East Newsletter - October 2025

Page 1


Welcome to Next Month at East! This is a newsletter for those who use the East Side 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!

Spooky Season at the East Side Library

Tuesday, October 7 6-7 PM

Haunted Iowa Calhoun County Paranormal Investigators Lecture

Discover Iowa ghost lore, explore ghost-hunting tools and theories, and learn about different types of psychics and mediums in this interactive program. Stefanie Nelson, founder of the Psychic Bureau of Iowa, leads the evening with hands-on demos and a lively Q&A.

Learn more

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

Explore Iowa’s supernatural side with CCPI (Calhoun County Paranormal Investigators)! Hear firsthand ghost-hunting and Bigfoot encounters, learn about their evolving investigations, and discover the beliefs behind their search for the truth.

Learn more

Amanda Jones

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 Association president Sam Helmick.

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

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.

Learn more

Learn more

Featured Events at East Kids

Hank Phillippi Ryan

Mister K's Clubhouse—Live at the Library

Friday, October 3 11-11:45AM

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 Central Library later in the day. Learn more here.

STEAM Cart Challenge: Haunted Houses

Thursday, October 9 6-7 PM

Design your own spooky haunted house and bring it to life using LED stickers and lights from our STEAM cart. Add this event to your calendar.

Library Magic

Thursday, October 16 6-7 PM

Discover the secrets behind the tricks! Kids will learn simple magic using everyday objects and take home their very own mini magician’s kit in this fun-filled evening. Add this event to your calendar

*Magician kits will be available while supplies last.

PM

works of art with frosting! Get creative and enjoy your sweet masterpieces. See upcoming ASAPprograms.

Snack is provided to all participants every week.

storytime during Fire Prevention Week! Enjoy stories, learn important fire safety tips, and get an up-close look at a real fire engine. Add this event to your calendar.

The Fire Department will be visiting all DMPLlocations. See the full schedule.

Adults

Women and Money Medicare Open Enrollment Information Session

Wednesday, October 1

6-7 PM

Join a licensed advisor for a free, empowering session on financial literacy for women. Learn about common financial challenges, the importance of security, and practical steps toward confidence with money. Add this event to your calendar.

Friday, October 10 10:30-11:30AM

Are you turning 65 or planning for retirement? Join us for a helpful session designed to guide you through the Medicare Open Enrollment process and answer your questions. Add this event to your calendar.

Opportunities for writers

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

October 9:An Evening with Carol Roh Spaulding

October 13: BuildYour Creative Community with author LindenThompson

October 21: BeforeYou Write a Book Club for Novelists

This Time NextYear: Short Story Contest with Little Village

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.

Submissions will be accepted through October 31 at 12 PM.

Learn more

Learn more

DMPS Student IDs are 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

25thAnnual IowaAuthorAwards

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 25th annual IowaAuthorAwards Dinner, presented by Venerable, will take place 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

The honorees include:

KavehAkbar

Kali White VanBaale

Vince Gotera

John Domini

SusanAmend Woody

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.