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!
Juneteenth Closure
All DMPLlocations will be closed on Thursday, June 19 for the Juneteenth holiday.
Exciting news—the IowaAdventure Pass is back! Starting today, you can now check out passes to visit the Blank Park Zoo, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Science Center of Iowa, and the Des Moines Children Museum!
Learn more and reserve a pass
*Must be a resident of Des Moines, Windsor Heights, or Saylor Township to check out anAdventure Pass at DMPL.
IowaAdventure Pass is back!
Extra Wiggles and Giggles Storytime
Due to the popularity of the Wiggles and Giggles Storytime, we are excited to announce that we are adding a secondThursday morning storytime in June and July:
New Wiggles and Giggles Schedule: 9:15-9:45AM 10:15-10:45AM
Final twoAViD events of 2025
Kevin Wilson Nikki Erlick
Central Library Tuesday, June 3
Doors open 6 PM Program begins 7 PM
Kevin Wilson is the NewYork Timesbest-selling author of five novels, including NowisNotthe TimetoPanic,NothingtoSee Here,andTheFamilyFang,as well as two short story collections.
His new book,RunfortheHills,is being released on May 13. It was named a MostAnticipated Book of 2025 by Time,People,BookRiot, and others.The novel tells a raucous and moving story of an unexpected road trip across America that brings a family together
This program will be moderated by Charity Nebbe from Iowa Public Radio.
Central Library Monday, June 23
Doors open 6 PM Program begins 7 PM
Nikki Erlick’s debut novel, The Measure,was a massive bestseller that catapulted her to literary stardom. Her follow-up novel, The PoppyFields(June 17), pays some homage to TheWizardofOz.
The book follows four people and a dog seeking a treatment center that has provided cures for grief and loss. But as the story progresses, the question arises— how far are we truly willing to go in order to be healed?
This program will be moderated by Megan Reuther, the host of Hello Iowa.
Summer Reading Kickoff Celebration
Event Details
Central Library
Saturday, June 7
10AM-12 PM
Ring in the start of the DMPLSummer Reading Challenge at our kickoff celebration! Make plans to join us for an afternoon of fun for youth of all ages.
Register for Summer Reading and take part in fun activities to celebrate the start of summer
Add the event to your calendar
Meet LatinThunder and see if you have what it takes to be a luchador
Face painting
Air-brush tattoos
Balloon artists
Snap a picture with Rosie Reader Create mini-comics & book hedgehogs! Design your own fandom bookmarks & buttons!
Play Switch games!
June 2-14
DIYMini-Pride Floats Juneteenth Neighbors Day
Celebrate Pride Month by creating your own mini parade float! Use your own craft materials from home or pick up a materials kit at any DMPLlocation beginning Monday, June 2 (while supplies last), and design your float however you like.
When you're finished, take a photo and submit it to the library by 5 PM on Saturday, June 14.
We will be posting a virtual Pride float parade on our Facebook page with all of your creations.
Learn more
Saturday, June 21 12-4 PM
DMPLis excited to be participating the the annual Juneteenth Neighbor's Day event in Western Gateway Park.
Stop by our booth for the following activities:
Storywalk with trivia and a scavenger hunt
Build a reading fort
Create a hand fan
Make a story in six pages
Learn More
Featured Events at Central Kids and Teens
Family
Monday, June 9 4-6 PM
Pride Party Instrument Petting Zoo with The Des Moines Symphony
Celebrate Pride Month at Central Library with DMPL and Central Iowa Rainbow Families! This inclusive event features a toddler dance party, crafts, and fun activities for all ages. Add the event to your calendar.
Friday, June 13 10-10:45AM
The Instrument Petting Zoo is visiting Central Library! Children as young as 3 can learn about and practice playing string instruments with Des Moines Symphony's Michele Senger.Add the event to your calendar.
This event is happening at multiple
Tippi Toes Dance Class
Saturday, June 14 10:30-11AM
TippiToes Dance Class is back at Central Library this summer!
These high energy dance classes are the perfect opportunity for kids to try something new while having a blast and burning some energy Add the event to your calendar
Adults
Saturday, June 14 1-2 PM
History of Juneteenth Journey to Home Ownership with Neighborhood Finance Corporation
Juneteenth is more than a celebration; it is a pivotal chapter in American history. Join Iowa Juneteenth for a presentation about the historical significance of Juneteenth, the lessons it holds for today, and how we can collectively build a future that provides liberty and justice for all. Add the event to your calendar.
This program is happening at multiple DMPLlocations and online over the next few weeks. See the schedule.
Wednesday, June 18 6-7:45 PM
At Journey to Home Ownership with Neighborhood Finance Corporation, learn about the homebuying process, real challenges firsttime buyers face, and how J2H can support you every step of the way Add the event to your calendar.
Friday, June 20 4-5:30 PM
Come together with other local poets to share original works. Performers will signup on a first-come, first-served basis; however, you don't need to perform to attend and watch. Bring your work and snapping fingers to share the passion of poetry. Add this event to your calendar.
Camp Read S'more Summer Reading Challenge
Beginning Saturday, May 31, head back to the days of summer camp with the DMPLAdult Summer Reading Challenge.
Read 30 days between May 31 andAugust 2 to earn prizes and be entered into the grand prize drawing.
Learn more
The Des Moines Public Library's Summer Reading Challenge starts Saturday, June 7!
Work your way through our challenge program by reading for 20 minutes or completing various learning activities. Once the challenge is complete, turn in your worksheet and you'll get a small prize and be eligible for the big prizes in our end-of-summer drawing.
Learn more
Summer Reading Program Guide
Summer is jam packed with fun for kids, teens, and families at the Des Moines Public Library! Pick up the summer reading program guide at all DMPLlocations, or download the digital version on our website.
