CentralJune

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 DMPL locations will be closed on Thursday, June 19 for the Juneteenth holiday.

Iowa Adventure Pass is back!

Exciting news—the Iowa Adventure 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 an Adventure Pass at DMPL.

Extra Wiggles and Giggles Storytime added for summer Due to the popularity of the Wiggles and Giggles Storytime, we are excited to announce that we are adding a second Thursday morning storytime in June and July: New Wiggles and Giggles Schedule: 9:15-9:45 AM 10:15-10:45 AM

Final two AViD events of 2025

Kevin Wilson

Nikki Erlick

Central Library Tuesday, June 3 Doors open 6 PM Program begins 7 PM

Central Library Monday, June 23 Doors open 6 PM Program begins 7 PM

Kevin Wilson is the New York Times best-selling author of five novels, including Now is Not the Time to Panic, Nothing to See Here, and The Family Fang, as well as two short story collections.

Nikki Erlick’s debut novel, The Measure, was a massive bestseller that catapulted her to literary stardom. Her follow-up novel, The Poppy Fields (June 17), pays some homage to The Wizard of Oz.

His new book, Run for the Hills, is being released on May 13. It was named a Most Anticipated 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.

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 Charity Nebbe from Iowa Public Radio.

This program will be moderated by Megan Reuther, the host of Hello Iowa.

Learn More

Learn More

Summer Reading Kickoff Celebration Event Details Central Library Saturday, June 7 10 AM-12 PM

Ring in the start of the DMPL Summer 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 Latin Thunder 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!

DIY Mini-Pride Floats June 2-14 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 DMPL location 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.

Juneteenth Neighbors Day Saturday, June 21 12-4 PM DMPL is 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 Learn More

Featured Events at Central Kids and Teens

Family Pride Party Monday, June 9 4-6 PM 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.

Instrument Petting Zoo with The Des Moines Symphony Friday, June 13 10-10:45 AM 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 10:30-11 AM Tippi Toes 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.

DMPL locations. See all upcoming events.

Recommended for kids ages 2-10

Adults

History of Juneteenth Saturday, June 14 1-2 PM 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.

Journey to Home Ownership with Neighborhood Finance Corporation 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.

Freedom in Freeform 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.

This program is happening at multiple DMPL locations and online over the next few weeks. See the schedule.

More June Events

Get rewarded for reading this summer Adults

Kids and Teens

Camp Read S'more Beginning Saturday, May 31, head back to the days of summer camp with the DMPL Adult Summer Reading Challenge.

Read 30 days between May 31 and August 2 to earn prizes and be entered into the grand prize drawing.

Learn more

Summer Reading Challenge 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 DMPL locations, or download the digital version on our website.

Download the guide

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