Issuu

engage April/May 2022

vol 3 • issue 3

CLASSES • ACTIVITIES • EVENTS

SPRING AT THE DMPL!

AViD, Día del Niño, the return of storytimes, and more!

Find info on 100+ FREE programs at the library inside!

Library programs are made possible with support from the Des Moines Public Library Foundation and its generous donors. The Foundation supports at least 87 percent of Des Moines Public Library programs, and provides funding for AViD and the Summer Reading program, which supports 5,000+ children participants each year. For more information about the Des Moines Public Library Foundation and to find out how you can support the library with a donation, go to dmpl.org/foundation.

IN THIS ISSUE 3 4 For Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 For Teens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 For Teens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 For Adults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 AViD 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Storytimes Are Back! . . . . . . . . . . .

ON THE COVER In-person storytimes are back at the DMPL! See a full list on page 4.

HOURS AND LOCATIONS Always open 24/7 at dmpl.org

Central Library

Forest Avenue Library

North Side Library

1000 Grand Avenue

1326 Forest Avenue

3516 Fifth Avenue

9 AM - 8 PM Monday-Thursday 9 AM - 6 PM Friday 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday 1-5 PM Sunday

10 AM - 8 PM Monday-Thursday 10 AM - 6 PM Friday 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday

Pickup Window: 9 AM - 7 PM Monday-Thursday 9 AM - 6 PM Friday 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday

Franklin Avenue Library

South Side Library

East Side Library 2559 Hubbell Avenue 10 AM - 8 PM Monday-Thursday 10 AM - 6 PM Friday 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday

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5000 Franklin Avenue 10 AM - 8 PM Monday-Thursday 10 AM - 6 PM Friday 10 AM- 5 PM Saturday 1-5 PM Sunday Pickup Window: 10 AM - 8 PM Monday-Thursday 10 AM - 6 PM Friday 10 AM- 5 PM Saturday

1111 Porter Avenue 10 AM - 8 PM Monday-Thursday 10 AM - 6 PM Friday 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday

reference@dmpl.org | 515.283.4152

Authors Visiting in Des Moines series kids continues

The Des Moines Public Library’s Authors Visiting in Des Moines (AViD) speaker series continues with four great free author events in April, May, and June, featuring acclaimed and bestselling authors as well as popular local dignitaries. Language scholar and author Amanda Montell will appear at Central Library on Thursday, April 21 at 7 PM to discuss her 2021 book, Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism. The book was an indie bestseller and was named one of the best books of 2021 by NPR. Cultish analyzes the social science of cult influence, and explores how groups ranging from Jonestown and Heavens Gate to Peloton and SoulCycle use language to manipulate and energize their “cultish” communities. Montell is also the host of the popular podcast, Sounds Like a Cult. On Thursday, May 5, one of America’s most acclaimed literary figures, Lauren Groff, will speak at 7 PM at Franklin Junior High, 4801 Franklin Avenue. Groff’s 2021 novel, Matrix, was a finalist for both the Carnegie Medal for Excellence and the National Book Award – Groff’s third time as an NBA finalist. The best-selling book tells the story of a woman cast out of royal court in France and sent to England to run an impoverished abbey. Matrix was an instant bestseller and was showered with critical praise.

Jason Mott will speak at Central Library at 7 PM on Wednesday, May 25. Mott’s 2021 novel, Hell of a Book, was awarded the National Book Award for Fiction, one of America’s highest literary honors. The book – sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking, always thought-provoking – tells the story of a Black author who sets out on a crosscountry publicity tour for his latest book, and the novel twists and bends into a surprising, magical story that touches on everything from injustice to police brutality to the nation’s reckoning over a racial tragedy playing out on the news. The 2022 AViD season concludes with a special author panel comprised of popular, distinguished local figures who are also published authors at 7 PM on Tuesday, June 7 at Central Library. Appearing will be: Dr. Richard Deming, the medical director of MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center and author of Above and Beyond Cancer; Neil Hamilton, the former director of the Agricultural Law Center at Drake University, whose new book, The Land Remains, will be released this spring; and Jim Autry, the prolific author of 15 books whose work has had a significant influence on leadership thinking. The men will be discussing their works and how their unique experiences in Des Moines and Iowa led them to where they are now. All AViD events are free and open to the public. Seating is first come, first served. Each author will also take part in a question-andanswer session and will autograph books. Books will be available for purchase at each event, courtesy of Beaverdale Books.

Montell, Mott, and the Iowa author panel will all be livestreamed on Zoom as well. For full details about the 2022 Authors Visiting in Des Moines series, go to dmpl.org/AViD. April/May 2022 • engage 3

Storytimes are back! After nearly two years of virtual storytimes, take-home activities, and passive children’s events, our librarians are once again back to telling tales and singing songs to kids and families in person.

them with the building blocks that support them on their reading journey. Miss Janeé (as she’s affectionately known at South) says storytimes show that reading is both fun and impactful.

“I’m just so happy to get storytimes going again!” said Janeé Jackson-Doering, the South Side Library’s Youth Librarian. “I’m so happy to see both new faces and the families that were returning after two years away.”

Janeé says storytimes offer parents and caregivers something fun to plan their day around, and they often forge their own connections. “They’ll meet at the library, attend the storytime and check out books, and then make plans to have lunch with another family at the park, or go to the zoo,” she says. “For these families, storytimes are a part of their routine that they’ve missed, and that their kids look forward too.”

Storytimes are a great way to help build early literacy skills in kids, exposing them to new words and fun games that provide

There are weekly storytimes at all of our branches. Take a look at the schedule, and learn more at dmpl.org/storytimes.

MONDAYS Family Storytime – 6:30 PM, South Side Library

TUESDAYS Baby Rhyme Time – 10 AM, East Side Library Baby Rhyme Time – 10:15 AM, Franklin Avenue Library Creative Readers – 4 PM, Franklin Avenue Library Sensory Storytime – 6:15 PM, Central Library (beginning April 12)

WEDNESDAYS Family Storytime – 10 AM and 10:45 AM, Forest Avenue Library (10:45 AM session only in April) Family Storytime – 10:15 AM, Franklin Avenue Library Family Storytime – 6 PM, North Side Library Baby Rhyme Time – 10:15 AM, Central Library Toddler Storytime – 10 AM, East Side Library (beginning April 20)

THURSDAYS Preschool Storytime – 10 AM, South Side Library (outdoors in May) Wiggles and Giggles – 10:15 AM, Central Library

SPECIAL STORYTIMES Creative Readers – Friday, April 8 and 29, 4:30 PM, North Side Library Virtual American Sign Language Storytime – F riday, April 15 and May 20, 10:15 AM, Facebook Bilingual Storytime with Viet Advocacy – S aturday, April 23 and May 21, 10 AM, Forest Avenue Library Crafty Readers – Thursday, May 5, 6 PM, East Side Library

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kids

Maker Day Challenge Fridays at Forest Avenue Library Calling all makers! Can you complete our weekly challenge to build, play, or create? Each week we will have a different activity set up in the children’s area and finishers can claim a prize!

Birdhouse Painting and More (A Bilingual Event) | Pintar Casitas para Pájaros y Más (Un Evento Bilingüe)

Family Movie Party: The Mitchells vs. The Machines

Thursday, April 14, 6 PM | East Side Library Join us for an evening of birdhouse painting, poetry, and crafts. Young children should be accompanied by an adult. One birdhouse per family. Groups of five or more please reach out directly to emroberts@dmpl.org to make arrangements. Registration required.

Saturday, April 2, 1:30 PM | Central Library Join us for a Family Movie Party, where we will watch the Oscarnominated film The Mitchells vs. The Machines. Rated PG. Registration is required.

Acompáñenos en la biblioteca East Side para una noche bilingüe donde pintaremos casitas para pájaros. Cada familia recibirá una casita de pájaros. Los grupos de cinco o más por favor enviarle un mensaje a emroberts@dmpl.org para coordinar.

SEEDS and DMPL Present: Swan

Pippi Longstocking Sneak Preview

Saturday, April 9 and May 14, 10 AM | Forest Avenue Library Come ready to stretch, dance, and learn the beginner steps of ballet at Forest Avenue Library! Different styles of dance will be highlighted with expert guest presenters. This program is made possible through the Catherine Williams Endowment.

Science Wednesdays: Bots and Gadgets Wednesday, April 13, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Join us once a month at Franklin Avenue Library for a chance to play with gadgets and explore different aspects of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Registration required.

Saturday, April 23, 10:30 AM | Franklin Avenue Library Visit the library for a special sneak preview of the Des Moines Community Playhouse production of Pippi Longstocking, based on the classic books by Astrid Lindgren. Enjoy the performance and register to win free tickets to the play!

Moana Sing-Along Saturday, May 7, 1:30 PM | Central Library We will watch Moana, and will be singing along to the great music. Registration required. Please register one time for your family or group.

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kids Slime Time: Superhero Slime!

Manualidades con Seño Les

Wednesday, May 11, 4-5 PM | South Side Library Bring out your inner superhero and learn how to make superhero slime! Use our materials to make your slime and take home! For youth ages 5-12. Registration required.

Thursday, May 26, 5 PM | Forest Avenue Library Stop by Forest Avenue Library for a bilingual craft activity series hosted by our very own bilingual library assistant, Mrs. Les. Different types of crafts, dances, and music will be explored. The program is bilingual. Every week a different craft will be explored!

Youth Family Game Night Friday, May 13, 4-5:30 PM | Central Library Visit Central Library for a casual family game night! Ages 5+.

Author Visit: Rebecca Janni Thursday, May 26, 6:00 PM | East Side Library Author Rebecca Janni will visit and read her book, Every Cowgirl Loves a Rodeo, then we will make bicycle related crafts!

¡DÍA DEL NIÑO!

Pase por la Biblioteca Forest Avenue para una serie de manualidades bilingües organizadas por nuestra bibliotecaria bilingüe, la Sra. Les. Se explorarán diferentes tipos de manualidades, bailes y música. El programa es bilingüe. ¡Cada semana se explorará una manualidad diferente!

AT DMPL

DAY OF THE CHILD! Día del Niño | Day of the Child Saturday, April 30, 10AM-12:00 PM Union Park, 2009 Saylor Road Día is an international celebration of the joy found in early childhood and reading. This year the library and its community partners are celebrating together! Join us at Union Park for hands-on activities for the whole family, including literacy and STEM stations, community resource tables, and free carousel rides. Día es una celebración internacional de la alegría que uno siente durante su niñez y primeras etapas de lectura. ¡Este año, la biblioteca y sus socios comunitarios están celebrando juntos! ¡Únase a nosotros en Union Park para actividades prácticas para toda la familia, incluyendo estaciones de alfabetización y STEM, mesas de recursos comunitarios y paseos en carrusel! ¡Todo es gratis!

Go to dmpl.org/events for even more kids’ activities, like scavenger hunts, take-and-make bags, and more!

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teens After-School Club

Animal Crossing Shadow Boxes

Tuesdays, 4 PM | North Side Library Teens and Tweens (10-18) can join us at North Side Library each Tuesday after school for crafts, games, and more!

Thursday, April 21, 4 PM | Forest Avenue Library Make Blathers proud with your own, handcrafted insect display box. Join us at Forest Avenue Library to celebrate this popular, idyllic game. Follow instructions to craft your own dazzling insects to pin into a shadow box and take home! Registration required.

Level Up! Tuesdays, 4 PM | Forest Avenue Library Level up your gaming skills! Use our tablets and Nintendo Switch to play Among Us, Minecraft, Roblox, and more.

VolunTeens Wednesday, April 6 & 20, and May 4 & 18, 4 PM | Central Library Wednesday, April 6 & 20 and May 4 & 18, 4 PM | South Side Library Monday, April 11 and May 9, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Wednesday, April 13 & 27 and May 11 & 25, 4 PM | Forest Avenue Library Thursday, April 21 and May 12, 6 PM | East Side Library Are you looking for a great place to volunteer? Become a DMPL VolunTeen and help with library projects and programs. Pick up an application at your local library.

Blackout Poetry Thursday, April 7, 4 PM | Central Library Learn about and practice blackout poetry to celebrate National Poetry Month. Blackout poetry is a style of poetry where the poet uses something that is already written, like a book page, and blacks out everything except select words. We’ll provide all the supplies you’ll need; just bring your creativity.

3-D Printing Basics Friday, April 8, 4:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library Learn how to design your own 3-D prints! Join us for a 3-D Printing basics class, where we will design our own 3-D prints with Tinkercad or 3-D Pens. Pick up your projects two to three weeks after creating them. Ages 9-18. Registration required.

Fortune Cookie Poetry Monday, April 18, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Celebrate National Poetry Month with homemade fortune cookies. Write your own poetic fortunes and learn to make fortune cookies. Cookies can be consumed outside of the library after the program. Ages 12-18. Registration required.

DIY Laser Engraved Pokemon Cards Thursday, April 21, 4:30 PM and Friday, April 22, 3:30 PM | Central Library Tech Central Learn how to use our laser engraver to make your very own wooden Pokémon card. Using stencils, you’ll design your card, choose your Pokémon character, watch the laser engraver cut it all out, and then paint or color your card to make it all your own. Ages 8+. Registration required.

Crafty Kids: Fun with Yarn Thursday, April 21, 5 PM | Central Library Library staff and volunteers from the Des Moines Knitting Guild will help children and teens learn how to knit and crochet, while learning about the many benefits of these skills. Each participant will take home a small project made during the program! Ages 8-18. Registration required.

Anime Manga Meetup! Thursday, April 28, 4 PM | Central Library Want to nerd out about anime and manga with other people who love it? Join us for the Teen Anime/Manga Meetup. We’ll get together and discuss all things anime and manga, do crafts, play games, watch anime, and more! Ages 12-18. Registration required.

Mandala Scratch Art Monday, May 2, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library A mandala is a complex abstract design that is usually circular in form. Mandalas generally have one identifiable center point, from which emanates an array of symbols, shapes, and forms. Create your own mandala to take home. For ages 12-18. Registration required.

Language Learner’s Meet Up Thursday, May 5, 4:30 PM | Central Library Are you interested in learning a language, or want to practice with others? Come to the DMPL Language Learner’s Meet Up to get some tips to improve your skills, connect with other teens interested in learning languages, and complete a fun craft. Ages 10-18. Registration required.

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adults Conversations & Coffee

Leather Debossing with the Glowforge

Mondays in April, 6 PM | East Side Library Thursday, April 7 & 21, May 5 & 19, 3:30 PM | South Side Library Practice your English skills while meeting new people in your community! Open to English language learners of all skill levels.

Monday, April 4, 2:00 PM | Central Library Tech Central Tuesday, April 5, 5:30 PM | Central Library Tech Central Learn how to use the Tech Central Glowforge laser engraver to make stamps for leather and make your own debossed leather keychain! This program will cover both the Glowforge tutorial and a hands-on guide for how to make leather stamps. Registration required.

Dari or Pashto Basics with Mango Tuesdays in April, 1 PM | Forest Avenue Library Would you like to learn a bit of Dari or Pashto to chat with your new neighbors, clients, or potential friends? Mango, a language-learning tool you can access for free with your library card, has lessons in both. You don’t have to arrive on time or stay the whole hour. Bring your own device and headphones or use the library’s materials.

Drop-in Computer Help at Tech Central Wednesdays, 2 PM | Central Library Tech Central It’s never too late to feel comfortable with a computer. Every Wednesday, staff will answer questions about computer basics like using a mouse, typing, email, document creation and more.

Job Seekers Help with the Financial Empowerment Center Wednesdays, 10 AM-2 PM | North Side Library Staff from the Financial Empowerment Center will assist job seekers with resume building, applying for jobs, referrals to employers, and other resources.

Glowforge Training Thursdays, 10 AM | Central Library Learn how to use the Glowforge laser engraver at Tech Central! After this program, you will be fully qualified to book and use the Glowforge on your own. You can also make an acrylic keychain to keep using either your own design or one of ours. Registration required.

Plant Powered Mexican Cuisine with Kate Ramos Monday, April 4, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Join chef and author Kate Ramos and Better Homes & Gardens food editor Jan Miller for a discussion of Ramos’s new cookbook, Plant Powered Mexican. Learn how to incorporate more plant-based meals into your routine using Mexican flavors. Kate will be signing books.

Finding My Voice: Toni Corbett’s Quilts Tuesday, April 5, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library Iowa quilter Toni Corbett will share how she began quilting and the journey she took from traditional quilting to storytelling with fabric and thread. She’ll share her journey as an African American, neurodivergent military veteran and how quilting helped her overcome feelings of loneliness.

Intro to Dungeons and Dragons for Adults Wednesday, April 6, 20, and May 18, 5:30 PM | Central Library Join us as we learn the basics of how to get started and play D&D with The Rook Room. We will learn everything from character creation, to combat, to the basics of storytelling, and more. Registration required. • S ession One (April 6): We will give a general overview of the game and learn how to create a character • Session Two (April 20): Every D&D game needs a Dungeon Master! We’ll learn how to play this important role in a D&D game. • Free Play (May 18): New and experienced players are welcome to play a one-shot game of Dungeons & Dragons!

Free Friday Flicks Friday, April 1, 1:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library – Cruella (Rated PG-13) Friday, May 6, 1:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library – Emma. (Rated PG)

Sit n’ Stitch Saturday, April 2 and May 7, 1:30-3:30 PM | North Side Library Spend a few hours with other crafters and work on your knit, crochet, or needle craft projects. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you.

Writers’ Workshop Monday, April 4 and May 2, 5:30 PM | Central Library Join us in person for the DMPL Writer’s Workshop. Share samples of your work and receive feedback from other writers in the group. If you would like to share your writing with the group, please attach the document in an email to JMWelker@dmpl.org prior to the event. Registration required. 8 engage • April/May 2022

Fresh Conversations Friday, April 8 and Friday, May 13, 10:30 AM | North Side Library Iowans aged 60 and older are invited to discuss current nutrition and health topics, taste low-cost healthy recipes, and discover new ways to stay active and independent. Join us for a fun conversation that will help you learn how to maintain your health and independence. Registration required.

adults Aging in Place with Your Yard and Garden with Lexi Young Monday, April 11, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Learn how to maximize the benefits of your garden while reducing the physical stresses associated with gardening. We’ll discuss what you can do now to help you age in place with your garden, making it safer and more accessible for years to come. Registration required.

Vaporizing the Vaping Trend: The Power of Parents in Prevention Tuesday, April 12, 6 PM | Zoom This informative and engaging presentation will focus on warning signs, common devices and the substances used for vaping, and the health risks associated. Tips for parents on how to discuss vaping concerns with youth will be discussed. Registration required.

Spark Stories Wednesday, April 13, 6:30 PM – Isabel Martinez, founder of Nuestra Danza sin Fronteras Wednesday, May 11, 6:30 PM – Tim Sieber, executive director of Tech Journey Join us on Facebook for a conversation with a local leader who shares what “sparked” them to make a difference in Des Moines.

Reading Challenge Movie Club Central Library Join us for a monthly movie club where we will watch a movie based on a book that fulfills a category of the 2022 DMPL Reading Challenge. Thursday, April 14, 5 PM: The Big Short Reading Challenge category: Book that was a #1 New York Times bestseller Thursday, May 12, 5 PM: Crazy Rich Asians Reading Challenge category: Family saga

Introduction to Electronic Resources at DMPL Thursday, April 14 & 28, May 12 & 26, 2 PM | Central Library Are you curious to discover what online resources the Des Moines Public Library has to offer but unsure where to start? Our expert librarians will give a brief introduction to the electronic resources available for free with your DMPL library card, including Libby, Kanopy, CreativeBug, Mango, and more!

Art 101 Monday, April 18, 5:30 PM | Central Library – Portrait Drawing Monday, May 16, 5:30 PM | Central Library – Life Drawing Join artist and library staff member Fueche Vang as he introduces participants to drawing portraits in April and with a live clothed model in May. Basic materials will be provided, and attendees are welcome to bring their own materials. No experience necessary. Registration required.

Franklin Cinema Club Monday, April 18, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library – The Imposter (2012) Monday, May 16, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library – Ex Machina (2014) Discuss noteworthy films during the Franklin Cinema Club, a monthly program for film buffs. Watch the film at home for free using Kanopy, then come ready to discuss the movie.

Discovering Des Moines History Tuesday, April 19 and Tuesday, May 17, 5:30 PM | Central Library Interested in learning about the history of our great city? Our new monthly program will teach you about Des Moines’ fascinating past. Learn something new and discover the resources the library offers on the history of your city, neighborhood, or house.

Money Smart Week at DMPL Celebrate Money Smart Week and Financial Literacy Month with the Des Moines Public Library and the Financial Empowerment Center. Money Management Basics

Spend Smart Eat Smart

Wednesday, April 13, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library Thursday, April 14, 6:30 PM | Zoom *registration required Thursday, April 21, 4 PM | South Side Library Learn how to budget better, build and reestablish your credit score, and find out how you can move closer to your financial goals.

Monday, April 11, 1 PM – North Side Library Looking for ways to trim your food and grocery budget? Join us in person for a watch party of Iowa State University Extension’s Money Smart Week presentation. You’ll leave with resources to eat well on a budget.

Starting a Small Business Monday, April 11, 5:30 PM | Central Library Ever thought about starting your own business? The Financial Empowerment Center’s Asset Development Center will share basics of building your own business.

Credit: Build and Improve It Tuesday, April 12, 1 PM | North Side Library Is poor credit keeping you from the home, car, or job of your choice? Join us in person for a watch party of a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) webinar. You’ll leave with tools to help you monitor and address issues in your credit report. April/May 2022 • engage 9

adults Strange History: Colleges in Highland Park Tuesday, April 19, 6 PM | North Side Library A fascinating part of Des Moines history once stood at the corner of Second and Euclid in Des Moines. The site was home to three colleges – including the University of Lawsonomy, a cult-like center. Learn more about the short-lived college that was part-school, partreligion, from local historian Lisa Taber.

Introduction to Beekeeping Thursday, April 21, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Beekeeping can become an interesting and rewarding hobby, and for some people it can become a business. In this short course, attendees will learn all about managed honeybees and what they need for year-round success. Registration required.

Spoken Word Open Mic Monday, April 25, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library April is National Poetry Month and the Franklin Avenue Library is celebrating with an open mic event. Bring several spoken word pieces (no longer than three minutes per piece) and take the opportunity to share them with other writers and poetry fans.

Book Binding 101 Tuesday, April 26, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library – Long Stitch Binding Tuesday, May 31, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library – Coptic Binding Learn different book binding techniques during this series at the Forest Avenue Library. Space is limited by supplies, and we’ll be using sharp tools so these are for teens and adults only.

DocuTalk The best documentaries make you desperate to discuss! Each month we’ll talk about one of the most intriguing documentaries your library card can connect you with. Watch at home using Kanopy, then join us for a virtual discussion! Tuesday, April 26, 6 PM | Zoom – Beyond Our Ken (2008) Tuesday, May 31, 6 PM | Zoom – Who Took Johnny (2014)

Adult Reading Help Starting in May, Wednesdays, 3 PM | North Side Library Want to read, write, and speak better? DMACC’s Adult Literacy Center can help you each Wednesday afternoon. For more information, call 515-248-7517.

Social Security & Retirement Planning Basics with SOFA Monday, May 2, 6:30 PM | East Side Library Tuesday, May 10, 6:30 PM | East Side Library Join guest speaker Ryan Biniak for a free seminar about Social Security and Retirement planning basics. Ryan will discuss topics such as ways to avoid higher taxation of your benefits, and retirement threats and how to avoid them.

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Ukulele Class for Beginners Tuesdays, May 3, 10, 17, & 24, 6:30 PM | North Side Library Get started on the ukulele and quickly learn to play familiar tunes while having fun! Play your own ukulele or borrow one of North Side Library’s soprano ukuleles with your library card. Natalie Steenson will facilitate this 4-week class, teaching ukulele basics, chords and strumming patterns. Registration required.

ABCs of Cycling Saturday, May 7, 10:30 AM | Forest Avenue Library Monday, May 9, 6:30 PM | South Side Library Tuesday, May 10, 6 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Thursday, May 19, 6 PM | East Side Library Join the Des Moines Bicycle Collective for a tune-up workshop as we celebrate National Bicycle Month. We will cover the ABCs (air, brakes, chain) of basic bicycle maintenance. Bring your bike for a program of instruction and assistance.

Coffee and Collage Monday, May 9, 6 PM | East Side Library Join us for a joyful gathering that celebrates imagination and the creative process. We will create fun, quirky and beautiful collages with various paper backgrounds. Coffee and other warm drinks provided.

Online Dating for Older Adults Tuesday, May 10, 2:30 PM | South Side Library Are you looking for companionship for the golden years? Whether you’re thinking about online dating or want to make your profile appealing, this program is for you! You’ll learn about the different online dating sites, what makes a good profile, and how to avoid internet dating pitfalls.

Genealogy Research Using Census Records Tuesday, May 10, 7 PM | Zoom Full records of the 1950 census will be released in April. However, it will not be indexed, meaning simple name searches will not be available. We’ll discuss alternative strategies to finding your family in the released data, as well as census substitutes and alternative records to help with genealogy efforts. Registration required.

Historic Heist: An Adult Escape Room Saturday, May 14, 11 AM, 1 PM, and 2 PM | North Side Library On August 5, 1935 two men walked into the Euclid Avenue State Bank in Highland Park and demanded cash. The men left with $980 and two hostages. In this Escape Room, you’ll uncover the full story as you work against the clock to recover the stolen goods and escape the room!

Get Started with a Password Manager Tuesday, May 17, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library Using a password manager is one of the simplest steps you can take to make yourself more secure online. We’ll talk a bit about why to use a password manager, how to get the most out of it, and which free option might be best for your security needs. Please bring your own device.

adults Book Discussions Books and Bites

Reading Challenge Book Club (Zoom)

(The Walnut, 1417 Walnut St.)

Monday, April 25, 6 PM – Firekeeper’s Daughter, by Angeline Boulley Monday, May 23, 6 PM – Maid, by Stephanie Land

Tuesday, April 26, 6:30 PM – Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup, by John Carreyrou Tuesday, May 24 | 6:30 PM – The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett, by Annie Lyons

East Side Library

Reading on the Margins (Franklin Avenue Library) Thursday, April 14, 6:30 PM – The Five Wounds, by Kirsten Valdez Quade

Monday, April 18, 2 PM – Hidden Valley Road, by Robert Kolker Monday, May 16, 2 PM – Of Women and Salt, by Gabriela Garcia

Thursday, May 12, 6:30 PM – Minor Feelings, by Cathy Park Hong

Franklin Avenue Library

Thursday, April 21, 2 PM – The Nickel Boys, by Colson Whitehead Thursday, May 19, 2 PM – The Last Chance Library, by Freya Sampson

Monday, April 11, 1 PM – The Lager Queen of Minnesota, by J. Ryan Stradal Monday, May 9, 1 PM – Professor Chandra Follows His Bliss, by Rjeev Balasubramanyam

Forest Avenue Library Monday, April 25, 6 PM Monday, May 23, 6 PM

South Side Library

YA for Adults Book Club (Central Library) Thursday, April 28, 6 PM – I’ll Be the One, by Lyla Lee Thursday, May 19, 6 PM – The Valley and the Flood, by Rebecca Mahoney

DMMO Book Club

North Side Library Tuesday, April 19, 1:30 PM – The Light of Luna Park, by Addison Armstrong

Wednesday, May 18, 6 PM | Zoom A special DMPL + Des Moines Metro Opera discussion on A Thousand Acres, by Jane Smiley

Tuesday, May 17, 1:30 PM

Spring at the DMPL Foundation Trivia Smackdown

Library Giving Day What it is: The Des Moines Public Library Foundation’s annual fundraiser! Teams compete to win great prizes while supporting the Foundation. When: 7-9 PM Friday, April 29. Doors open at 6:30 PM.

April 6 is National Library Giving Day! Your gift supports programming, new technology, and so much more for library users of all ages. You may give online at any time by visiting the foundation’s website at dmpl.org/foundation, or you can gift cash or checks.

Where: Noce Backstage, 1326 Walnut St. Cost: $200 for a team of up to six people. “Cheats” are $40 per set, with a maximum of three per team.

April 6, 2022

Love book

Register a team one of three ways: 1. Online, by going to dmpl.org/foundation 2. Phone, by calling 515-412-0180 3. Mail, by downloading an entry form at dmpl.org/foundation

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