Decemb er/ January Events East Side Library
ASAP Tuesdays: Jewelry Making
Tuesday, December 2, 9, and 16, 3:30–4:30 PM
Children
Bring your creativity to our jewelry-making class and craft wearable art using wire, beads, and other materials with guidance from a professional ASAP artist. A snack will be provided, and participants can take home their unique designs.
Library of Things LIVE!
Thursday, December 4, 4–7 PM
Discover, play, and explore! Get handson with unique and exciting items from the Library of Things collection that you can borrow and take home to enjoy. This interactive program offers fun for the whole family and a chance to see what the Library of Things has to offer.
Fairy Tale Adventures: Gingerbread Man
Thursday, December 18, 6–7 PM
Run, run, as fast as you can! Join us for an interactive retelling of The Gingerbread Man featuring songs, fractured fairy tales, and a make-your-own gingerbread character craft to take home.
ASAP Tuesdays: Fantastical Art
Tuesday, January 6, 13, 20, & 27, 3:30–4 PM
Use your imagination to create castles, fairy houses, dragon eggs, and more with guidance from a professional ASAP artist. All materials are provided, and a snack will be available for every participant.
Toddler Storytime
Mondays, 10–10:30 AM
Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to enjoy introductory stories, songs, music, and movement. This program is designed for children ages 18 to 36 months.
Baby Rhyme Time
Tuesdays, 10–10:30 AM
Join us for rhymes, songs, bounces, stories, and playtime! This program is designed for caregivers and babies ages 0–18 months to enjoy together in a fun and nurturing environment.
Thursday, January 15, 6–7 PM
Warm up your winter evening with a good story and a cup of chai. Families are invited to enjoy an engaging storytelling experience and authentic chai prepared by Gurwinder Kapur, a local cultural educator.
Adult
Book Discussion
Monday, December 8 and January 12, 2–3 PM
Join us on the second Monday of each month for our book club. Enjoy engaging books, lively discussions, and meet fellow book lovers. Snacks and coffee are provided. Check the calendar for each month’s book selection.
Take and Make Kits
December 9-11 – Book Charms
Dog Man Bingo
Thursday, January 22, 6–7 PM
B-I-N-G-O, it’s DOG MAN! Join us for a fun evening of bingo, crafts, and celebrating our favorite hero, Dog Man. Bingo prizes include tickets to Dog Man: The Musical at the Civic Center, provided courtesy of Des Moines Performing Arts.
Embroidered Sweaters
Tuesday, December 16, 6–7 PM
January 6-8 – Vision Boards
January 20-22 – Bag Charms
Join Karlie Hunter of Handful of Made for a sweater embroidery workshop. All supplies, needle, yarn, and instruction are provided. Bring your own adult or children’s sweater and email your design choice to handfulofmade@gmail.com before class. Enjoy a fun, cozy session and reserve your spot today! Registration Required.
Tiny Art Show
• December 27-January 3: Materials pickup at all DMPL locations*
Drop-In Puzzles
Saturday, December 13, 10–2 PM
Pick up a Take & Make craft kit and get creative! You can craft at home or stay to make it in the library. Each kit includes all the materials you need for a fun, hands-on project. Fun for adults and kids alike!
Join us at East Side Library this Saturday for a 300-piece puzzle activity from 10 AM to 2 PM. Work with friends or meet new people while completing the puzzle. Refreshments and light snacks will be provided. Drop in anytime during the event.
Free Acces s with Your Library Card
• Saturday, January 31, 2–4 PM: Reception at Central Library
Create a mini-masterpiece for the Des Moines Public Library’s second annual Tiny Art Show! Kits will include a miniature easel, canvas, paint and a brush. You must register with your email and your library card number to get your free kit. Limit one kit per registrant. Artwork must be submitted by Wednesday, January 7. Then you can stop back and see an art show gallery of all the artwork from January 12-31!
*Kits will be available while supplies last
Vision Board Workshop
Thursday, January 8, 5:30–7 PM
Start your year with creativity and intention! Whether you’ve begun your Vision Board with a Take & Make kit or are starting fresh at the workshop, all materials will be provided to help you create a visual roadmap for your goals and intentions for 2026. Registration Required.
