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Earth Day Scavenger Hunt!

All Day 4/15 - 4/27
South Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Event Details:

Kids! 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: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:
Kids! Drop in and search the library for all of the items on the sheet and win a prize. For youth ages 3 and up.  ...

I Spy: Poetry

All Day 4/21 - 5/4
Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Join us at Central as we celebrate the heritage and contributions of Arab American authors! Find all of the pictures in the Youth area and learn about some great people ... you mig

Library Branch: Central Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:
Join us at Central as we celebrate the heritage and contributions of Arab American authors! Find all of the pictures in the Youth area and learn about some great people ... you might even find a book you'd like to read! Find them all to get a prize! ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Take and Make: French Terracotta Pots

All Day 4/22 - 4/24
Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Take & Make
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Stop by and pick up the materials to paint your own French terracotta pot at home. For more ideas about terracotta painting, use your library card to access Creativebug. While supp

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Take & Make
Event Details:
Stop by and pick up the materials to paint your own French terracotta pot at home. For more ideas about terracotta painting, use your library card to access Creativebug. While supplies last. And stop back in May for our next take and make, seed bombs...

Trees Scavenger Hunt

All Day 4/23 - 4/27
Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Trees! That's right, trees! This week at the Forest Avenue Library we are honoring Arbor Day (and our namesake) with a celebration of trees! From the tallest to the smallest and th

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:
Trees! That's right, trees! This week at the Forest Avenue Library we are honoring Arbor Day (and our namesake) with a celebration of trees! From the tallest to the smallest and the oldest to the boldest, learn all you can about trees! Find each clue...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year

Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 9:00am - 11:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year is a free weekly postpartum support group for parents and their new babies. Facilitated by Blank Children's Hospital, each week will feature a guest

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year is a free weekly postpartum support group for parents and their new babies. Facilitated by Blank Children's Hospital, each week will feature a guest presenter on a variety of postpartum topics, plus plenty of time to m...

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.

Baby Rhyme Time

Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 10:00am - 10:30am
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Join us for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.

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. ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Play, Grow, Learn!

Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 10:00am - 11:30am
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Children ages 0-5 and their caregivers can engage in open play, come and go activities at South.  Play, Grow, Learn is an opportunity to meet families with other young chil

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:
Children ages 0-5 and their caregivers can engage in open play, come and go activities at South.  Play, Grow, Learn is an opportunity to meet families with other young children and engage in the five simple steps to success - Read, Write, Sin...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Image of a blue hot air balloon in the sky with clouds and text that reads "Baby Rhyme Time"

Baby Rhyme Time

Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 10:15am - 11:00am
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Babies and their caregivers can join Miss Jennifer on Tuesdays for rhymes, songs, bounces, and a story followed by a short playtime. This program is recommended for caregiv

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. This program is recommended for caregivers and babies ages newborn to eighteen months.    The...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Baby and Toddler Rhyme Time

Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 10:30am - 11:00am
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
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 a

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. ...

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.

Creative Readers-From Book to Art!

Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Children will listen to a story and then create a masterpiece while exploring with art and STEM activities. Ages 3 to 8 years old, but younger and older siblings are welcome. &n

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Event Details:
Children will listen to a story and then create a masterpiece while exploring with art and STEM activities. Ages 3 to 8 years old, but younger and older siblings are welcome.   ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

After-School Club: Switch Gaming

Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Tweens and teens ages 10-18 can join us after school on Tuesdays to enjoy activities in our meeting room. This week, play Nintendo Switch Games on our big screen!

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:
Tweens and teens ages 10-18 can join us after school on Tuesdays to enjoy activities in our meeting room. This week, play Nintendo Switch Games on our big screen! ...

Baby Rhyme Time

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 9:30am - 10:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 1 at Central Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Join us weekly for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and a little playtime. For caregivers and babies ages 0 - 18 months.    

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1
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.

Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K Davis Center

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Computers & Technology
Age Group:
Adults
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. A career coach can guide you through

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Computers & Technology
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. A career coach can guide you through resume building, applying for jobs, referrals to employers and other ...
Graphic of a child reading books. The text reads "Family Storytime, Wednesdays 10:15 am, Forest Ave Library"

Family Storytime

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 10:15am - 10:45am
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn, Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Listen to silly stories, sing songs, dance to music, and make art! Join us at Forest Avenue Library for Family Storytime every Wednesday morning at 10:15 A.M. Family

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 us at Forest Avenue Library for Family Storytime every Wednesday morning at 10:15 A.M. Family Storytime is aimed at children ages 0-5, but all ages are welcome to ...

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.

Toddler Stories, Songs and Movement

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 10:15am - 10:45am
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
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.  

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.

man meditating outside in tall grass

Mindfulness Meditation Presented by Supportive Services for Veteran Families

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Central Library Meeting Room 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

This program will include a brief overview of where Mindfulness Meditation comes from and why we do it, followed by a 20 minute sitting practice with time for Q&A afterwar

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 3
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:
This program will include a brief overview of where Mindfulness Meditation comes from and why we do it, followed by a 20 minute sitting practice with time for Q&A afterwards. Chair seating will be available. Guests are also welcome to bring ...

Drop-in Crafternoon: Art Cart

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 2:00pm - 7:00pm
North Side Children’s Area at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Drop-in to North Side every Wednesday to enjoy a craft or STEM activity! This week, enjoy our large selection of art and craft supplies!

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Event Details:
Drop-in to North Side every Wednesday to enjoy a craft or STEM activity! This week, enjoy our large selection of art and craft supplies! ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Art in the Library: Oil Pastel Skylines

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Create a dramatic city skyline using our oil pastels or chalk. Art in the Library is for children ages 6-12 and requires preregistration.     The Franklin L

Required
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 0
Event Details:
Create a dramatic city skyline using our oil pastels or chalk. Art in the Library is for children ages 6-12 and requires preregistration.     The Franklin Library is located on DART Route #5. ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Tech Take-Apart

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational
Age Group:
Teens
Event Details:

If you've ever wondered what's inside old electronics, now's your chance to find out! Each participant will have the chance to open up a used piece of tech and see what's inside! U

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 16
Event Details:
If you've ever wondered what's inside old electronics, now's your chance to find out! Each participant will have the chance to open up a used piece of tech and see what's inside! Use the parts to make a piece of art that you can take home with you an...

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.

Image of the book cover and movie poster for Romeo + Juliet

The Varsity Cinema Book Club: Romeo + Juliet

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 8:30pm - 10:00pm
Off Site
Program Type:
Book Clubs, Movies
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

The Des Moines Public Library is partnering with The Varsity Cinema for The Varsity Cinema Book Club. Read the book. Watch the movie. Discuss them both! This month, we will b

Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs, Movies
Event Details:
The Des Moines Public Library is partnering with The Varsity Cinema for The Varsity Cinema Book Club. Read the book. Watch the movie. Discuss them both! This month, we will be reading the play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, ...

Preschool Storytime

Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 10:00am - 10:30am
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
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, musical activities and take-home activities that prepare your

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, musical activities and take-home activities that prepare your child for school.   ...
Image displayed is picture of animated, smiling children sitting on music notes.

Wiggles and Giggles

Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 10:15am - 10:45am
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3 at Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn, Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Join us at the Central Library for a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! The storytime will take place in the meeting room to allow for social distancing. &nbs

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2, 3
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Play & Learn, Storytimes
Event Details:
Join us at the Central Library for a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming! The storytime will take place in the meeting room to allow for social distancing.   ...

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.

Preschool Storytime

Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 10:30am - 11:00am
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool
Event Details:

Preschoolers and their caregivers can enjoy stories, rhymes, music, and learn school readiness skills. Afterwards, we will enjoy free-play together.

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:
Preschoolers and their caregivers can enjoy stories, rhymes, music, and learn school readiness skills. Afterwards, we will enjoy free-play together. ...

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.

Gift of Good Measure keychain

Glowforge Training

Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Central Library Tech Central at Central Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational
Age Group:
Adults
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 th

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Tech Central
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Educational
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 0
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.