Upcoming Events

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Among Us Scavenger

All Day 9/20 - 9/25
Forest Avenue Children’s Area
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:
Some of your crewmates are acting sus, find them hiding around the library.  If you can locate all the colors you will win a prize! ...

Family Storytime on the Lawn

6:15pm - 6:45pm
South Side Library Lawn
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Library Lawn
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:
Caregivers! Family Storytime is back! Join Miss Janee for stories, songs, rhymes, and outdoor activities! All ages welcome. In case of rain, storytime will be cancelled.  ...

Disclaimer(s)

Inclement Weather

This program is hosted outdoors. In case of inclement weather please check back here for updates. 

Outdoor Program

This program is hosted outdoors.  Attendees must obey all signage and follow current mask mandates and social distancing guidelines from the city of Des Moines.

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

Franklin Family Storytime at Tower Park

6:15pm - 6:45pm
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:
Bring your family and your imagination to Tower Park! Join Miss Donna for Family Storytime at 6:15 PM. Listen to stories, sing songs, and move to the music before you say goodnight.    ...

Disclaimer(s)

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.  Attendees must obey all signage and follow current mask mandates and social distancing guidelines from the city of Des Moines.

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

Pat Mora Art Day!

All Day
East Side Children’s Area
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:
Drop-in to Rosie's Ocean to celebrate the art of some amazing illustrations of some of our favorite picture book authors and artists!  Today we will watercolor pumpkins based on a poem from on Yum! ¡MmMm! ¡Qué Rico!: Americas’ Sproutings by Pat ...

Disclaimer(s)

Indoor Program

This program is hosted indoors.  Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.

Family Storytime

10:15am - 10:45am
Forest Avenue Library Lawn
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Library Lawn
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:
*Update: Storytime will remain outdoors while weather permits.   Listen to silly stories, meet adorable puppet friends and move to fun songs!  Join Miss Becky at Forest Avenue Library for Family Storytime at 10:15 A.M.!...

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. 

Outdoor Program

This program is hosted outdoors.  Attendees must obey all signage and follow current mask mandates and social distancing guidelines from the city of Des Moines.

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

CANCELLED: Play, Grow, Learn!

1:00pm - 3:00pm
Franklin Avenue Rosie's Rocket
Cancelled
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Rosie's Rocket
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:
This event has been cancelled.  We apologize for any inconvenience.   Join us at the Franklin Library for this open play, come and go program.  Play, Grow, Learn is an opportunity to meet families with other young children and en...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Indoor Program

This program is hosted indoors.  Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.

Family Storytime at McHenry Park

6:00pm - 6:30pm
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:
Enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes for the whole family!  ...

Disclaimer(s)

Inclement Weather

This program is hosted outdoors. In case of inclement weather please check back here for updates. 

Creative Readers @ Tower Park

4:00pm - 4:45pm
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Event Details:
From Books to Masterpieces!  Each week Miss Donna will read a picture book, explore materials, and create with art and S.T.E.M activities. Ages 3 to 8, older siblings are welcome to attend. Program runs from Septemb...

Disclaimer(s)

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.  Attendees must obey all signage and follow current mask mandates and social distancing guidelines from the city of Des Moines.

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

Kid's Book Character Scavenger Hunt

All Day
South Side Children’s Area
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Educational, Gaming, Play & Learn
Event Details:
Kids! All of your favorite book characters are hiding inside the library at South! Pick up a Scavenger Hunt Card at the Information Desk, find all of the characters hidden inside the library, and turn your card in for a small prize. For kids ages 3-1...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Indoor Program

This program is hosted indoors.  Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.

CANCELLED: Play, Grow, Learn!

10:00am - 12:00pm
Franklin Avenue Rosie's Rocket
Cancelled
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Rosie's Rocket
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:
This event has been cancelled.  We apologize for any inconvenience.   Join us at the Franklin Library for this open play, come and go program.  Play, Grow, Learn is an opportunity to meet families with other young children and en...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Indoor Program

This program is hosted indoors.  Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.

Maker Day Challenge: Timed Puzzles

10:00am - 5:30pm
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:
Calling all makers! Can you complete our weekly challenge to build, play, or create?  Each week we will have a different activity set up in the children's area and finishers can claim a prize. ...

Creative Readers at McHenry Park

4:30pm - 5:30pm
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Event Details:
In honor of Latinx Heritage Month, we will read Digging for Words: José Alberto Gutiérrez and the Library He Built by Angela Burke Kunkel. After the story, we will create collages using old books. ...

Disclaimer(s)

Inclement Weather

This program is hosted outdoors. In case of inclement weather please check back here for updates. 

Guatemalan Kite Craft

All Day 9/25 - 9/26
Central Library Children’s Area
Library Branch: Central Library
Room: Central Library Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:
Celebrate Latino Heritage with us in the children's area with a craft from Guatemala. We will be making Mini Guatemalan Kites and learning about the ancient art form. When you're finished step outside and attend the Latino Heritage Festival at Gatewa...

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.

Skittles Watercolor Painter Pack

All Day 9/27 - 10/2
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:
Paint a masterpiece with step by step instructions or freestyle with the included supplies.  As supplies last! ...

Monarch Butterfly Tagging with Des Moines Parks and Recreation on the Lawn

6:00pm - 6:45pm
South Side Library Lawn
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Library Lawn
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Educational, Performances
Event Details:
Kids and families can learn about the monarch butterflies in this special program at South! Join Parks and Recreation Supervisor Joel Van Roekel as he shares information about monarch butterflies. Afterwards, kids can participate in a ...

Disclaimer(s)

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.  Attendees must obey all signage and follow current mask mandates and social distancing guidelines from the city of Des Moines.

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

Duncan Tonatiuh Art Day!

All Day
East Side Children’s Area
Library Branch: East Side Library
Room: East Side Children’s Area
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:
Drop-in to Rosie's Ocean to celebrate the art of some amazing illustrations of some of our favorite picture book authors and artists!  Today we will create a collage craft based on the art of Duncan Tonatiuh, and have many of his books available...

Disclaimer(s)

Indoor Program

This program is hosted indoors.  Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.

Family Storytime

10:15am - 10:45am
Forest Avenue Library Lawn
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Library Lawn
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:
*Update: Storytime will remain outdoors while weather permits.   Listen to silly stories, meet adorable puppet friends and move to fun songs!  Join Miss Becky at Forest Avenue Library for Family Storytime at 10:15 A.M.!...

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. 

Outdoor Program

This program is hosted outdoors.  Attendees must obey all signage and follow current mask mandates and social distancing guidelines from the city of Des Moines.

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

CANCELLED: Play, Grow, Learn!

1:00pm - 3:00pm
Franklin Avenue Rosie's Rocket
Cancelled
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Rosie's Rocket
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Play & Learn
Event Details:
This event has been cancelled.  We apologize for any inconvenience.   Join us at the Franklin Library for this open play, come and go program.  Play, Grow, Learn is an opportunity to meet families with other young children and en...

Disclaimer(s)

Children’s Program

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

Indoor Program

This program is hosted indoors.  Please observe social distancing and follow local COVID-19 safety mandates. Hand sanitizer will be provided and staff will do their best to ensure any shared materials are disinfected between use. This program is subject to COVID-19 safety protocol updates, including room capacity limits. Please check our website for updates.

Storytime at the Heritage Carousel

6:00pm - 6:45pm
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Birth-Preschool, Children
Program Type: Storytimes
Event Details:
Join Miss Alicia at the Heritage Carousel for a very special storytime! After we enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes together, there will be a craft provided and each participant will receive one free carousel ride.   ...

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. 

ASAP Banned Books Week Take-and-Make Bags

All Day
All Locations
Library Branch: DMPL Virtual
Room: All Locations
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Event Details:
Celebrate Banned Books Week with a take-and-make bag inspired by Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, the NEA Big Reads book pick! Our partners at ASAP have prepared a wonderful art project appropriate for ages 5-18! Starting Thursday, Septemb...

Creative Readers @ Tower Park

4:00pm - 4:45pm
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytimes
Event Details:
From Books to Masterpieces!  Each week Miss Donna will read a picture book, explore materials, and create with art and S.T.E.M activities. Ages 3 to 8, older siblings are welcome to attend. Program runs from Septemb...

Disclaimer(s)

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.  Attendees must obey all signage and follow current mask mandates and social distancing guidelines from the city of Des Moines.

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

Disney Villain Scavenger Hunt

All Day 10/4 - 10/9
Forest Avenue Children’s Area
Library Branch: Forest Avenue Library
Room: Forest Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Children, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:
Disney villains are hiding around the library, hoping you won't stop their evil plans.  Finish the scavenger hunt and win a prize! ...

Family Storytime: Fire Safety Storytime on the Lawn

6:15pm - 6:45pm
South Side Library Lawn
Library Branch: South Side Library
Room: South Side Library Lawn
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational, Exhibits, Storytimes
Event Details:
Join us outside on the South Side Library's Lawn for a very special Family Storytime with a firefighter from the Des Moines Fire Department! Hear fire safety stories, learn fire safety tips, and view a fire engine up close! Ages 3...

Disclaimer(s)

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.  Attendees must obey all signage and follow current mask mandates and social distancing guidelines from the city of Des Moines.

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

Science Project To Go Bags

All Day
Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Library Branch: Franklin Avenue Library
Room: Franklin Avenue Children’s Area
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, Take & Make
Event Details:
Stop by the Franklin Library and pick up a Science Project To Go Bag.  The bags will contain a science activity you can do at home that will let you explore different STEM concepts (science, technology, engineering, and math).  These activi...