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!

Event List

Age Group
Age Group
Program Type
Library Branch
Ongoing Events
Registration Type

Primary tabs

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Books & Bites

Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Off Site
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

This month's book is The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson. Copies are available at the Central Library Circulation Desk and Pickup Window while supplies last. If...

Required
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Required
Seats Remaining: 12
Event Details:

This month's book is The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.

Baby Rhyme Time

Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 9:30am - 10:00am
Central Library Meeting Room 3 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 3
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.

This event is in the "Children" group.

Simple Steps Storytime

Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 10:00am - 10:45am
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Educational, Performances, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Join us as we explore the 5 Simple Steps you can do with your child to create early literacy and learning success. This interactive series will focus on one of the 5 steps each wee...

Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational, Performances, Play & Learn
Event Details:

Join us as we explore the 5 Simple Steps you can do with your child to create early literacy and learning success.

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.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K Davis Center

Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
North Side Study Room 2 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 Study Room 2
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.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.

Family Storytime

Wednesday, July 10, 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.

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.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.

Toddler Stories, Songs and Movement

Wednesday, July 10, 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.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.
This event is in the "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Family Hula Hooping Party

Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 11:30am - 12:30pm
North Side Library Lawn at North Side Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Event Details:

Join us outside the North Side Library to get moving with some hula hoops. Kathleen Brace will bring the music, hoops, and levitation wands to teach us some fun hooping tricks...

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Library Lawn
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Join us outside the North Side Library to get moving with some hula hoops. Kathleen Brace will bring the music, hoops, and levitation wands to teach us some fun hooping tricks!

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Buy.Eat.Live Healthy

Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 1:30pm - 3:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Join ISU Extension for this 8 week course that supports individuals and families in making healthy choices on a tight grocery budget. Lessons focus on nutrition education, cooking ...

Required
Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Required
Seats Remaining: 10
Event Details:

Join ISU Extension for this 8 week course that supports individuals and families in making healthy choices on a tight grocery budget.

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.
This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.
This event is in the "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Blank Park Zoo Visits the Library!

Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 3:00pm - 4:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Educational, Performances, Play & Learn
Age Group:
Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Event Details:

Visit South Side Library and our friends at Blank Park Zoo to explore the impact that humans have on nature and learn about the hard work that goes into conservation. Be prepared f...

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children, Teens
Program Type: Educational, Performances, Play & Learn
Event Details:

Visit South Side Library and our friends at Blank Park Zoo to explore the impact that humans have on nature and learn about the hard work that goes into conservation. Be prepared for fun zoo artifacts and even a live animal ambassador! 

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

This event is in the "Children" group.

Camp Stuffie

Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Bring your stuffy friend to the Franklin Library to enjoy a fun afternoon of camp activities and crafts from 3 to 4:30 in the meeting room. All ages are welcome.  

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Bring your stuffy friend to the Franklin Library to enjoy a fun afternoon of camp activities and crafts from 3 to 4:30 in the meeting room. All ages are welcome.

 

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

This event is in the "Teens" group.

Des Moines Art Center: Creative Journaling Workshop

Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Arts & Crafts
Age Group:
Teens
Event Details:

Come explore creative writing, poetry, drawing and dance! Using Art Activity cards of her own design, teaching artist Aminah will take you on a journey through the art of the Des M...

Required
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Required
Seats Remaining: 14
Event Details:

Come explore creative writing, poetry, drawing and dance!

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.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

VolunTEENS Work Time

Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Library Imagination Station at Central Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Teens
Event Details:

If you're between the ages of 12-18 and looking for a fun and rewarding volunteer opportunity, give the library a try! We would love to have your help!

Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Imagination Station
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

If you're between the ages of 12-18 and looking for a fun and rewarding volunteer opportunity, give the library a try! We would love to have your help!

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.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Chair Exercise with Grace Fitness

Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 5:30pm - 6:15pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Join Zakiya Jenkins from Grace Fitness as she leads chair exercises. All fitness levels welcome!

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Join Zakiya Jenkins from Grace Fitness as she leads chair exercises. All fitness levels welcome!

This event is in the "All Ages" group.

NFC's Journey to Homeownership

Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
South Side Meeting Room at South Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
All Ages
Event Details:

Join Bridgett Robinson, Neighborhood Finance Corporation’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Mortgage Loan Originator and Outreach Coordinator, along with community panelists, as they...

Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Meeting Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Join Bridgett Robinson, Neighborhood Finance Corporation’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Mortgage Loan Originator and Outreach Coordinator, along with community panelists, as they help navigate what Black/African American homeownership may look l

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.

Preschool Storytime: Water Fun!

Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 10:00am - 10:30am
South Side Library Lawn 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 Library Lawn
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.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.

Wiggles and Giggles

Thursday, July 11, 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.

This event is in the "Birth-Preschool" group.

Preschool Storytime

Thursday, July 11, 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.

This event is in the "Children" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

Kids in the Kitchen w/ ISU Extension

Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
East Side Meeting Room at East Side Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Children, Teens
Event Details:

Kids in the Kitchen will focus each week on healthy eating and prepare and cook snacks each week. This program is presented by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach office, ...

Required
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Required
Seats Remaining: 13
Event Details:

Kids in the Kitchen will focus each week on healthy eating and prepare and cook snacks each week.

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.

Food Allergies

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Glowforge Training

Thursday, July 11, 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
Required
Seats Remaining: 4
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. 

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.

This event is in the "Children" group.

Polk County Conservation: Endangered Species

Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Forest Avenue Meeting Room at Forest Avenue Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Children
Event Details:

Identify the factors that cause animals to become an endangered species. A live animal will be used if available. Supports Iowa Life and Earth/Space Science Standards.

Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Identify the factors that cause animals to become an endangered species. A live animal will be used if available. Supports Iowa Life and Earth/Space Science Standards.

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.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Korean Mythology Escape Room - Session 1

Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 5:15pm - 6:00pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational, Gaming
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

A new exhibit of Korean artifacts is being unveiled in less than an hour, but the centerpieces have gone missing! Finding them will mean coming face to face with ancient myths and ...

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational, Gaming
Required
Seats Remaining: 8
Event Details:

A new exhibit of Korean artifacts is being unveiled in less than an hour, but the centerpieces have gone missing! Finding them will mean coming face to face with ancient myths and outsmarting the creatures they depict.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Gardening with Native Plants Meet-Up

Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 5:30pm - 7:00pm
North Side Meeting Room at North Side Library
Program Type:
Educational
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Connect with others interested in environmentally friendly gardens. The focus is on native plants which foster and nourish wildlife. Come to learn and to share your favorite garden...

Library Branch: North Side Library
Room: North Side Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Connect with others interested in environmentally friendly gardens. The focus is on native plants which foster and nourish wildlife.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Korean Mythology Escape Room - Session 2

Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2 at Central Library
Program Type:
Educational, Gaming
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

A new exhibit of Korean artifacts is being unveiled in less than an hour, but the centerpieces have gone missing! Finding them will mean coming face to face with ancient myths and ...

Required
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Meeting Room 1, 2
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Educational, Gaming
Required
Seats Remaining: 8
Event Details:

A new exhibit of Korean artifacts is being unveiled in less than an hour, but the centerpieces have gone missing! Finding them will mean coming face to face with ancient myths and outsmarting the creatures they depict.

This event is in the "Adults" group.

Reading on the Margins Book Discussion

Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Franklin Avenue Meeting Room at Franklin Avenue Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Adults
Event Details:

Join us once a month to discuss books by underrepresented authors. Our goal is to amplify these voices and experiences while discussing social issues in the context of fiction and ...

Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

Join us once a month to discuss books by underrepresented authors. Our goal is to amplify these voices and experiences while discussing social issues in the context of fiction and non-fiction books.