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.
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 "Teens" group.

Anime Club

Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Movies
Age Group:
Teens
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 ...

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.

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.

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.
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 "Teens" group.

Des Moines Art Center: Creative Journaling Workshop

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Teens
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 M...

Required
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Required
Seats Remaining: 14
Event Details:

Come explore creative writing, poetry, drawing and dance!

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

Seoulmate Summer - A K-pop Event

Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
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...

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. 

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 29, 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.

ASAP Mondays: Drumming Workshop

Monday, July 29, 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 "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Batman vs. The Rogues Gallery Scavenger Hunt

All Day 7/30 - 8/5
Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens
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 ...

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+

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

Mario Kart Tournament

Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 11:30am - 1:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Go for the gold at North Side! Tweens and Teens ages 8-18 can compete to be the Mario Kart champion in a double elimination tournament. We will also have snacks and board games to ...

Required
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Required
Seats Remaining: 16
Event Details:

Go for the gold at North Side! Tweens and Teens ages 8-18 can compete to be the Mario Kart champion in a double elimination tournament. We will also have snacks and board games to enjoy while you are waiting for your turn to compete.

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 "Teens" group.

Des Moines Art Center: Creative Journaling Workshop

Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Teens
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 M...

Required
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Required
Seats Remaining: 14
Event Details:

Come explore creative writing, poetry, drawing and dance!

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

Kids in the Kitchen w/ ISU Extension

Thursday, August 1, 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 "Teens" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Sit n' Stitch

Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 1:30pm - 3:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
Event Details:

Spend a few hours with other crafters and work on your knit, crochet, or needle craft projects. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you. Pleasant company is provided t...

Required
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Required
Seats Remaining: 20
Event Details:

Spend a few hours with other crafters and work on your knit, crochet, or needle craft projects. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you. Pleasant company is provided to share ideas and inspiration!

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

Kids in the Kitchen w/ ISU Extension

Tuesday, August 6, 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 "Teens" group.

Des Moines Art Center: Creative Journaling Workshop

Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Teens
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 M...

Required
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Required
Seats Remaining: 14
Event Details:

Come explore creative writing, poetry, drawing and dance!

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

Kids in the Kitchen w/ ISU Extension

Thursday, August 8, 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 "Teens" group.

VolunTEENS Work Time

Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library Imagination Station at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Teens
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!

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.

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

Crafternoon

Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
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...

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!

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

Level Up: Switch Party!

Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology, Gaming
Age Group:
Children, Teens
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...

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.

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.

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

Sit n' Stitch

Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 1:30pm - 3:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Teens, Adults
Event Details:

Spend a few hours with other crafters and work on your knit, crochet, or needle craft projects. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you. Pleasant company is provided t...

Required
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Required
Seats Remaining: 20
Event Details:

Spend a few hours with other crafters and work on your knit, crochet, or needle craft projects. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you. Pleasant company is provided to share ideas and inspiration!

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 "Teens" group.

Manga Book Club (ages 13+)

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Teens
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 e...

Required
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Book Clubs
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.