make wearable art to take home. Snack provided for all participants. May 7, 14, 21, 28.
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group May 14 2026 Thu Book Club Pizza Party : The Lost Library 6:00pm–7:00pm Children, Teens Forest Avenue Meeting Room Registration Required This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group May 14 2026 Thu Book Club Pizza Party : The Lost Library 6:00pm–7:00pm Forest Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: Children, Teens Program Type: Book Clubs Registration Required Event Details: Join us at Forest for a book club and pizza party just for tweens! Each month features a new book exploring different genres, formats, and topics. 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. 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 This event is in the "Teens" group May 16 2026 Sat Drop-in Perler Bead Art 10:00am–4:00pm Children, Teens North Side Children’s Area This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group May 16 2026 Sat Drop-in Perler Bead Art 10:00am–4:00pm North Side Children’s Area Library Branch: North Side Library Room: North Side Children’s Area Age Group: Children, Teens Program Type: Arts & Crafts Event Details: Drop-in to North Side to make a perler bead creation! We will iron your design to make it permanent for you to take home. 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 May 18 2026 Mon ASAP Mondays : Fantastic Fiber Arts 4:00pm–5:00pm Children Forest Avenue Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group May 18 2026 Mon ASAP Mondays : Fantastic Fiber Arts 4:00pm–5:00pm Forest Avenue Meeting Room Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room Age Group: Children Program Type: Arts & Crafts Event Details: Join ASAP to make fantastic fiber arts projects using thread, yarn, and wool fibers, and exploring art forms such as wet felting, stuffie making, fabric collages, and more. All supplies and snacks are provided. 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 "Birth-Preschool" group This event is in the "Children" group May 18 2026 Mon Family Storytime 6:30pm–7:00pm Birth-Preschool, Children South Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group This event is in the "Children" group May 18 2026 Mon Family Storytime 6:30pm–7:00pm South Side Meeting Room 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 acivities. You can even wear your jammies! Best for ages 6 and under, but all are welcome! 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 May 19 2026 Tue ASAP Tuesdays: Comics 3:30pm–4:30pm Children East Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group May 19 2026 Tue ASAP Tuesdays: Comics 3:30pm–4:30pm East Side Meeting Room Library Branch: East Side Library Room: East Side Meeting Room Age Group: Children Program Type: Arts & Crafts Event Details: Calling all fans of graphic novels and comic books: Learn new techniques on developing your own characters, learn basics of sequential art, and even construct your own zine! 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.
This event is in the "Children" group May 19 2026 Tue Reading Buddies with ARL TheraPets! 4:00pm–5:00pm Children Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 This event is in the "Children" group May 19 2026 Tue Reading Buddies with ARL TheraPets! 4:00pm–5:00pm Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 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 This event is in the "Children" group May 19 2026 Tue Sensory Play Hour 4:00pm–5:00pm Birth-Preschool, Children South Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group This event is in the "Children" group May 19 2026 Tue Sensory Play Hour 4:00pm–5:00pm South Side Meeting Room Library Branch: South Side Library Room: South Side Meeting Room Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children Program Type: Play & Learn Event Details: Come to South Side for an hour of sensory exploration! 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 This event is in the "Teens" group May 20 2026 Wed ASAP Wednesdays: Culinary Kids 3:30pm–4:30pm Children, Teens North Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group May 20 2026 Wed ASAP Wednesdays: Culinary Kids 3:30pm–4:30pm North Side Meeting Room Library Branch: North Side Library Room: North Side Meeting Room Age Group: Children, Teens Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational Event Details: Aprons on, culinary kids! Join ASAP and learn to make a different delicious recipe each week. May 6, 13, 21, 27. 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 This event is in the "Teens" group May 21 2026 Thu ASAP Days: Jewelry Making 4:00pm–5:00pm Children, Teens South Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group May 21 2026 Thu ASAP Days: Jewelry Making 4:00pm–5:00pm South Side Meeting Room Library Branch: South Side Library Room: South Side Meeting Room Age Group: Children, Teens Program Type: Educational Event Details: Bring your fashionable ideas to our jewelry making class and use wire, beads, and other materials to make wearable art to take home. Snack provided for all participants. May 7, 14, 21, 28.
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group This event is in the "Adults" group This event is in the "All Ages" group May 25 2026 Mon Tech Central Open House 6:00pm–7:30pm Children, Teens, Adults, All Ages Central Library Tech Central Cancelled Registration Required This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group This event is in the "Adults" group This event is in the "All Ages" group May 25 2026 Mon Cancelled Tech Central Open House 6:00pm–7:30pm Central Library Tech Central Library Branch: Central Library Room: Central Library Tech Central Age Group: Children, Teens, Adults, All Ages Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational, Play & Learn Registration Required Event Details: Check out what's new in Central Library's maker lab, Tech Central. From 3D printers to laser cutters, VHS digitizing to t-shirt making, sewing to button making and more! Various crafts and demonstrations available. 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.
This event is in the "Children" group May 26 2026 Tue ASAP Tuesdays: Comics 3:30pm–4:30pm Children East Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group May 26 2026 Tue ASAP Tuesdays: Comics 3:30pm–4:30pm East Side Meeting Room Library Branch: East Side Library Room: East Side Meeting Room Age Group: Children Program Type: Arts & Crafts Event Details: Calling all fans of graphic novels and comic books: Learn new techniques on developing your own characters, learn basics of sequential art, and even construct your own zine! 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.
This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group May 27 2026 Wed ASAP Wednesdays: Culinary Kids 3:30pm–4:30pm Children, Teens North Side Meeting Room This event is in the "Children" group This event is in the "Teens" group May 27 2026 Wed ASAP Wednesdays: Culinary Kids 3:30pm–4:30pm North Side Meeting Room Library Branch: North Side Library Room: North Side Meeting Room Age Group: Children, Teens Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational Event Details: Aprons on, culinary kids! Join ASAP and learn to make a different delicious recipe each week. May 6, 13, 21, 27. Disclaimer(s) Children’s Program Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
