COMING SOON: Summer Reading Challenge

The 2024 Summer Reading Challenge starts Monday, June 3! Find more information on the program HERE, and learn all about our special Summer Reading Kickoff Party on June 2 HERE!

Event List

Age Group
Age Group
Program Type
Library Branch
Ongoing Events
Registration Type

Primary tabs

This event is in the "Children" group.

Kids in the Kitchen

Friday, July 19, 2024 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Kids in the Kitchen is 6-7 week program based around the Department of Agriculture "MyPlate". Each session, students learn about a food group, why it is good for us, physical activ...

Required
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Required
Seats Remaining: 12
Event Details:

Kids in the Kitchen is 6-7 week program based around the Department of Agriculture "MyPlate". Each session, students learn about a food group, why it is good for us, physical activity, and then we make a snack together at the end of the class.

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.

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 "Birth-Preschool" group.
This event is in the "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Family STEM Challenge: DIY Jumping Rabbits

Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
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 w...

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.

 

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.

LEGOs at the Library

Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
East Side Children’s Area at East Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

Drop by our children's area to build with LEGOs. Show a staff member your creation for a prize!

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Drop by our children's area to build with LEGOs. Show a staff member your creation for a prize!

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.

GO Bag: I SPY Colors Scavenger Hunt

All Day
South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational, Play & Learn, Take & Make
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

Stop by South Side Library and pick up a Get Outside (GO) Bag full of fun activities and crafts to do outdoors! While Supplies Last  

Library Branch: South Side Library
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, Play & Learn, Take & Make
Event Details:

Stop by South Side Library and pick up a Get Outside (GO) Bag full of fun activities and crafts to do outdoors!

While Supplies Last

 

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.
This event is in the "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Art Cart Mondays

Monday, July 22, 2024 at 10:00am - 7:00pm
North Side Children’s Area at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
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.

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.

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

Nintendo Switch Party!

Monday, July 22, 2024 at 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children, Teens
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.

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.

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

ASAP Mondays: Drumming Workshop

Monday, July 22, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children, Teens
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: Drummin...

Required
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn
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!

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.

Family Storytime

Monday, July 22, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
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 crafts. You can even wear your jammies!  All Ages Welcome!

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 crafts. You can even wear your jammies!  All Ages 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.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Summer Vacation Scavenger Hunt

All Day 7/23 - 7/29
Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens
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+

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+

This event is in the "Children" group.

Legofy Yourself

Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 2:30pm - 3:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Let’s make minifigures! In this fun program, you’ll get the chance to see the process of making materials out of resin and then decorate your own minifigure. 

Required
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Required
Seats Remaining: 15
Event Details:

Let’s make minifigures! In this fun program, you’ll get the chance to see the process of making materials out of resin and then decorate your own minifigure. 

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 "Birth-Preschool" group.
This event is in the "Children" group.

Wildlife of Iowa Celebration

Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

There are so many amazing animals that live in Iowa!  Join our special guests from the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge for games, crafts, hands-on learning activities, and...

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, Play & Learn
Event Details:

There are so many amazing animals that live in Iowa!  Join our special guests from the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge for games, crafts, hands-on learning activities, and a scavenger hunt as we celebrate all the plants and cuddly critter

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.

Simple Steps Storytime

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 10:00am - 10:45am
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational, Performances, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Join us as we explore the 5 Simple Steps you can do with your child to create early literacy and learning success. This interactive series will focus on one of the 5 steps each wee...

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational, Performances, Play & Learn
Event Details:

Join us as we explore the 5 Simple Steps you can do with your child to create early literacy and learning success.

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.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Instrument Petting Zoo

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 11:30am - 12:15pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
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 ...

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.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.
This event is in the "Children" group.

Stories and Songs with Pout-Pout Fish

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 3:00pm - 3:45pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

Visit the library for an ocean themed storytime with special guest Pout-Pout Fish!  There will be stories, songs, and a chance to get your picture taken with our big fishy fri...

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Visit the library for an ocean themed storytime with special guest Pout-Pout Fish!  There will be stories, songs, and a chance to get your picture taken with our big fishy friend.

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.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Fossil Fun with Polk County Conservation!

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 3:30pm - 4:30pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
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...

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!

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.

Kids in the Kitchen w/ ISU Extension

Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Children, Teens
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, ...

Required
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Required
Seats Remaining: 13
Event Details:

Kids in the Kitchen will focus each week on healthy eating and prepare and cook snacks each week.

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.

Pokemon Terrariums

Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Gaming, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Children, Teens
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!

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Gaming, Health & Wellness
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.

This event is in the "Children" group.

Kids Pokémon Card Swap

Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children
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 ...

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 7-18. 

 

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

Pokemon Terrariums

Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 4:30pm - 5:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Gaming, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Children, Teens
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!

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Gaming, Health & Wellness
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.

This event is in the "Children" group.

Brick Build-It Binder

Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Take & Make
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Embark on a creative journey and make your very own travel LEGO Build it Binder! This innovative library program invites you to design and assemble your very own LEGO travel binder...

Required
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Take & Make
Required
Seats Remaining: 19
Event Details:

Embark on a creative journey and make your very own travel LEGO Build it Binder!

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.

LEGO Fridays

Friday, July 26, 2024 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Beat the boredom during the summer by visiting the library and using your imagination to create amazing things with our LEGOs.

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Beat the boredom during the summer by visiting the library and using your imagination to create amazing things with our LEGOs.

This event is in the "Children" group.

Kids in the Kitchen

Friday, July 26, 2024 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Kids in the Kitchen is 6-7 week program based around the Department of Agriculture "MyPlate". Each session, students learn about a food group, why it is good for us, physical activ...

Required
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Required
Seats Remaining: 12
Event Details:

Kids in the Kitchen is 6-7 week program based around the Department of Agriculture "MyPlate". Each session, students learn about a food group, why it is good for us, physical activity, and then we make a snack together at the end of the class.

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.

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 "Birth-Preschool" group.
This event is in the "Children" group.

LEGOs at the Library

Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
East Side Children’s Area at East Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

Drop by our children's area to build with LEGOs. Show a staff member your creation for a prize!

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Drop by our children's area to build with LEGOs. Show a staff member your creation for a prize!

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.

Animal Friends Scavenger Hunt

All Day 7/29 - 8/10
South Side Library
Program Type:
Educational, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
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. 

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.