Upcoming Events

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Plant a Garden!

11:00am - 12:00pm
South Side Library Lawn
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Library Lawn
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:
Youth and their families can come to South Side Library to help us plant and design a small container garden for the summer! See how it grows and changes every time you visit! ...

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. 

Parking Lot Party

4:00pm - 5:30pm
North Side Library Lawn
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. 

Family STEM Challenge: Straw Airplane

10:00am - 12:00pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
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.

Community Crafting - Herb Sachets and Alternative Salt Shakers

2:00pm - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 12
Event Details:
Join local herbalist, Lindsey Coyne, for a workshop making herbal sachets and an herb blend shaker for your kitchen table. Herbal sachets can be used as aromatherapy placed under a pillow or near your favorite chair, they also have been used for many...

Art Cart Mondays

10:00am - 7:00pm
North Side Children’s Area
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.

The Art of Expression: Pride Craft-Stravaganza

3:00pm - 4:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 40
Event Details:
The Art of Expression is a monthly program for teens to learn and create different types of art in a relaxed atmosphere.  Join us on June 10 to kick off Pride 2024 and make some colorful rainbow crafts. Registration is required due to limi...

ASAP Mondays: Drama Workshop

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
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.

Manga Book Club (ages 13+)

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Book Clubs
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 10
Event Details:
Whether you are passionate about manga or just interested in seeing what it's all about, the Forest Ave Library's Manga Book Club is a place for you to make friends, read fun and exciting stories, make art, and play games. Register ahead and get a...

Game On!

4:30pm - 5:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1
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.

Outdoor Obstacle Course Challenge!

10:30am - 11:30am
South Side Library Lawn
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. 

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

11:30am - 12:30pm
North Side Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 16
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.

VolunTEENS Work Time

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library Imagination Station
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Imagination Station
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:
If you're between the ages of 12-18 and looking for a fun and rewarding volunteer opportunity, give the library a try! We would love to have your help! ...

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.

All Aboard the Summer Reading Train!

4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Library Lawn
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. 

Learn to Slay: Intro to Dungeons & Dragons

1:00pm - 2:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational, Gaming
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 30
Event Details:
Have you ever wanted to slay a dragon, raid a dungeon treasure room, or even save a village from an evil bandit horde? Always wanted to play Dungeons & Dragons, but didn’t know where to start? Join us as we learn the basics of how to get start...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Art Cart Mondays

10:00am - 7:00pm
North Side Children’s Area
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.

Nintendo Switch Party!

3:00pm - 4:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:
Join us for a Nintendo Switch Party! We will have games like Mario Kart 8 & Super Mario Bros. Ultimate. Feel free to bring your own Switch or share the library’s controllers. ...

ASAP Mondays: Drama Workshop

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
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.

Juneteenth Scavenger Hunt

All Day
Forest Avenue Children’s Area
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Kids! Come to Forest and learn about Juneteenth with our Juneteenth Scavenger Hunt. Find the images around the library and win a small prize. Best for ages 6+ ...

Level Up: Switch Party!

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Computers & Technology, Gaming
Event Details:
Join other gamers and test your skills on the Nintendo Switch!  We will have Smash Bros and Mario Kart on the big screen for tournament play with new friends or bring your own Switch to play on your own. The Switch Party will occur every 3rd Tue...

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.

Juneteenth Scavenger Hunt

All Day 6/20 - 6/24
Forest Avenue Children’s Area
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Kids! Come to Forest and learn about Juneteenth with our Juneteenth Scavenger Hunt. Find the images around the library and win a small prize. Best for ages 6+ ...

Learn to Slay: Intro to Dungeons & Dragons

1:00pm - 2:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational, Gaming
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 30
Event Details:
Have you ever wanted to slay a dragon, raid a dungeon treasure room, or even save a village from an evil bandit horde? Always wanted to play Dungeons & Dragons, but didn’t know where to start? Join us as we learn the basics of how to get start...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Art Cart Mondays

10:00am - 7:00pm
North Side Children’s Area
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

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
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.

Pride Month Scavenger Hunt

All Day 6/25 - 7/1
Forest Avenue Children’s Area
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
We are celebrating Pride Month! Come to the library to learn about some of the amazing people who have made LGBTQIA+ history by fighting for our right to be ourselves! Find them all and win a stunning prize! Best for ages 6+ ...