engage April/May 2023
vol 4 • issue 2
CLASSES • ACTIVITIES • EVENTS
AViD IS BACK!
See bestselling authors for free this spring PAGE 3
Find info on 100+ FREE programs at the library inside!
kids
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 Teens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Adults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 AViD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ON THE COVER The 2023 Authors Visiting in Des Moines (AViD) series is underway. See page 3 for more details.
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
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
5000 Franklin Avenue
East Side Library 2559 Hubbell Avenue 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 1-5 PM Sunday
10 AM - 8 PM Monday-Thursday 10 AM - 6 PM Friday 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday
Pickup Window: 10 AM - 8 PM Monday-Thursday 10 AM - 6 PM Friday 10 AM- 5 PM Saturday 1-5 PM Sunday
reference@dmpl.org | 515.283.4152
Closings: All six locations of the Des Moines Public Library will be CLOSED on Sunday, April 9 for Easter, and Monday, May 29 for Memorial Day.
Book Clubs dmpl.org/book-clubs 2 engage • April/May 2023
Register at dmpl.org/events
2023 Authors Visiting in Des Moines (AViD) continues with four authors in April-May
R.F. Kuang On Thursday, April 13 at 7 PM, R.F. Kuang will speak at Central Library. Kuang is the award-winning, #1 New York Times best-selling author of the popular fantasy series, The Poppy War trilogy, and 2022’s Babel: An Arcane History, one of the year’s most acclaimed novels. Babel debuted at #1 on The New York Times bestseller list. It is set in an alternate 19th century where the professional work of language translation generates magic that fuels and perpetuates an imperialist empire. In a review, The New York Times Book Review said the book “has earned tremendous praise and deserves all of it.” Babel was named a top book of 2022 by Amazon, Kirkus Reviews, NPR, The Washington Post, and many others.
J. Ryan Stradal Best-selling author J. Ryan Stradal will appear at Central Library at 7 PM on Monday, May 1 to discuss his anticipated new novel, Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club, which will be released April 18. The book tells the story of a couple from two very different restaurant families in Minnesota and the legacy of love, tragedy, struggle, and hope that unites and divides them. It continues Stradal’s signature style of crafting uniquely Midwest characters and stories. Stradal is also the author of the 2019 bestseller, The Lager Queen of Minnesota, which was named one of the best books of the year by publications such as NPR, USA Today, Booklist, Paste and more.
Emily St. John Mandel Emily St. John Mandel, one of our most revered storytellers with novels spanning genres from post-apocalyptic to speculative fiction, will appear at Central Library at 7 PM on Wednesday, May 10. Her 2022 bestseller, Sea of Tranquility, dives into time travel, the simulation hypothesis, and love, and unfurls a story of humanity across centuries. Barack Obama included the novel on his list of favorite books of 2022, and a review in USA Today said the book was “transporting and brilliant and generous… I haven’t read anything
quite like it.” Her groundbreaking 2014 novel, Station Eleven, is a landmark of post-apocalyptic fiction, winning the prestigious Arthur C. Clarke Award. It was also a finalist for the National Book Award, the PEN/Faulkner Award, and many other accolades. Station Eleven was adapted into an award-winning HBO 10-part TV series of the same name, and was nominated for seven Primetime Emmy Awards.
Jack Carr Former U.S. Navy SEAL Jack Carr, the #1 New York Times best-selling author of tense military and political thrillers, will speak at Central Library at 7 PM on Wednesday, May 24. His debut novel, 2018’s The Terminal List, was adapted into the 2022 #1 Amazon Prime Video series starring Hollywood star Chris Pratt as Navy SEAL James Reece. Carr’s new novel, Only the Dead, will be released in May and continues the James Reece saga, as he is on a mission to take down a global conspiracy that seems ripped from modern headlines. The rest of the 2023 AViD lineup: • Paul Kix, 7 PM Tuesday, June 6 at Central Library • Taylor Harris, 7 PM Thursday, June 15 at Central Library
All AViD events are free. Seating is first-come, first-served. Books will be available for purchase, courtesy of our bookstore partner, Beaverdale Books.
Go to dmpl.org/avid for more information! April/May 2023 • engage 3
kids Movie Watch Party!
Crafty Readers: Juneteeth
Monday, April 3, 4 PM | Forest Avenue Library – Wall-E (G) Monday, May 1, 4 PM | Forest Avenue Library – Mulan (PG) Eat popcorn and take part in a craft while we watch a family-friendly movie.
Tuesday, April 18, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Dwana Bradley with Iowa Juneteenth will join us for a special Crafty Readers program. She will share a story, then participants will do a craft.
Family Dance Party
Art in the Library
Tuesday, April 4, 6 PM | Central Library Bring the whole family to read a book and dance our hearts out! Come dressed in your pajamas if you’d like and get the wiggles out before bedtime.
Wednesday, April 19, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Take part in a fun art activity at the library. April’s activity will be creating a 3-D hot air balloon. Ages 6-12. Registration required.
Science Wednesdays
Thursday, April 20, 6 PM | East Side Library Come play the library’s games like Ticket to Ride, Unstable Unicorns, Code Names, Ransome Notes, Phase 10, and more!
Wednesday, April 5, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Kids ages 6-12 can explore different aspects of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Registration required.
Little Explorers Friday, April 7 and May 5, 10 AM | Franklin Avenue Library Discover, learn, and play with different sensory activities. Please wear play clothes as some activities may be messy. Ages 0-5.
Saturday Sensory Play Saturday, April 8 and May 6, 10:30 AM | Central Library Children and caretakers will travel through stations exploring touch and feel, taste, and most importantly, play! Please come dressed for mess.
Blackout Poetry | Poesía Blackout Tuesday, April 11, 4 PM | Central Library April is National Poetry Month, and we’re celebrating with blackout poetry! Join us to learn about, practice, and share this style of poetry.
Amulet Party Friday, April 14, 4 PM | Forest Avenue Library Fans of the Amulet graphic novel series can create a wire-wrapped or beaded amulet and enjoy themed snacks in celebration of this beloved book series. Best for ages 8+.
ARL TheraPets Tuesday, April 18 and May 16, 4 PM | Central Library Friday, April 21, 3 PM | North Side Library Practice reading with and learn about an ARL TheraPet! Engaging with animals is a great way to boost confidence and reduce anxiety around learning to read. 4 engage • April/May 2023
Family Game Night
Mario Escape Room Thursday, April 20, 4 PM | South Side Library You’re trapped in Bowser’s Castle, and the only way to escape and win a prize is to follow the clues and complete the challenges! Ages 8-13.
Family STEM Challenge: Wicked Waterslides Thursday, April 20, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library The whole family can come to the library to design and build a mini waterslide using everyday materials.
EPIC Graphic Novel Book Club Thursday, April 20 and May 18, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library We will chat about a book and work on a fun activity or craft related to the book. Registration required.
Mario Kart Kraftz Friday, April 21, 1 PM | Forest Avenue Library Challenge each other to Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch, enjoy themed snacks, and decorate crafts based on this epic game.
How I Became a Pirate Sneak Preview Saturday, April 22, 10:30 AM | Franklin Avenue Library Visit the library for a special sneak preview of the Des Moines Community Playhouse production of How I Became a Pirate based on the hilarious story by Melinda Long. Enjoy the performance and enter to win free tickets to the play!
Register at dmpl.org/events
kids Dog Man Celebration
Manualidades: Melissa Hernandez
Monday, April 24, 2 PM | East Side Library Celebrate our favorite half-man, half-dog, crime-fighting hero with games, crafts, and other fabulous fun at our Dog Man party! We’ll talk about your favorite books in the series and celebrate the recent release of the newest installment, Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea!
Thursday, April 27, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library ¡Celebremos el Día del Niño con un encuentro y saludo! Marissa Hernández es una muralista / artista de Des Moines, Iowa. Su trabajo explora identidades marginadas utilizando la forma, el color y el retrato. Sus murales colocan BIPOC en mundos suaves, coloridos e idealistas que incluyen figuras sin rostro, para que cualquiera pueda proyectar su propia semejanza en una figura con la que más se identifique.
Nintendo Switch Party Monday, April 24, 2 PM | Franklin Avenue Library We will have games like Mario Kart 8 & Super Mario Bros. Ultimate. Feel free to bring your own Switch or share the library’s controllers.
Make a Bird Feeder | Comederos para pájaros y un cuento bilingüe
Tuesday, April 25, 4:30 PM | Central Library Join us at Central Library to create a design with perler beads. Then, we’ll iron your creation to make it permanent for you to take home!
Thursday, April 27, 4:30 PM and Saturday, May 13, 1:30 PM | East Side Library Assemble and paint your own bird feeder and start feeding the birds in your neighborhood! We’ll also have a bilingual story and poem about birds. Construye y pinta un comedero para pájaros y disfruta de un cuento y poema bilingüe. ¡Alimenta a los pájaros en tu vecindario!
Kids Pokémon Card Swap
Bike-A-Palooza
Thursday, April 27 and May 25, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Bring your friends and come to this monthly program with any cards you want to trade. Ages 7-18.
Tuesday, May 2, 4-7 PM | Central Library Kick off National Bike Month with family friendly fun! We’ll have a storytime with local author Rebecca Janni, a bike rodeo on the library lawn, and we’ll create some bicycle art. Additionally, our friends from DSM Street Collective will be on hand to talk about bike parts and how bikes work.
Perlerpalooza
¡DÍA DEL NIÑO!
AT DMPL
DAY OF THE CHILD!
Día del Niño Celebration! / ¡Celebración del Día del Niño! Saturday, April 29, 10 AM-12 PM | Union Park, Heritage Carousel of Des Moines (1801 Pennsylvania Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50316) Día is an international celebration of the joy found in early childhood and reading. This year, the Des Moines Public Library and its community partners are celebrating together! Join us at Union Park, and the Heritage Carousel of Des Moines for hands-on activities for the whole family, including literacy and STEM stations, piñatas, community resource tables, free carousel rides, and more! Día es una celebración internacional de la alegría que uno siente durante su niñez y primeras etapas de lectura. ¡Este año, Des Moines Public Library (la biblioteca) y sus socios comunitarios están celebrando juntos! ¡Acompáñennos en Union Park en el Carousel de Des Moines para actividades para toda la familia, incluyendo estaciones de alfabetización y STEM, piñatas, mesas de recursos comunitarios, paseo en carrusel y más!
April/May 2023 • engage 5
kids May the 4th Be With You: A Star Wars Party
Wildflower Seed Planting
Thursday, May 4, 4 PM | East Side Library Celebrate all things Star Wars! We’ll make origami Yoda and Darth Vader geared for beginners to paper folding – or try your hand at more complicated versions.
Tuesday, May 23, 4 PM | Central Library Join us at Central Library to decorate our own mini planters and plant wildflower seeds!
Juneteenth Family Storytime Thursday, May 4, 10:30 AM | North Side Library Thursday, May 4, 6:30 PM | East Side Library Thursday, May 18, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library Monday, May 22, 6:30 PM | South Side Library Join Dwana Bradley of Iowa Juneteenth for a series of special storytimes in advance of the holiday.
Trace and Paint a Masterpiece | Traza y Pinta los Clásicos Thursday, May 25, 4:30 PM | East Side Library Trace and paint the Classics of Kahlo, O’Keeffe, Van Gogh, Picasso, while enjoying a bilingual story. Traza y pinta los clásicos de Kahlo, O’Keefe, Van Gogh, Picasso y más. Disfruta de un cuento bilingüe, también.
Manualidades at Forest: Zumba Fitness with Mel
Dog Man Bingo Friday, May 5, 4 PM | Forest Avenue Library Join us for a round of everyone’s favorite game, BINGO! This time your BINGO card will be filled with characters from the Dog Man books by Dav Pilkey. Prizes will be awarded to the winners.
Bicycle Craft Night Thursday, May 11, 6 PM | East Side Library Celebrate National Bicycle Month by reusing old bike parts to create pieces of art.
Thursday, May 25, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library Melanie from Zumba Fitness with Mel will teach you some Zumba moves. Come ready to learn some cardio and Latin-inspired moves. No experience or dance skills are needed to join; just come dance and have fun. Melanie de Zumba Fitness with Mel te enseñará algunos movimientos de Zumba. Ven listo para aprender algunos movimientos cardiovasculares con música latina. No se necesita experiencia ni habilidades de baile para unirse; Solo ven a bailar y diviértete.
Narwhal and Jelly Waffle Party
Drop-In Perler Bead Art Thursday, May 18, 3-7 PM | East Side Library Create a work of art using perler beads. Staff will iron your creation for you to take home.
Friday, May 26, 4 PM | Forest Avenue Library Come to the Forest Avenue Library and paint a picture of the popular story friends Narwhal and Jellyfish using black glue and rainbow colors! We will enjoy frozen waffles just like our comic book friends.
Family Art Studio Thursday, May 18, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library The whole family can visit the library and take on our Family STEM Challenge. This month’s program involves building a bridge that is strong enough to hold 100 pennies. Bring your creativity and we will provide the materials.
Find even more free programs, from scavenger hunts to drop-in crafts and more, at dmpl.org/events!
Simple Steps to early literacy: read write sing play talk
STORYTIMEs Our DMPL Storytimes incorporate the five Simple Steps:
read write sing play talk These easy steps help prepare your child for learning success.
Find a List of Storytimes at:
dmpl.org/storytimes The Des Moines Public Library will be on storytime break May 8-12.
6 engage • April/May 2023
Register at dmpl.org/events
teens Level Up
School of Beats
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.
Friday, April 21, 4 PM | Forest Avenue Library All your friends will want you spinning at their parties! At this handson class we will learn the skills needed to become a DJ. We provide the equipment, you bring the creativity.
After-School Club Tuesdays, 4 PM | North Side Library Stop by after school to take part in the activity of the week each Tuesday. Play games, craft, and even potentially win some prizes.
VolunTeens
Tween & Teen Blackout Poetry Tuesday, April 25, 4 PM | South Side Library Celebrate National Poetry Month by learning about and sharing Blackout Poetry! We’ll provide the supplies, you bring your creativity!
Wednesday, April 5, 26 and May 3, 24, 4 PM | South Side Library Monday, April 10 and May 8, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Wednesday, April 12 and May 10, 4 PM | Central Library Thursday, April 20, 4 PM | East Side Library All students interested in volunteering at the library must submit a VolunTeens application and waiver before attending. Applications can be picked up at the library info desk.
The Art of Expression: Blackout Poetry
Bullet Journaling with Poetry
Intro to Dungeons & Dragons for Teens
Wednesday, April 26 and May 24, 5 PM | Franklin Avenue Library The Art of Expression is a monthly program for teens to learn and create different types of art in a relaxed atmosphere. In April, celebrate National Poetry Month by making blackout poetry and creating art based on poems. In May, learn to create zines, which are small, self-published handmade magazines or comics.
Thursday, April 6, 6:30 PM | East Side Library Bullet journaling is a way to bring creativity into your personal writing. Journaling helps relieve stress, set and track goals, and may even boost memory. Join us for a chance to start your own journal with poetry prompts for inspiration examples of adding style to blank pages. Registration required.
Thursday, April 27, 6 PM | East Side Library Join us for an introduction to D&D basics. Dungeons & Dragons is a role-playing game set in worlds of swords and sorcery where players use their imaginations to create characters and tell a story together. Drop-ins welcome. Snacks provided.
Manga Design with Procreate
Thursday, April 27 and May 25, 4 PM | Central Library Nerd out with people who love manga and anime during this monthly meetup. We’ll get together and discuss all things anime and manga, do crafts, play games, watch anime, and more!
Monday, April 10, 6 PM | Forest Avenue Library Are you interested in drawing your favorite manga characters or creating your own? We will use Procreate on iPads to create colorful designs.
Anime/Manga Meetup Wednesday, April 12, 4 PM | South Side Library Join us to discuss all things Anime and Manga! This week, teens can draw and make their own customizable stickers to take home.
Open Slay Dungeons & Dragons Sunday, April 16 and May 21, 2-4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Prepare for adventure! Open Slay Dungeons & Dragons is for teens and tweens who know how to play D&D and are ready to take on a campaign! All gaming supplies and characters will be provided by The Rook Room. Space is limited. Registration required.
Anime Manga Meetup
Teen Summer Fest Tuesday, May 23, 4 PM | North Side Library School’s almost out for Summer! Tweens and teens can celebrate at the North Side Library with snacks, games, crafts, and more!
VolunTeens: Summer Orientation Wednesday, May 24, or Tuesday, May 30, 4 PM | South Side Library Thursday, May 25, 6:30 PM | East Side Library Do you want to volunteer at the library this summer? Come to an orientation to find out how you can help out and what is required for Summer Reading. Orientations are branch-specific, so please attend the orientation for the branch you wish to volunteer at.
Traveling Artist Camp Wednesday, April 19 and May 17, 4 PM | Forest Avenue Library Join us every month at the Forest Avenue Library as we learn about art from around the world and complete a craft related to what we’ve learned. April’s activities will be European relief prints, and May’s will be Suminagashi paper. April/May 2023 • engage 7
adults AARP Tax Preparation Assistance
Programa de empoderamiento financiero
Saturdays and Wednesdays through April 12, 10:30 AM-3 PM | East Side Library AARP volunteers will be at the library to assist the public with their taxes. Appointments can be made by calling 888-227-7669 or 515-6351471. Walk-ins will be accommodated as staffing allows.
Tuesday, April 4, 6 PM | Forest Avenue Library Forest Avenue Library le invita a tomar las riendas de su seguridad financiera. En 5 clases con duración de una hora podrá aprender los conceptos básicos que necesita para salir adelante financieramente. Podrás aprender sobre: Elaborar un presupuesto de acuerdo con sus necesidades; Revisar y entender su informe de crédito y puntaje de crédito; Proceso de precalificación de un préstamo y opciones de préstamos hipotecarios
Sit n’ Stitch Saturday, April 1 and May 6, 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. Pleasant company is provided to share ideas and inspiration!
Game Day @ Central Sunday, April 2, 1:30-4:30 PM | Central Library Come out to the Central Library, try out some new board games and make some new friends. A selection of table top games will be provided for use in the library. Feel free to bring beverages, snacks, and your own games from home. This event is co-sponsored by The Rook Room.
Technology Basics Monday, April 3 and May 1, 3 PM | North Side Library Stop by our new monthly educational program to help you with your digital use.
The Outreach Project Mondays and Fridays, 1-3 PM | Central Library Community advocates will provide information about community resources like meal sites and shelters. They may also offer support and referrals for matters like scheduling a medical or mental health appointment or applying for an ID. No appointments are needed and no registration is required.
Writers’ Workshop Monday, April 3 and May 1, 5 PM | Central Library Share samples of work and receive feedback from other writers in the group. Email your submission to Julia at jmdunt@dmpl.org by 12 PM the Tuesday before the program. Please include your name on the file and at the top of the submitted document.
8 engage • April/May 2023
Trees as Herbs Tuesday, April 4, 6:30 PM | East Side Library Monday, May 1, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Saturday, May 20, 10:30 AM | Central Library Join The Brenton Arboretum’s Executive Director, Melissa Burdick, for a one hour informational program. Melissa will share the many benefits of trees and how they can be used in a variety of ways to benefit your life.
Q&A about Medicare Scams/ Preguntas de Fraude de Medicare Tuesday, April 4, 7 PM | Forest Avenue Library Senior Medicare Patrol, or SMPs, help Medicare beneficiaries prevent, detect and report Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse. Join Marlú Abarca from the Iowa Insurance Division to learn more about common Medicare scams and how to help those who have been affected. Senior Medicare Patrol, o SMP (por sus siglas en inglés) ayudan a beneficiarios a prevenir, detectar, y reportar fraude, errores, y abuso de Medicare. Acompañen a Marlú Abarca de La División de Seguro de Iowa (Iowa Insurance Division) para aprender más sobre fraudes comunes de Medicare y cómo pueden ayudar a quienes han sido afectados.
Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K. Davis Center Wednesdays, 10 AM-1 PM | North Side Library Wednesdays, 10 AM-2 PM | South Side Library Staff from the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families are ready to provide one-on-one job search assistance to job seekers. A career coach can guide you through resume building, applying for jobs, referrals to employers and other resources. Walk-ins welcome.
Register at dmpl.org/events
adults DMPL & Dragons: Introduction to Dungeons & Dragons: Session One Wednesday, April 5, 12, & 19, 5:30 PM | Central Library Dungeons & Dragons is a role-playing game where players use their imaginations to create an adventure together. Join us as we learn the basics of how to get started and play. We will learn everything from character creation, to combat, to the basics of storytelling, and more.
Save4Later: Learn the Basics of Financial Wellness with Iowa Insurance Division
A Sustainable Garden for Climate Change Tuesday, April 11, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library Design your flower bed, vegetable garden, or landscape to withstand extremes from wind, temperature, and moisture. Learn short- and longer-term strategies for your lawn and garden from Polk County Master Gardener Nancy Eichmann.
Buy. Eat. Live Healthy.
Wednesday, April 5, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library Join the library and Iowa Insurance Division to talk about budgeting, insurance, and debt reduction.
Wednesdays, April 12-May 31, 1:30 PM | North Side Library Learn how to make easy and low-cost recipes with ISU Extension in this 8-week class where we’ll get hands-on in the kitchen. You’ll discuss how to save money by wasting less food, save time at the store and in the kitchen, and help picky eaters try new foods.
English Practice
Polk County Conservation Presents: Yard Bugs
Thursdays, 3:30 PM | North Side Library Want to read, write, and speak better? Meet at the North Side Library on Thursdays at 3:30 PM for free help with English. We will practice together.
Wednesday, April 12, 6:30 PM | South Side Library Join Heidi Anderson from Polk County Conservation to learn about the wonderful world of insects in your yard.
AViD presents R.F. Kuang
Manualidades para adultos | Adult Crafting Club Thursday, April 6 and May 2, 3:30 PM | Central Library Do you love to craft? Bring your current project and make some progress around other crafters! Enjoy light refreshments and a friendly atmosphere.
Thursday, April 13, 7 PM | Central Library See the best-selling author of Babel and The Poppy War trilogy as part of the library’s Authors Visiting in Des Moines (AViD) series.
Trees and Bees Thursday, April 6, 6:30 PM | North Side Library Saturday, May 6, 2 PM | South Side Library Wednesday, May 10, 6:30 PM | East Side Library In addition to flowering annuals and perennials, trees also play an important role in supporting honeybees and other native pollinators. Melissa Burdick, Executive Director of The Brenton Arboretum, will review a broad selection of trees that bees love and are beautifully suited to Midwest landscapes.
Watercolor Techniques
Native Gardening Enthusiast Meet-Up Thursday, April 13 and May 11, 5:30 PM | North Side Library This meet-up is for anyone looking to connect with other people interested in biodiverse gardens. The focus is on native plants which foster and nourish wildlife. Come to learn and to share your favorite gardening tips, design ideas, seeds, plants, garden pictures and more!
Monday, April 10, 6 PM | East Side Library Beginning and returning artists are invited to develop or improve their watercolor techniques while adding magic to their paintings! Basic materials such paints, brushes, and paper provided. Attendees are welcome to bring their own materials. Registration required.
Puzzle Exchange
Personal Finance Basics
Illustrations with Laura Palmer
Monday, April 10, 6:30 PM | Central Library Sonya M. Sellmeyer, Consumer Advocate with the Iowa Insurance Division, will discuss the importance of creating a budget, and setting financial goals. You’ll also learn about the importance of your credit score and how to improve it.
Saturday, April 15, 10:30 AM | East Side Library Have you ever wondered what goes into creating a large illustration or mural? Laura Palmer, local Illustrator and artist, will show us how she creates her pieces.
Effective Communication Strategies for Alzheimer’s
Monday, April 17 and May 15, 6 PM | Central Library Join artist and library staff member Fueche Vang for an educational art series. During April’s program, you’ll study and draw in the style of Japanese anime artist Hayao Miyazaki. In May, we will talk about drawing portraits, including perspective, lighting, and more. Registration required.
Tuesday, April 11, 2 PM | South Side Library This program for caregivers explains the communication changes that take place throughout the course of Alzheimer’s disease, how to decode and respond to the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia, and strategies to connect and communicate at each stage of the disease.
Saturday, April 15, 2 PM | South Side Library Exchange your beloved puzzles for ones that are new to you. It’s a great way to find new puzzles without buying and to discuss puzzles with other enthusiasts!
Art 101
April/May 2023 • engage 9
adults Franklin Cinema Club
A History of Juneteenth in Iowa
Monday, April 17 and Monday, May 15, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Discuss noteworthy films at the Franklin Cinema Club. Participants view the selected film prior to attending the discussion. Titles are available through Kanopy (the library’s free streaming service) and our DVD collection. April’s movie is Stalag 17, May’s movie is Detour.
Monday, April 24, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Join the Franklin Avenue Library and Iowa Juneteenth for an evening to celebrate Juneteenth here in Iowa. Together with Dwana Bradley, General Chairperson of Iowa Juneteenth, we will explore the history of Juneteenth, how we celebrate in Des Moines, and what is being planned for the future.
Iowa History 101
Why Privacy at the Library?
Tuesday, April 18 and May 16, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library Join the Forest Avenue Library for a film presentation from the State Historical Society of Iowa. In April, Mila Kaut, Northwestern University Ph.D. student and co-organizer of the Iowa Colored Conventions Project, will talk about the history of black activism in Iowa. In May, Edward E. Curtis IV, professor and Arab American author, discusses the history of Syrian Muslim settlement in Iowa before World War I.
Tuesday, April 25, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library We’ll talk about why privacy matters, some things library workers have done to defend it, and discuss its limitations.
Recycling Q&A with Des Moines Public Works
Author Spotlight: M. Chris Fabricant
Wednesday, April 19, 5:30 PM | South Side Library Join us to learn the ins and outs of how City of Des Moines takes care of our recycling and learn how you can be a better recycler.
Saturday, April 29, 12:30 PM | Central Library Join the Des Moines Public Library and Beaverdale Books for an afternoon with author and Innocence Project attorney, M. Chris Fabricant. Fabricant is the author of Junk Science and the American Criminal Justice System, which he’ll discuss along with his work with the Innocence Project.
Pamphlet Stitch Poem Book Wednesday, April 19, 6 PM | Forest Avenue Library Celebrate Poetry Month with a fun craft. We’ll stitch up a simple pamphlet stitch book and fill it with a poem, with old library books available to illustrate or collage the pages. You can also bring your own crafting materials.
DMPL & Dragons Thursday, April 20 and May 18, 5:30 PM | Central Library Dungeons & Dragons is a role-playing game set in worlds of swords and sorcery. This adventuring group meets on the third Thursday of each month to play through an ongoing campaign. Please contact Dennis at djcooper@dmpl.org or 515-283-4152 to learn more. Registration required.
Watercolor with Lisa Christensen Thursday, April 27, 5:30 PM | South Side Library Join us for a calm evening of watercolors with Lisa Christensen. Registration required.
Crucial Conversations Saturday, April 29, 1 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Crucial Conversations is designed to help parents and caregivers talk effectively with their children about sexual and reproductive health. During this program, we’ll discuss how adults can teach consent and healthy relationships at any age, empowering children to create boundaries around their bodies.
AViD presents J. Ryan Stradal Monday, May 1, 7 PM | Central Library See the best-selling author of The Lager Queen of Minnesota and Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club as part of the library’s Authors Visiting in Des Moines (AViD) series.
Drop In Computer Help Friday, April 21 and May 12, 3-5 PM | East Side Library It’s never too late to feel comfortable with a computer. Staff will answer your questions aboutcomputer basics like using a mouse, typing, email, document creation, and more.
Plant-Based 101 + Cooking Demo Saturday, April 22, 10:30 AM | North Side Library Robin Coarts, local author and co-founder of plant-based food resource website Plant-Based Point, is excited to take the mystery out of eating vegan/plant-based foods. She’ll demonstrate some recipes, hand out some helpful tips, and provide samples for everyone to try.
How to Ride DART Monday, April 24, 6:30 PM | Central Library Wednesday, May 3, 6:30 PM | South Side Library Tuesday, May 30, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library DART staff will lead a training to help individuals learn to ride the bus in Greater Des Moines, as well provide updates on new programs and services. Training will demonstrate how to plan a trip, read maps and schedules, recognize bus stops, pay fares, practice rider safety, and more. 10 engage • April/May 2023
May Day Paper Flowers Monday, May 1, 6 PM | East Side Library Join Library Assistant Ben Hatcher for a papercraft program inspired by our favorite esoteric holiday, May Basket Day! We’ll be trimming, folding and gluing pre-cut paper flower patterns to assemble beautiful flowers and bouquets. All materials are included in this Take & Make.
Book Binding: Stab Binding Tuesday, May 2, 1 PM | Forest Avenue Library Try your hand at stab binding, which has a traditional history in Japan, China, and Korea. It’s a convenient way of binding loose papers and can be adapted with materials you may have at home. In this program, each person will design and bind their own book.
Register at dmpl.org/events
adults Generation Rx Saturday, May 6, 1 PM | East Side Library Join us for a presentation from a Prevention Specialist on Generation RX. This presentation is a nationwide educational initiative to promote safe medication practices to prevent the misuse of prescription drugs.
An Introduction to Creative Collage Saturday, May 6, 2 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Join us for an afternoon of creative exploration through the medium of collage. Using cutouts from vintage magazines, books, and other paper sources, you can make greeting cards, bookmarks, or a larger piece of collage artwork to hang on your wall. No experience is necessary; all materials provided. Registration required.
Social Security & Retirement Basics Monday, May 8 and May 22, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Learn the basics of social security and retirement planning, including: factors to consider when determining what age to file for Social Security; ways to avoid higher taxation of your Social Security benefits; retirement threats and how to avoid them; and more.
Dementia Conversations Tuesday, May 9, 2 PM | South Side Library This workshop offers tips on how to have honest and caring conversations with family members about the challenging and uncomfortable topics of going to the doctor, deciding when to stop driving, and making legal and financial plans.
Lawyers in Libraries: Meeting in the Need of Older Adults Tuesday, May 23, 2 PM | East Side Library Thursday, May 25, 2 PM | South Side Library Join us for our Lawyers in Libraries program focused on financial power of attorney, health care power of attorney, living wills, and the Final Disposition Act. Lawyers in Libraries is a joint effort with several local legal organizations to help provide free legal information to Iowans across the state.
Build Your Firewall: Protecting Your Information Online Tuesday, May 23, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library When people make money by knowing everything you do online, how do you keep your private information private? We’ll talk about common concerns like scams, ads, and passwords. Then, we’ll do an exercise to help you judge your own risks and focus on protecting what matters most to you.
Intro to Healing Crystals Wednesday, May 24, 6:30 PM | East Side Library Join us for an introductory crystals course as we discuss how crystals can be used as a tool for positivity in your life! The Clear Co. owner, Hannah, will share how crystals can help you raise your vibration, acknowledge your power as an individual, and become crystal clear on your purpose.
AViD presents Jack Carr
AViD presents Emily St. John Mandel Wednesday, May 10, 7 PM | Central Library See the best-selling author of Station Eleven and Sea of Tranquility as part of the library’s Authors Visiting in Des Moines (AViD) series.
Birding Basics with the Des Moines Audubon Society Wednesday, May 17, 6 PM | South Side Library These beautiful, feathered creatures are all around us! Join Des Moines Audubon Society to learn birdwatching, who might be visiting your yard, bird feeding, and more!
Wastewater Management: What is it? Why is it Important? Tuesday, May 23, 2 PM | South Side Library Learn how wastewater was historically treated, information about the Clean Water Act, how clean water is important to healthy communities, and how the Des Moines Wastewater Reclamation Authority does its part to keep water in our state clean. Local Wastewater Training Specialist Tim Runde will present.
Wednesday, May 24, 7 PM | Central Library See the best-selling author of The Terminal List and Only the Dead as part of the library’s Authors Visiting in Des Moines (AViD) series.
Nancy Drew’s Hunt a Killer: Mystery at Magnolia Gardens Saturday, May 27, 2 PM | South Side Library Players channel their inner detective to investigate the mystery of Magnolia Gardens as part of a Nancy Drew-themed game. Uncover the motives of each suspect through ciphers, clues, and puzzles that progress the story to its thrilling conclusion.
Paper Marbling Tuesday, May 30, 1 PM | Forest Avenue Library Wednesday, May 31, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library Come to the library for art with a little bit of science! We’ll prepare paper for color, float paint on water, and take home bright, unique designs.
Looking to join a book club? Go to dmpl.org/book-clubs to see upcoming events at the library. April/May 2023 • engage 11