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I Spy: Poetry

All Day 4/25 - 4/30
Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Join us at Central as we celebrate National Poetry Month! Find all of the pictures in the Youth area and read some fun poems while you're at it. Find them all to get a prize!

Library Branch: Central Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:
Join us at Central as we celebrate National Poetry Month! Find all of the pictures in the Youth area and read some fun poems while you're at it. 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.

Art Cart Saturdays

Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
East Side Children’s Area at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Stop in the library to do some fun arts and crafts with our Art Cart! 

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!  ...

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.

PAWS and Read with Therapy Dogs

Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 10:30am - 11:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Join us for PAWS & Read with therapy dogs from Dog Training Elite here in Des Moines.  Reading to trained therapy pets can help build self-esteem, offers children a non

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:
Join us for PAWS & Read with therapy dogs from Dog Training Elite here in Des Moines.  Reading to trained therapy pets can help build self-esteem, offers children a non-judgmental audience to build skills, confidence, and kids get to prac...

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.

Children’s Program

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

Family Storytime

Monday, April 29, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Storytimes
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
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!

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.

Justice League vs. Avengers Scavenger Hunt

All Day 4/30 - 5/4
Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

It's a comic book showdown for the ages! Batman vs. Iron Man, The Flash vs. The Hulk, and Aquaman vs. The Black Panther! All these matchups and more are on display in the library,

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:
It's a comic book showdown for the ages! Batman vs. Iron Man, The Flash vs. The Hulk, and Aquaman vs. The Black Panther! All these matchups and more are on display in the library, but who will win?? Only you can decide!  Help us find each pair, ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Creative Readers-From Book to Art!

Tuesday, April 30, 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: Crochet a Granny Square

Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:30pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
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, we will learn some crochet basics and start working on a gra

Required
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 3
Event Details:
Tweens and teens ages 10-18 can join us after school on Tuesdays to enjoy activities in our meeting room. This week, we will learn some crochet basics and start working on a granny square together! You will be able to take your yarn and crochet ho...

I Spy: Poetry

All Day 5/1 - 5/4
Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Join us at Central as we celebrate National Poetry Month! Find all of the pictures in the Youth area and read some fun poems while you're at it. Find them all to get a prize!

Library Branch: Central Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:
Join us at Central as we celebrate National Poetry Month! Find all of the pictures in the Youth area and read some fun poems while you're at it. 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.

Drop-in STEM Challenge: Inventions

Wednesday, May 1, 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, dream up your own invention! We will also have plenty of craft supplies out for you to make a

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, dream up your own invention! We will also have plenty of craft supplies out for you to make a model of your invention. ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

The artist sitting in front of her artwork.

Art Club: Yayoi Kusama

Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Art Club will occur on the first Thursday of each month. It will feature picture books and a related art project each month. We will learn about artists, art concepts, and topics t

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Event Details:
Art Club will occur on the first Thursday of each month. It will feature picture books and a related art project each month. We will learn about artists, art concepts, and topics that will give us inspiration to make our own art. Come read stories an...

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.

Grassy Head Cups

Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Join us for a fun-filled crafting session at the library where participants will create their very own "Grassy Head Cups"! This engaging program offers a unique opportunity to unle

Required
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 4
Event Details:
Join us for a fun-filled crafting session at the library where participants will create their very own "Grassy Head Cups"! This engaging program offers a unique opportunity to unleash your creativity and cultivate your own mini garden masterpiece wit...

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.

Kid's Craft Day: Dog Man Finger Puppets

All Day
South Side Children’s Area at South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn, Take & Make
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Drop in at South for Kid's Craft Day in the Children's Area! For kids ages 5-12. Crafts will be available all day while supplies last. 

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Play & Learn, Take & Make
Event Details:
Drop in at South for Kid's Craft Day in the Children's Area! For kids ages 5-12. Crafts will be available all day while supplies last.  ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

LEGOs at the Library

Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
East Side Children’s Area at East Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

Drop by our children's area to build with LEGOs. Show a staff member your creation for a prize!

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:
Drop by our children's area to build with LEGOs. Show a staff member your creation for a prize! ...

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.

Star Wars Day activities from 10AM to 4 PM

Star Wars Day-May the 4th be with you!

Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Celebrate everything Star Wars!  Bring the family and join us for crafts, activities and a scavenger hunt in the children's area from 10 AM to 4 PM. Costumes are welcome! May

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:
Celebrate everything Star Wars!  Bring the family and join us for crafts, activities and a scavenger hunt in the children's area from 10 AM to 4 PM. Costumes are welcome! May the Force be with you! ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

green and blue plaid background with text that reads Ivy and Bean the Musical

Ivy + Bean the Musical Sneak Preview

Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Performances
Age Group:
Children, All Ages
Event Details:

Visit the library for a special sneak preview of the Des Moines Community Playhouse production of Ivy + Bean the Musical which is based on the series by Annie Barrows. Enjo

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, All Ages
Program Type: Performances
Event Details:
Visit the library for a special sneak preview of the Des Moines Community Playhouse production of Ivy + Bean the Musical which is based on the series by Annie Barrows. Enjoy the performance and enter to win free tickets to the play!  ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

I Spy: Bikes

All Day 5/5 - 5/18
Central Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

It's National Bike Month! Find all of the pictures in the Youth area to get a prize!

Library Branch: Central Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:
It's National Bike Month! Find all of the pictures in the Youth area to get a prize! ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

May Flowers Scavenger Hunt

All Day 5/6 - 5/18
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.  ...

Jedi and Sith Scavenger Hunt

All Day 5/7 - 5/11
Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

May The Force Be With You! This week at the library we've got Jedi and Sith hiding all throughout the library! Find them all and you'll win a galactically cool prize!  Best fo

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:
May The Force Be With You! This week at the library we've got Jedi and Sith hiding all throughout the library! Find them all and you'll win a galactically cool prize!  Best for ages 6+   ...

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, May 7, 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 on 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 on our meeting room. This week, play Nintendo Switch Games on our big screen! ...

Drop-in Crafternoon: Paper Flower Art

Wednesday, May 8, 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, we will make spiral paper flowers!

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, we will make spiral paper flowers! ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Read to a Pet with ARL TheraPets

Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Educational, Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Join us at South Side Library to learn about and read to a therapy pet. Youth and their caregivers will have the opportunity to ask questions, practice reading, and, of course, pet

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational, Health & Wellness
Event Details:
Join us at South Side Library to learn about and read to a therapy pet. Youth and their caregivers will have the opportunity to ask questions, practice reading, and, of course, pet a therapy animals from the Animal Rescue League's TheraPets program. ...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Plant, Grow, Fly!

Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Learn about butterflies and plants with the East Side Library and the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department! Kids can listen to a story about butterflies from Miss Nichole and

Required
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Registration Required
Seats Remaining: 5
Event Details:
Learn about butterflies and plants with the East Side Library and the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department! Kids can listen to a story about butterflies from Miss Nichole and learn more information about plants and butterflies from Environmenta...

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.

LEGOs at the Library

Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 10:00am - 4:00pm
East Side Children’s Area at East Side Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

Drop by our children's area to build with LEGOs. Show a staff member your creation for a prize!

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:
Drop by our children's area to build with LEGOs. Show a staff member your creation for a prize! ...

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.

Fun with Folktales Take-and-Make Bags!

All Day
South Side Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts, Educational, Play & Learn, Take & Make
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children
Event Details:

Pick up a folktales-themed take-and-make bag at South Side Library! Each bag contains a folktale, an activity, and suggestions for great books to read after you finish. Every month

Library Branch: South Side Library
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, Play & Learn, Take & Make
Event Details:
Pick up a folktales-themed take-and-make bag at South Side Library! Each bag contains a folktale, an activity, and suggestions for great books to read after you finish. Every month we'll have a brand new bag with a brand new folktale to enjoy! Whi...