Upcoming Events

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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.

Hack That Painting

11:30am - 1:00pm
North Side Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 20
Event Details:
Bring your creativity and get ready to have some silly fun! Tweens and teens ages 8-18 can join us at North Side to hack that painting. Choose a pre-made painting or printed picture and use our materials to add your own spin on things! Will you turn ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Superhero Bingo

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:
Bring the whole family and play a good old-fashioned game of Bingo, but with superheroes instead of numbers.  Feel free to come as you are, or dress up as your favorite superhero.  No prior knowledge is required, so even if you don't kno...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Let's Go Make & Fly a Kite!

3:30pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Event Details:
Come to South Side Library to try your hand at designing your very own kite, then take it outside on the library lawn and see if you can fly it! Ages 8 and up. While supplies last.  ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Des Moines Art Center: Creative Journaling Workshop

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 14
Event Details:
Come explore creative writing, poetry, drawing and dance! Using Art Activity cards of her own design, teaching artist Aminah will take you on a journey through the art of the Des Moines Art Center, while you explore creative responses to the art you ...

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.

Kids in the Kitchen w/ ISU Extension

2:00pm - 3:00pm
East Side Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 13
Event Details:
Kids in the Kitchen will focus each week on healthy eating and prepare and cook snacks each week. This program is presented by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach office, and designed to give elementary-age children hands-on experience with ...

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.

Food Allergies

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

Family STEM Challenge: DIY Jumping Rabbits

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 paper cup jumping rabbit.  Materials will be available between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.   The Frank...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Community Crafting - Making Greeting Cards

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: 15
Event Details:
Have fun making greeting cards using layers of patterned paper.  All supplies provided – cards, envelopes, lots and lots of pretty paper!  The inside of the card will be blank so you can later write your own personalized message.  Marg...

Crafternoon

2:00pm - 4:00pm
South Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:
Spend a few hours with other crafters and work on your knit, crochet, or other craft projects. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you. Pleasant company is provided to share ideas and inspiration! Please note: No formal instruction is...

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.

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. ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

ASAP Mondays: Drumming 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:
Fernando Aveiga moved to Iowa from Ecuador, and performs in the band Parranderos Latin Combo. On Mondays in July (except the 1st), 4–5 p.m., he will also lead ASAP Mondays: Drumming classes! Join us to learn and practice drumming techniques and Latin...

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.

Summer Vacation Scavenger Hunt

All Day 7/23 - 7/29
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
How many different ways can you think of to have fun during summer vacation! Find them all and win an awesome prize! Best for ages 6+ ...

Anime Club

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:
Are you a fan of anime or curious about what it's all about? Join us and make new friends as we view an episode of an anime show, talk about anime and manga, and have snacks! This program is intended for teens 13 years and older. The content is caref...

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.

Movie Rating

Movie is not intended for children unless accompanied by an adult.

Instrument Petting Zoo

11:30am - 12:15pm
North Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Does your child love music? Children ages 3 and up can enjoy an instrument petting zoo with the Des Moines Symphony! Instrument petting zoos are a fun and interactive introduction to string instruments. ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Fossil Fun with Polk County Conservation!

3:30pm - 4:30pm
South Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Visit South Side Library to discover Iowa’s awesome paleontological past! Kids will learn how fossils form, what kinds of fossils we find in Iowa, and what it's like to study rocks and fossils through a fun activity! Best for youth ages 6+. ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Des Moines Art Center: Creative Journaling Workshop

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 14
Event Details:
Come explore creative writing, poetry, drawing and dance! Using Art Activity cards of her own design, teaching artist Aminah will take you on a journey through the art of the Des Moines Art Center, while you explore creative responses to the art you ...

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.

Kids in the Kitchen w/ ISU Extension

2:00pm - 3:00pm
East Side Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 13
Event Details:
Kids in the Kitchen will focus each week on healthy eating and prepare and cook snacks each week. This program is presented by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach office, and designed to give elementary-age children hands-on experience with ...

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.

Food Allergies

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

Pokemon Terrariums

4:00pm - 4:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Registration
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Gaming, Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 20
Event Details:
Join us at the Central Library in creating a Pokemon Terrarium! All materials will be provided to make your own poke ball to take home and display! ...

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.

Pokemon Terrariums

4:30pm - 5:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Registration
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Gaming, Health & Wellness
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 20
Event Details:
Join us at the Central Library in creating a Pokemon Terrarium! All materials will be provided to make your own poke ball to take home and display! ...

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.

Seoulmate Summer - A K-pop Event

1:00pm - 4:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Do you like all things K-pop? Come to the Central Library for Seoulmate Summer!, a chance to hang out with other fans, participate in a bunch of activities, and win fun prizes.  Invite your friends to enjoy K-pop trivia, photocard tradin...

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: Drumming 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:
Fernando Aveiga moved to Iowa from Ecuador, and performs in the band Parranderos Latin Combo. On Mondays in July (except the 1st), 4–5 p.m., he will also lead ASAP Mondays: Drumming classes! Join us to learn and practice drumming techniques and Latin...

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.

Batman vs. The Rogues Gallery Scavenger Hunt

All Day 7/30 - 8/5
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Batman, Robin, and their team of super-powered friends are at the library to face off against Gotham City's most fearsome collection of villains, The Rogues Gallery! Find them all and win an amazing prize! Best for ages 6+ ...