| All Day |
This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Children" group
I Spy: Bad Guys 2
All Day
1/5–1/18
Central Library Children’s Area
Library Branch:
Central Library
Room:
Central Library Children’s Area
Age Group:
Children
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Event Details:
Come find pictures of your favorite Bad Guys 2 characters in the Central Youth area. Once you've found them all, stop at the Youth desk to claim your prize!
Disclaimer(s)
Children’s Program
Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
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Jan
19
2026
Mon
Closing
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Branches:
Central Library,
East Side Library,
Franklin Avenue Library,
North Side Library,
South Side Library,
Off Site,
DMPL Systemwide
Description:
All branches will be closed in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
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This event is in the "All Ages" group
This event is in the "All Ages" group
Take and Make: Bag Charms
All Day
1/20–1/22
East Side Children’s Area
Library Branch:
East Side Library
Room:
East Side Children’s Area
Age Group:
All Ages
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts,
Take & Make
Event Details:
📔Pick up a Take & Make craft kit to create your own bag charm! Craft at home or stay to make it in the library—everything you need is included.
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This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Children" group
I Spy: Dog Man
All Day
1/20–1/31
Central Library Children’s Area
Library Branch:
Central Library
Room:
Central Library Children’s Area
Age Group:
Children
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Event Details:
Come find pictures of your favorite Dog Man characters in the Central Youth area. Once you've found them all, stop at the Youth desk to claim your prize!
Disclaimer(s)
Children’s Program
Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
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| 9 am |
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This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group
Jan
21
2026
Wed
Baby Rhyme Time
9:30am–10:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Library Branch:
Central Library
Room:
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Program Type:
Storytimes
Event Details:
Join us weekly for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.
Disclaimer(s)
Children’s Program
Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
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| 10 am |
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This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group
Jan
20
2026
Tue
Baby and Toddler Rhyme Time
10:00am–10:30am
North Side Meeting Room
Library Branch:
North Side Library
Room:
North Side Meeting Room
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Program Type:
Storytimes
Event Details:
Babies, toddlers, and their caregivers can join us on Tuesdays for rhymes, songs, lap bounces, and a story. This program is recommended for children from birth to 24 months of age.
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group
Jan
20
2026
Tue
Baby Rhyme Time
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:
Join us for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group
Jan
20
2026
Tue
Baby Rhyme Time
10:15am–11:00am
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch:
Franklin Avenue Library
Room:
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Program Type:
Storytimes
Event Details:
Babies and their caregivers can join Miss Jennifer on Tuesdays for rhymes, songs, bounces, and a story followed by a short playtime.
Disclaimer(s)
Children’s Program
Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
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This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
Jan
21
2026
Wed
Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K Davis Center
10:00am–12:00pm
North Side Meeting Room
Library Branch:
North Side Library
Room:
North Side Meeting Room
Age Group:
Adults
Program Type:
Educational
Event Details:
Staff from the Evelyn K Davis Center for Working Families are ready to provide one-on-one job search and resume assistance to job seekers.
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
Jan
21
2026
Wed
Career Connection Center: Job Support and Digital Skills
10:00am–3:00pm
Central Library Conference Room 1
Library Branch:
Central Library
Room:
Central Library Conference Room 1
Age Group:
Adults
Program Type:
Computers & Technology
Event Details:
Are you searching for a new job, having trouble navigating a website, or looking to learn a new digital skill? Goodwill is at the library to 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.
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group
Jan
21
2026
Wed
Family Storytime
10:15am–10:45am
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch:
Forest Avenue Library
Room:
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts,
Play & Learn,
Storytimes
Event Details:
Listen to silly stories, sing songs, dance to music, and make art! Join Miss Emily for Family Storytime every Wednesday morning at 10:15 AM. Designed for children ages 0–5, this storytime welcomes all ages to join in the fun.
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 "Birth-Preschool" group
Jan
21
2026
Wed
Toddler Stories, Songs and Movement
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 Donna for this fun filled story time! Together we will enjoy stories, songs, and more, all selected to engage your active toddler. Ages 18 months to 3 years old.
Disclaimer(s)
Children’s Program
Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
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This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group
Jan
22
2026
Thu
Preschool Storytime
10:00am–10:30am
South Side Meeting Room
Library Branch:
South Side Library
Room:
South Side Meeting Room
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Program Type:
Storytimes
Event Details:
Children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers can join us Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. for a 30-minute storytime with stories, music, and fun activities!
This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Children" group
Jan
22
2026
Thu
Park-N-Play
10:00am–12:00pm
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 "Birth-Preschool" group
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group
Jan
22
2026
Thu
Wiggles and Giggles
10:15am–10:45am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Library Branch:
Central Library
Room:
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Program Type:
Play & Learn,
Storytimes
Event Details:
Enjoy a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming!
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.
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This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group
Jan
23
2026
Fri
Play and Learn Group
10:00am–12:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch:
Forest Avenue Library
Room:
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Event Details:
Bring your littles to our Play and Learn Group, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different play equipment, toys, and sensory activities.
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 "Adults" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
Jan
23
2026
Fri
Career Connection Center: Job Support and Digital Skills
10:00am–3:00pm
Central Library Conference Room 1
Library Branch:
Central Library
Room:
Central Library Conference Room 1
Age Group:
Adults
Program Type:
Computers & Technology
Event Details:
Are you searching for a new job, having trouble navigating a website, or looking to learn a new digital skill? Goodwill is at the library to 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.
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| 11 am |
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This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
Jan
24
2026
Sat
Friends of the Franklin Avenue Library-Membership Meeting
11:00am–12:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch:
Franklin Avenue Library
Room:
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group:
Adults
Program Type:
Library Meeting
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| 12 pm |
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| 1 pm |
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This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
Jan
23
2026
Fri
The Outreach Project
1:00pm–2:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Library Branch:
Central Library
Room:
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group:
Adults
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Event Details:
Connect with area organizations for resources. Community advocates will provide information about community resources like meal sites and shelters.
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| 2 pm |
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This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
Jan
20
2026
Tue
North Side Book Discussion
2:00pm–3:00pm
North Side Meeting Room
Library Branch:
North Side Library
Room:
North Side Meeting Room
Age Group:
Adults
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Event Details:
This month we will be discussing My Friends by Fredrik Backman.
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.
This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Teens" group
This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Teens" group
Jan
20
2026
Tue
Drop-In STEM Challenge : Marshmallow Tower
2:00pm–5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch:
Forest Avenue Library
Room:
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group:
Children,
Teens
Program Type:
Educational,
Play & Learn
Event Details:
Join us at Forest for The Big Marshmallow Tower STEM Challenge!
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.
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This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
Jan
21
2026
Wed
Women's English Language Practice
2:00pm–3:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch:
Forest Avenue Library
Room:
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group:
Adults
Program Type:
Educational
Event Details:
Join other women who are practicing their English in this casual conversation group. We will chat, share coffee, and learn together in this group moderated by a Forest Avenue Library staff member.
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This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
Jan
22
2026
Thu
Drop-In Tech Help
2:00pm–3:00pm
Central Library Success Center
Library Branch:
Central Library
Room:
Central Library Success Center
Age Group:
Adults
Program Type:
Computers & Technology
Event Details:
Need help with a phone, laptop, or tablet, or another electronic device? Come by the Central Library at 2PM on Thursdays and our staff will work with you to figure things out. This is a drop-in, first-come first-served service.
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.
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| 3 pm |
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This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Children" group
Jan
20
2026
Tue
ASAP Tuesdays: Fantastical Art
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:
Use your fantastic imagination to create castles, fairy houses, dragon eggs and more with a professional ASAP artist. A snack will be provided for all participants.
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 "Children" group
Jan
20
2026
Tue
Dog Man Bingo
3:30pm–4:30pm
North Side Meeting Room
Library Branch:
North Side Library
Room:
North Side Meeting Room
Age Group:
Children
Program Type:
Gaming
Event Details:
Dog Man: The Musical is coming to town. Celebrate your love of Dog Man while competing for prizes at Dog Man Bingo!
Disclaimer(s)
Children’s Program
Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.
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This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Teens" group
This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Teens" group
Jan
21
2026
Wed
ASAP Wednesdays: Air-Dry Clay Creations
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:
Get hands-on with air-dry clay and create a miniature masterpiece to take home each week. A professional ASAP teaching artist leads this fun, creative class, and a snack is provided for every participant.
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
This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Teens" group
Jan
21
2026
Wed
Paper Circuit Art
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,
Computers & Technology
Event Details:
Design your own glowing artwork using copper tape, LEDs, and batteries, while learning simple principles of electricity and creativity. All materials provided—just bring your imagination!
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| 4 pm |
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This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Children" group
Jan
20
2026
Tue
Creative Readers
4:00pm–4:45pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Library Branch:
Franklin Avenue Library
Room:
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group:
Children
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts,
Storytimes
Event Details:
Join us in celebrating the joy of reading and art as we explore materials and STEM activities inspired by a picture book. Ages 3 and up.
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 "Children" group
Jan
20
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
Birth-Preschool,
Children
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group
This event is in the "Children" group
Jan
20
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.
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This event is in the "Teens" group
This event is in the "Teens" group
Jan
21
2026
Wed
Library Branch:
South Side Library
Age Group:
Teens
Program Type:
Educational
Event Details:
Earn volunteer hours by assisting with library programs and projects! Teens ages 12 to 18 can drop in any open Wednesday and volunteer for one hour.
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group
This event is in the "Children" group
Birth-Preschool,
Children
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group
This event is in the "Children" group
Jan
21
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 "All Ages" group
This event is in the "All Ages" group
Jan
21
2026
Wed
Friends of Forest Meeting (Virtual)
Library Branch:
Forest Avenue Library
Age Group:
All Ages
Program Type:
Library Meeting
Event Details:
Join the Friends of the Forest Avenue Library for the monthly meeting at Forest Avenue Library!
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This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Teens" group
This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Teens" group
Jan
22
2026
Thu
ASAP Thursdays: Art Adventures
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:
This class celebrates the process of artmaking as much as the final piece. Each week offers new techniques and mediums that create true art adventures. An ASAP teaching artist leads the class and supports every young creator.
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 "Children" group
Jan
22
2026
Thu
Dog Man Crafternoon!
4:00pm–5:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Library Branch:
Central Library
Room:
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group:
Children
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts,
Educational
Event Details:
Join us for an hour of Dog Man-inspired activities, crafts, and snacks! Enter a drawing to win 4 tickets to Dog Man: The Musical on January 31st, presented by Des Moines Performing Arts.
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.
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 "Children" group
Jan
22
2026
Thu
Kids Pokémon Card Swap
4:00pm–5:00pm
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.
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| 5 pm |
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| 6 pm |
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This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
Jan
21
2026
Wed
Craft Night: Upcycled Snowflake
6:00pm–7:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch:
Forest Avenue Library
Room:
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group:
Adults
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Event Details:
Craft Night at the Forest Avenue Library is a great place to spend time with friends, meet new people, and enjoy a fun activity. Each month will focus on a new craft, and supplies will be 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.
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This event is in the "Children" group
This event is in the "Children" group
Jan
22
2026
Thu
DOG MAN BINGO!
6:00pm–7:00pm
East Side Meeting Room
Library Branch:
East Side Library
Room:
East Side Meeting Room
Age Group:
Children
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts,
Play & Learn
Event Details:
B-I-N-G-O it's DOG MAN! Join us for a fun night of bingo, crafts and celebrating our favorite hero: Dog Man! BINGO Prizes are tickets to Dog Man the Musical at Civic Center, donated by Des Moines Performing Arts.
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.
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group
This event is in the "Children" group
Birth-Preschool,
Children
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group
This event is in the "Children" group
Jan
22
2026
Thu
Cuentacuentos: Bilingual Storytime
6:15pm–7:00pm
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.
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