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!
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.
Celebrate what makes the our neighborhood unique with the Build Our Community art project! Pick up a free kit with a few different foldable house templates at the library between June 2 and July 31, design it to look like your home, and return it to be featured in our community display inAugust.
Saturday, June 7 | 2-4 PM
Join us at the East Side Library to watch a special screening of FreeForAll: ThePublicLibrary,a documentary by Dawn Logsdon and Lucie Faulknor
The documentary shares the story of the quiet revolutionaries behind America’s public libraries—from the women of the Free Library Movement to today’s librarians who continue to serve communities amid challenges like closures and book bans. Learn how this civic institution was built on the idea that everything should be free and open to all.
Event Information
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
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!
Friday, June 20 10:30-11:30AM
The Instrument Petting Zoo is visiting the East Side 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 DMPLlocations. See all upcoming events
Thursdays, June 12, 26
July 17, 31 2-3:30 PM
Join a book club with no reading assignments, just books and good vibes!At the Silent(ish) Book Club, bring any book (or grab one from our display), get cozy, and read for the first half.Then stick around for snacks, crafts, and fun! Add the events to your calendar.
Open to middle and high schoolers.
Tuesday, June 24 6-7:30 PM
Unleash your inner camper and join us for a night of creative fun! Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just looking to relive those classic summer camp vibes, this program has something for everyone.
Tuesday, June 3 6-7 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
Thursday, June 26 5:30-7 PM
Unleash your creativity and design a one-of-a-kind tumbler in this special workshop with a local maker!
Choose from a selection of coloring sheet designs, add your personal touch with vibrant colors, and watch as your artwork is transformed into a permanent, highquality tumbler through sublimation printing, making every sip uniquely yours. Space is limited, register to attend.
Saturday, June 14 10:30AM-11:30AM
Enjoy a lively performance by the Stone Circle Brass Quintet.This talented group of Des Moines area professional musicians will showcase their diverse repertoire in this exciting summer concert. Bring the whole family and join in the fun! Add the
Make friendship bracelets
Popsicle stick masterpieces
Beaded lizards And more!
Bring your imaginations, and we will provide all the materials. Add the event to your calendar.
a future that provides liberty and justice for all.
This program is happening at multiple DMPLlocations and online over the next few weeks see the schedule.
event to your calendar.
This program will also be happening at Central Library in July See the schedule.
Tuesdays
3:30-4:30 PM
Explore the wonders, colors, and textures of nature in this summer art class, withASAP TeachingArtist Holly Rozenboom. See upcoming ASAPprograms.
Snack is provided to all participants every week.
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.
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.
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.
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 is jam packed with fun for kids and teens at the Des Moines Public Library! Pick up the summer reading program guide at all DMPLlocations, or download the digital version on our website.
Download the guide
Des Moines Public Library
reference@dmpl.org (515) 283-4152
www.dmpl.org