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Glowforge Training

3:00pm - 4:00pm
Central Library Tech Central
Registration
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Tech Central
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 4
Event Details:
Learn how to use the Glowforge Plus Laser Engraver at Tech Central! This program takes the place of the 1 on 1 Glowforge tutorial, so you will be fully qualified to book and use the Glowforge on your own after this program.  A library card nu...

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.

LEGO Space Challenge

3:00pm - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
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!

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. 

Polk County Conservation: Reptiles

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

5:30pm - 6:30pm
East Side Meeting Room
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.

Gardening with Native Plants Meet-Up

5:30pm - 7:00pm
North Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Connect with others interested in environmentally friendly gardens. The focus is on native plants which foster and nourish wildlife. Come to learn and to share your favorite gardening tips, design ideas, seeds, plants, and more!   This ...

Reading on the Margins Book Discussion

6:30pm - 7:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:
Join us once a month to discuss books by underrepresented authors. Our goal is to amplify these voices and experiences while discussing social issues in the context of fiction and non-fiction books. 'There's really no such thing as the 'voiceless....

AViD presents Jasmine Guillory

7:00pm - 9:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Author Visits
Event Details:
The 2024 AViD season concludes on Thursday, June 13 at 7 PM at Central Library with popular romance author Jasmine Guillory, dubbed the “undisputed queen of modern-day romance” by Vogue. Guillory is the beloved author of bestsellers such as The Weddi...

Insects! With Polk County Conservation

10:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
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

10:00am - 11:00am
East Side Library Lawn
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

10:30am - 11:15am
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. 

The Outreach Project

1:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library Cafe Gallery
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Cafe Gallery
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:
The Des Moines Public Library is partnering with area organizations to connect people with community resources. Community advocates will provide information about community resources like meal sites and shelters. They may also offer support and ...

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.

Free Friday Flicks at Franklin – C'mon C'mon

1:30pm - 3:45pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:
When his sister asks him to look after her son, a radio journalist embarks on a cross-country trip with his energetic nephew to show him life away from Los Angeles. Joaquin Phoenix is the star of director Mike Mills' 2021 drama. Free Friday Flicks at...

ARL TheraPets

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:
The ARL TheraPets are coming to Forest! Come meet the pets and pick your favorite book to read to an animal.  ...

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.

Art Cart Saturdays

10:00am - 4:00pm
East Side Children’s Area
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.

Des Moines Metro Opera Previews American Apollo and Pelléas & Mélisande

2:00pm - 3:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Performances
Event Details:
Des Moines Metro Opera Preview Lecturer Joshua Borths returns for an in-depth preview of the final two operas of the opera’s 2024 season: Debussy’s shimmering Impressionist opera, Pelléas & Mélisande, and the world premiere of Damien Geter and Li...

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.

Juneteenth Scavenger Hunt

All Day 6/17 - 6/18
Library Branch: South Side Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational, Play & Learn
Event Details:
Kids! Visit South and try our Scavenger Hunt! Drop in and search the library for all of the items on the sheet and win a prize. For youth ages 3 and up.  ...

Toddler Storytime

10:00am - 10:30am
East Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:
Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy introductory stories, songs, music, and movement! For ages 18 months to 36 months. ...

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.

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.

Preschool Storytime

10:15am - 10:45am
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:
Join Miss Jennifer for Preschool Storytime on Monday mornings at 10:15 a.m.  There will be stories, rhymes, music, and more. This storytime is recommended for ages three to five, but all children are welcome to attend.   The Frankl...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

The Outreach Project

1:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Library Cafe Gallery
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Cafe Gallery
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:
The Des Moines Public Library is partnering with area organizations to connect people with community resources. Community advocates will provide information about community resources like meal sites and shelters. They may also offer support and ...

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.

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.