Adventure Pass Ending in 2025

Due to circumstances outside of our control, the Des Moines Public Library’s Iowa Adventure Pass service will no longer be available in 2025. Any reservation already made for 2025 will be honored, but we encourage anyone with a current reservation to print those passes immediately. Customers can make new reservations for passes that must be used by December 31, 2024. We hope to reintroduce the service at a later time, and we apologize for the inconvenience. 

Gingerbread House Contest: Sponsored by AARP Iowa

Program Type:

Arts & Crafts, Take & Make

Age Group:

All Ages
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.

Program Description

Event Details

Starting December 1st, Gingerbread kits from Molly's Cupcakes will be available for pickup at each branch, while supplies last. Kits will include everything you need to build an adorable gingerbread home and mini gingerbread house for an extra-special addition to the main home. Use your creativity to build the homes, adding the mini house on either as an attached or detached addition to the main home.  Decorate!  Snap a photo and enter the contest by December 12 for a chance to win great prizes.

 

Why are you including a mini-gingerbread home in this contest?  

We're helping AARP Iowa get the word out about Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), which are fully self-contained homes on the same lot as the main house. ADUs are commonly known by many other names, including granny flats, backyard bungalows, guest houses, in-law suites, basement apartments, carriage houses, and casitas. ADUs can be an important source of affordable housing to keep housing costs down for both owners and renters. You can learn more ADUs on the AARP Iowa website.

 

Contest Details

There is a limit of one entry per person or family/team.  By entering your photo in the contest, you give the Des Moines Public Library permission to share it online and in print.

 

Can I use items that aren't in the kit?

Yes!  We encourage your creativity!  Just let us know on the sign-up form so that it can be judged in the appropriate category.

 

How will the winner be chosen?

Winning gingerbread houses will be chosen from each of three categories (children, adult, family/team/group).

A panel of judges, Library staff, and the public will choose winners.

 

What if I need help entering the contest? 

The Library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all.  If you don't have access to a digital camera or computer to enter the contest, or if you have any other concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the Library at 515-283-4152.

 

Key Dates:

December 1st –  December 12th: Gingerbread House Contest is open!

December 12: Deadline to enter contest

December 13-16: Judging & online voting

Week of December 20 : Winners announced!

Disclaimer(s)

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.