8-12 years

Do you need a calm place to play? Then come to the Forest Avenue Calming Room for a sensory interactive experience! This is an unsupervised, drop-in program for youth. Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by a caregiver over 12 years old.

Come to the library and hang out with therapy dog Shanti. Shanti is a licensed therapy dog who is excited to meet some new friends. He will be in the Children's Area from 10:30-11:30 a.m. for kids to come in and read to him, give him a snuggle, or just say hi.

Bring the family to South for Scratch Art Day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Elementary Area! Choose a design, use the scratching tool to reveal the colors underneath, and take your design home! Ages 3-12. This is an unsupervised, drop-in program. Parent/guardian must be present with children. Craft available while supplies last.

Teens! Come pamper yourself and learn the science behind bath bombs and sugar scrubs with the Teen Maker Lab at South! Teens will learn how to follow two recipes to create their own sugar scrubs and to make bath bombs to take home. For Teens ages 12-18. Groups of six or more should call Janee at 283-4152 to make arrangements.

Grab some Kool Aid and a paint brush and get started on your master piece. All supplies provided.

Iowa's premier improv comedy troupe Comedy XPeriment will be presenting several improvisation games and exercises at this workshop for teens. CXP has been performing improv comedy in Des Moines for over 15 years. Registration is required.

Kids! Do you love to create things? Visit the Kid's Maker Lab at South to make STEM projects! This week, kids can use our supplies to create their own catapults! Afterwards, we'll test your catapult to see how far it can launch! No registration required. Ages 8-12. Groups of six or more should contact Janee at 283-4152 to make arrangements.

Discover what it’s like to be an astronaut in this hands-on workshop presented by the Grout Museum! Participants will try their hand in multiple activities designed to sharpen critical thinking skills and encourage teamwork. Use a robotic arm to move objects like a rover, launch a rocket, build a space lander and more! Registration required.

Experience the aquarium at the Omaha Zoo without ever leaving the library. Get up close and personal with ocean animals through a video conference on the big screen with a real zoologist. Science Wednesdays is a chance for kids ages six to twelve to explore different aspects of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Please preregister for this program.

Bring your imagination and create a miniature terrarium using colored sand, plants, and tiny toys for you to take home and display! This program is for ages 5 and up and registration is required. Younger siblings may attend if accompanied by an adult. Meeting Room.