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!

Upcoming Events

Filters
Age Group

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?

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Family Storytime

6:30pm - 7:00pm
South Side Meeting Room
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.

Juneteenth Scavenger Hunt

All Day
Forest Avenue Children’s Area
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Kids! Come to Forest and learn about Juneteenth with our Juneteenth Scavenger Hunt. Find the images around the library and win a small prize. Best for ages 6+

Touch-a-Truck: Street Sweeper!

1:00pm - 1:45pm
South Side Library Lawn
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Library Lawn
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:

Kids and caregivers! Come to the South Side Library's parking lot to see and touch a garbage and recycling truck!

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 Life and Times of Stars with Dan Hoy

3:00pm - 3:45pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 40
Event Details:

Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador volunteer Dan Hoy and explore the fascinating world of stars. Learn about our own local star, the Sun, as well as the various sizes and colors of stars in our galaxy.

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Level Up: Switch Party!

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

Reading Buddies with ARL TheraPets!

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library Children’s Area
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness, Play & Learn
Event Details:

Do you love animals? Then visit Central Library to practice reading with and learn about 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.

Sensory Play Hour: Outdoor Fun!

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! From cool textures to fun activities, kids can have a great time learning while doing what they do best: playing! This month we'll be doing sensory exploration outside!

 

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. 

Bicycle Rodeo with DSM Bicycle Collective

5:30pm - 7:00pm
East Side Library Lawn
Registration
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Library Lawn
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Health & Wellness, Storytimes
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 18
Event Details:

What is a Bicycle Rodeo? It is an interactive obstacle course where kids can learn about bicycle safety and have a lot of 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.

Outdoor Program

This program is hosted outdoors.  

In case of inclement weather please check back here for updates. 

Juneteenth Scavenger Hunt

All Day 6/20 - 6/24
Forest Avenue Children’s Area
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Kids! Come to Forest and learn about Juneteenth with our Juneteenth Scavenger Hunt. Find the images around the library and win a small prize. Best for ages 6+

Juneteenth Scavenger Hunt

All Day 6/20 - 6/29
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. 

Pigeon Party Storytime

10:30am - 11:30am
North Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Bring the whole family to North Side for a Pigeon Party Storytime! We will enjoy Mo Willem's Pigeon books, music, movement, and crafts.

Participants will also get to meet Ozzie, a thera-pigeon from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa!

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.

EPIC Graphic Novel Book Club

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Book Clubs
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 15
Event Details:

Are you a graphic novel fan? Join us for our EPIC Graphic Novel BOOK CLUB for ages 7-11. We will briefly chat about this month's book, and work on a fun activity or craft related to the book!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Take & Make: DIY Ball Drop Game

4:00pm - 8:00pm
East Side Children’s Area
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:

Stop by the children's area and grab a DIY Ball drop game kit to take home!

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.

LEGO Quest

6:00pm - 7:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn, Storytimes
Event Details:

Let's go on a LEGO quest!! Do you love to build? Do you love adventure stories? Do you love problem-solving?

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.

LEGO Fridays

10:00am - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
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.

Kids in the Kitchen

11:00am - 12:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Registration
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Registration 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.

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.

Princess Storytime with Miss Capital City Iowa

11:00am - 12:00pm
East Side Meeting Room
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:

Join us as we welcome Miss Capital City 2024, Abby Turner, to the library for a special princess story time.

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.

Touch A Truck!

2:00pm - 4:00pm
Central Library Lawn
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Lawn
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Spend some time outside at Central! Take a turn through the fire safety obstacle course, then check out the fire truck, garbage truck, street sweeper, and more!