Central Newsletter - October 2025

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Welcome to Next Month at Central! This is a newsletter for those who use Central Library to make sure you know all the latest library events and updates happening at your neighborhood library

Here you will find updates about new additions, staff introductions, and featured programs for kids, teens, and adults happening at your library!

FallAuthor Series

Wednesday, October 8 7-9 PM

Olmsted Center, Drake University (2875 University Avenue)

Celebrate Banned Books week withAmanda Jones, anAmerican librarian and anti-censorship advocate. Jones has been heavily involved in anti-book-banning movements throughout the US.

Her book, ThatLibrarian, is a powerful look at the nationwide book banning crisis, revealing how extremists target libraries, and how one community’s fight became a rallying cry for intellectual freedom.

This event is hosted in partnership with Drake University and will be moderated byAmerican Library

Thursday, October 16 7-9 PM Central Library

Hank Phillippi Ryan is a USAToday bestselling author of 16 thrillers, a 37-time Emmy-winning investigative reporter, and winner of fiveAgathas, fiveAnthonys, and the Mary Higgins ClarkAward. Her new book, AllThisCouldBeYours, features scenes set at the Des Moines Public Library.

This event will be moderated by bestselling, Iowa author Heather Gudenkauf.

Amanda Jones Hank Phillippi Ryan

Association president Sam Helmick.

Registration is not required, but registered attendees will get a parking pass to use on the day of the event.

Learn More

Preptober Writing Series

Join other aspiring novelists at Central Library to get ready for Novel November during Preptober! Meet local authors, and prepare to take on the challenge of writing a novel in the month of November

Evening with

Central Library Thursday, October 9 6-7:30 PM

Award-winning author Carol Roh Spaulding is coming to Central

Central Library Monday, October 13 6-7:30 PM

Central Library Tuesday, October 21 6-7:30 PM

Library for a conversation about her work and writing journey. Her novel HelenButtonwon the EludiaAward, and her short story collection Waitingfor Mr.KimandOther Storieswon the Flannery O’Connor Award and featured on the "Talk of Iowa Book Club."

Learn more

You don’t have to write alone! Local author Linden Thompson will lead a discussion on the novel-writing process, covering everything from pre-drafting to overcoming writer’s block. Learn about the power of a writing community, connect with other writers, and finish with a Q&A session.

Learn more

Join our book club for novelists as we explore Matt Bell’s RefusetoBeDone. Discuss strategies for outlining, generating ideas, and tackling your first draft, while connecting with fellow writers. Build skills, gain confidence, and prepare to launch your next big writing project in a supportive group setting.

Learn more

Featured Events at Central Kids

Mister K's Clubhouse Live at the Library

Friday, October 3, 4-4:45 PM

Join us at the Central Library for a special visit from Mister K’s Clubhouse! Enjoy a lively performance, get an exclusive sneak peek at Season 4, and meet Mister K in person. Add this event to your calendar.

Mister K will also be at the East Side Library earlier in the

Fire Safety Storytime Board Game Workshop

Thursday, October 9 10:15-10:45AM

The Des Moines Fire Department is joining the library for a special storytime during Fire Prevention Week! Enjoy stories, learn important fire safety tips, and get an upclose look at a real fire engine. Add this event to your calendar.

The Fire Department will be visiting all

Thursday, October 23 2-5 PM

Join us at Central Library with special guestTim from Never Board Games to help you create the game of your dreams!All supplies are provided - just bring your ideas. Register to attend.

*Children under 10 will need to have an adult with them at the program. Registration is required due to limited supplies.

day. Learn more here. DMPLlocations. See the full schedule.

Teens

Frankenstuffies Special Effects Makeup

Monday, October 20, 5:30-7 PM

Channel your inner mad scientist! Visit Central to take apart stuffies and reassemble them however you like. Supplies are provided; just bring your creativity and your best Dr. Frankenstein laugh! Register to attend.

Thursday, October 30, Session 1: 5-6 PM Session 2: 6:30-7:30 PM

Spooky season has arrived, and registration opens for the teen Special Effects Makeup class on Wednesday, October 1! Learn how to create realistic cuts, bruises, and scars—just in time for Halloween! Register to attend.

*Space is limited due to supplies and registration is required:

Adults

CookingAround the World with CultureAll:

Tortillas and Enchilada Sauce

Tuesday, October 7, 6-7:30 PM

Join CultureAll ambassador RJ to learn how to make tortillas and enchiladas! RJ will also have enchilada sauce for sale (cash or check preferred) after the program for interested participants. Space is limited, register to attend.

Matt Woods—Delta Style Guitar

Sunday, October 26 2-3 PM

Experience authentic Delta blues with Matt Woods, one of the region’s top guitarists. Hear solo performances and band collaborations while stepping back to the era of Mississippi Juke Joints.All ages welcome. Sign in for a chance to win Blues CDs at the end of the session.Add this event to your calendar.

More October Events

25thAnnual Iowa AuthorAwards This Time NextYear: Short Story Contest with Little Village

The Des Moines Public Library Foundation is proud to announce the honorees for the 25th annual IowaAuthorAwards, a celebration of literary excellence and the premier fundraising event for the largest public library system in Iowa.The honorees include:

KavehAkbar

Kali White VanBaale

Vince Gotera

John Domini

SusanAmend Woody

The 25th annual IowaAuthor Awards Dinner, presented by Venerable, will take place

The Des Moines Public Library is excited to partner with LittleVillage for a short story contest. First place will receive $200 and your story will be published in the January issue of LittleVillage.

The deadline to submit your story is October 31 at 12 PM.

on Thursday, October 9, at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, former home to the city’s central branch library

Learn more

DMPS Student IDs are now DMPL Library Cards

The Des Moines Public Library is thrilled to partner with Des Moines Public Schools to make all student ID cards for students in grades 7-12 DMPL library cards. Learn more about this partnership and program on our website.

Learn more Des Moines Public Library reference@dmpl.org (515) 283-4152 www.dmpl.org

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