Upcoming Events

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This event is in the "Children" group

Park-N-Play

10:00am–12:00pm
Children
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Join us for indoor Park-N-Play, hosted by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation department on Thursday mornings in the Franklin Avenue Library meeting room.

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

Tween Book Club Pizza Party

12:00pm–1:00pm
Children, Teens
North Side Meeting Room
Registration Required
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Book Clubs
Registration Required
Event Details:

Tweens and teens ages 10-14 can join us for a special Spring Break edition of book club! We will enjoy pizza together while chatting about the graphic novel, This Was Our Pact, by Ryan Andrews.

Disclaimer(s)

Age requirement

This program requires participants to be within a specific age range. Please select the correct age/grade when registering. 

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

ASAP Days: Watercolor Painting

4:00pm–5:00pm
Children, Teens
South Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Young artists, here's your chance to learn watercolor painting from a professional artist! Each week focuses on a new skill or technique: blending, texture, color theory, brushstroke technique, and more. Supplies and snacks provided.

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

EPIC Graphic Novel Book Club

4:00pm–5:00pm
Children
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Registration Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Book Clubs
Registration Required
Event Details:

Are you a fan of graphic novels? Join us for our EPIC Graphic Novel BOOK CLUB for kids ages 7-11. We will have a brief discussion about this month's book followed by fun activities and crafts related to the book!

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

Pajama Storytime : Hooray for Spring!

6:30pm–7:30pm
Children
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Celebrate the first day of spring at a special Pajama Storytime! Enjoy stories, a warm beverage, and a fun craft. Wear your coziest pajamas and bring along a favorite stuffed animal to snuggle.

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

Shrinky Dink Crafternoon

12:00pm–4:00pm
Children
North Side Children’s Area
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Drop-in to North Side and create shrinky dink art! You can turn your shrunken design into jewelry, a keychain, or a magnet.

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

Super Mario Day at Franklin

10:00am–4:00pm
Birth-Preschool, Children
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Get ready for the release of the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy Movie with activities in the children's area.  Join us for crafts, games, and a special scavenger hunt.

This event is in the "Children" group

ASAP Mondays : Bust a Move!

4:00pm–5:00pm
Children
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

No parking on the dancefloor—show us your moves and learn some new ones in this fun and active class! Snack provided for all participants.

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
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "All Ages" group

Tech Central Open House

6:00pm–7:30pm
Children, Teens, Adults, All Ages
Central Library Tech Central
Registration Required
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 "Birth-Preschool" group
This event is in the "Children" group

Family Storytime

6:30pm–7:00pm
Birth-Preschool, Children
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

ASAP Tuesdays: Culinary Kids

3:30pm–4:30pm
Children
East Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Aprons on, culinary kids! Make (and taste) a different delicious recipe each week. Drop in once or every week; all supplies and snack provided.

 

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

Yogurt Parfait Party

3:30pm–4:30pm
Children, Teens
North Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming, Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Make your own afternoon snack at North Side! You will be able to choose from a variety of yogurts and toppings to make your parfait. When you are done, we will have games out for you to enjoy!

Disclaimer(s)

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

Chess Club

4:00pm–5:00pm
Children, Teens
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

ASAP Wednesdays: Fun With Drawing

3:30pm–4:30pm
Children, Teens
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:

Pick up your pencil and let's have fun with lines, shapes, patterns, and color. Each week we'll make a different drawing project 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 "Birth-Preschool" group
This event is in the "Children" group

Art Cart

4:00pm–7:30pm
Birth-Preschool, Children
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

ASAP Days: Watercolor Painting

4:00pm–5:00pm
Children, Teens
South Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Young artists, here's your chance to learn watercolor painting from a professional artist! Each week focuses on a new skill or technique: blending, texture, color theory, brushstroke technique, and more. Supplies and snacks provided.

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

Kids Pokémon Card Swap

4:00pm–5:00pm
Children
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Are you looking for a place to trade your Pokémon cards? 

Bring your friends and come to this monthly program with any cards you want to trade.  This event is open to children ages 6-18. 

 

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

Cuentacuentos: Bilingual Storytime

6:15pm–7:00pm
Birth-Preschool, Children
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Event Details:

Enjoy children's stories, rhymes, and arts & crafts! Join us at the Forest Avenue Library for a bilingual story hour on the fourth Thursday of each month, starting at 6:15 P.M.

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

ASAP Mondays : Bust a Move!

4:00pm–5:00pm
Children
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

No parking on the dancefloor—show us your moves and learn some new ones in this fun and active class! Snack provided for all participants.

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

Family Storytime

6:30pm–7:00pm
Birth-Preschool, Children
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

ASAP Tuesdays: Culinary Kids

3:30pm–4:30pm
Children
East Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Aprons on, culinary kids! Make (and taste) a different delicious recipe each week. Drop in once or every week; all supplies and snack provided.

 

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

Art in the Library: 3D Coral Sculptures

4:00pm–4:45pm
Children
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Registration Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational
Registration Required
Event Details:

Design and create a three-dimensional coral sculpture with ocean creatures using a variety of materials.

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

Art Cart

4:00pm–7:30pm
Birth-Preschool, Children
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

Art Club : Mosaics

6:30pm–7:30pm
Children
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.