engage April/May 2024

See the world’s most popular author

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

Central Library

1000 Grand Avenue

9 AM - 8 PM Monday-Thursday

9 AM - 6 PM Friday

10 AM - 5 PM Saturday

12 - 4 PM Sunday

Pickup Window:

9 AM - 7 PM Monday-Thursday

9 AM - 6 PM Friday

10 AM - 5 PM Saturday

East Side Library

2559 Hubbell Avenue

10 AM - 8 PM Monday-Thursday

10 AM - 6 PM Friday

10 AM - 5 PM Saturday

Forest Avenue Library

1326 Forest Avenue

10 AM - 8 PM Monday-Thursday

10 AM - 6 PM Friday

10 AM - 5 PM Saturday

Franklin Avenue Library

5000 Franklin Avenue

9 AM- 8 PM Monday-Thursday

9 AM - 6 PM Friday

10 AM - 5 PM Saturday

12 - 4 PM Sunday

Pickup Window:

10 AM - 8 PM Monday-Thursday

10 AM - 6 PM Friday

10 AM - 5 PM Saturday

North Side Library

3516 Fifth Avenue

10 AM - 8 PM Monday-Thursday

10 AM - 6 PM Friday

10 AM - 5 PM Saturday

South Side Library

1111 Porter Avenue

10 AM - 8 PM Monday-Thursday

10 AM - 6 PM Friday

10 AM - 5 PM Saturday

See James Patterson, Joyce Carol Oates and more this spring at AViD!

The Des Moines Public Library’s 2024 Authors Visiting in Des Moines (AViD) series kicked off in March with Kaveh Akbar, and continues this spring with some of the most acclaimed writers in America.

AViD is a free event. Doors open at 5 PM for James Patterson and at 6 PM for the events at the Central Library. Books will be for sale at each event, and authors will take part in a free book signing* after each event. More information, including information on parking, is available at dmpl.org/avid.

*James Patterson will only be signing copies of his new book, The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians.

AViD Presents: James Patterson

Wednesday, April 10, 7 PM | Scottish Rite Consistory, 519 Park St.

With more than 425 million books sold, James Patterson is the most popular storyteller in modern history. His new nonfiction book, The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians, tells the stories of the “detectives” and “treasure hunters” who can’t wait to help you find your next favorite book.

AViD Presents: Gregg Hurwitz & Nick Petrie

Thursday, May 2, 7 PM | Central Library

Two of the country’s most popular action writers will swap stories during this special AViD event. Gregg Hurwitz is the author of the Orphan X series, which follows Evan Smoak, a black book government assassin. Nick Petrie writes the Peter Ash series, about a mystery-solving war veteran with PTSD.

AViD Presents: Joyce Carol Oates

Thursday, May 30, 7 PM | Central Library

Joyce Carol Oates is one of the most revered writers in American history. Oates has published 58 novels, a number of plays and novellas, and many volumes of short stories, poetry, and non-fiction. Her 1969 novel them won the National Book Award, and she is a five-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.

AViD Presents: Jasmine Guillory

Thursday, June 13, 7 PM | Central Library

Dubbed “the undisputed queen of the modern-day romance (Vogue),” Jasmine Guillory is the beloved New York Times-bestselling author of The Wedding Date, The Proposal, and more. She is also a regular on The Today Show, and travels the country to speak about the importance of writing about Black heroines and breaking literary stereotypes.

kids

Movie Watch Party

Monday, April 1, 4 PM | Forest Avenue Library – The Lorax (PG)

Monday, May 6, 4 PM | Forest Avenue Library – The Mitchells vs. The Machines (PG)

Eat popcorn and take part in a fun activity while you watch a movie!

Science Wednesdays: Wind-Powered Car

Wednesday, April 3, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Visit the library and create a mini car powered by wind. Science Wednesdays is a chance for kids age 6-12 to explore different aspects of STEM. Registration required.

NEW STORYTIME:

Little Artists Storytime!

Thursdays, 6-7 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Come meet Forest’s new youth librarian, Miss Emily, at her new weekly storytime! Each program will feature a picture book story, plus a fun art craft. This program is designed for 6-11 year olds, but all are welcome!

Poetry Walk

Thursday, April 4, 4 PM | East Side Library

With clipboards and notepads in hand, we will take a walk around the Library and Easttown Park, noting what we see, hear, smell, and touch. While on our walk, we’ll hear some poetry and learn more about the plants and animals in our neighborhood with help from Des Moines Parks & Recreation.

Kids Craft Day

Saturday, April 6 and May 4 | South Side Library

Stop by the children’s area for a day of crafts and activities. For ages 5-12.

All Things Weather

Saturday, April 6 | Franklin Avenue Library

Spring is here and the weather outside is delightful! Bring the family and enjoy activities, crafts, and a scavenger hunt related to the weather in the children’s area.

Fun with Folktales Take-and-Make Bags

Monday, April 8 and May 13 | South Side Library

Pick up a folktales-themed take-and-make bag each month that contains a folktale, an activity, and suggestions for great books to read after you finish.

Pokémon Bingo

Tuesday, April 9, 4 PM | South Side Library

Can you catch them all in a row to win a prize? Whether you are an expert level trainer or a Pokémon novice, this game will be fun for the whole family.

Blank Park Zoo Presents: Amazing Adaptations

Wednesday, April 10, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

A special guest from the Blank Park Zoo will visit with several animal friends! Learn what animals need to survive in nature and how their adaptations help them along the way.

What Do You Do with An Idea? Activity and Ticket Giveaway!

The beloved book by Kobi Yamada inspires kids to welcome new ideas, let them grow, and see what happens! Join us for a story and activity plus a special ticket giveaway to see the story come to life on the stage April 20 at the Des Moines Civic Center!

Monday, April 1, 10 AM: East Side Library

Thursday, April 4, 4 PM: Central Library

Thursday, April 4, 6 PM: Forest Avenue Library

Monday, April 8, 6:30 PM: South Side Library

Tuesday, April 9, 4 PM: Franklin Avenue Library

Thursday, April 11, 10:30 AM: North Side Library

¡DÍA DEL NIÑO!

Drop-In: Book Spine Poetry

Thursday, April 11, 5-7 PM | East Side Library

AT DMPL

DAY OF THE CHILD!

Día del Niño Celebration! /¡Celebración del Día del Niño!

Saturday, April 27, 10 AM-12 PM | Union Park, 1801 Pennsylvania Ave.

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 for hands-on activities for the whole family.

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 para actividades para toda la familia!

Celebrate National Poetry Month with this fun, family-friendly craft! This creative and accessible activity invites participants of all ages to explore the magic of words found on the spines of books.

Family STEM Challenge: Pom Pom Launchers

Saturday, April 13, 10 AM-12 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

The whole family can visit the library and take on our Family STEM Challenge. This month we will have supplies available to create pom pom launchers.

Tippi Toes Dance Class

Saturday, April 13 and May 25, 10:30 AM | Central Library

This high energy dance class is the perfect opportunity for kids to try something new while having a blast and burning some energy! For kids ages 2-10.

Reading Buddies with ARL TheraPets

Tuesday, April 16 and May 21, 4 PM | Central Library

Thursday, May 9, 4 PM | South Side Library

Wednesday, May 29, 5 PM | North Side Library

Practice reading with an ARL TheraPet! Engaging with animals is a great way to boost confidence and reduce anxiety around learning to read.

Sensory Play Hour

Tuesday, April 16 and May 21, 4 PM | South Side Library

From cool textures to fun activities, kids can have a great time learning and exploring their senses while doing what they do best: playing!

Epic Graphic Novel Book Club

Thursday, April 18 and May 16, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Graphic novel fans can join us for a fun book club! We will chat about the book and work on a fun activity or craft related to the book! Registration required.

STEAM Cart Challenge

Thursday, April 18 and May 16, 6:30 PM | East Side Library

Learn more about science, technology, engineering, art, and math with our STEAM Cart activities. Each monthly activity is open for all skill levels, though it is meant for elementary school children. The STEAM Cart is provided by a grant from the Iowa Stem Council and TeacherGeek. Registration required.

Puzzle and Game Café

Saturday, April 20 and May 25, 11 AM-1PM | South Side Library

Love playing board games or putting together puzzles? Stop by the library to play a selection of provided board games and puzzles! Snacks will be provided. Ages 8+.

Art in the Library

Wednesday, April 24, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Create a dramatic city skyline using our oil pastels or chalk. Art in the Library is for children ages 6-12. Registration required

Kids Pokémon Card Swap

Thursday, April 25 and May 30, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Bring your friends and come to this monthly program with any cards you want to trade. For ages 7-18.

kids

Bee a Friend to Pollinators

Thursday, April 25, 5:30 PM | East Side Library

Learn about bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in our neighborhood and how we can help them thrive. Every participant will be able to make a bee hotel to take home and put in your own yard! Registration required.

Exploring Mayan Ruins

Thursday, April 25, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Explore Mayan ruins on the Yucatan Peninsula in southern Mexico as we interact with recorded footage of ruins and hear from a special guest who will talk about their experiences as a native person of that region.

Ven a Forest para explorar las ruinas Mayas en la península de Yucatán en el sur de México. Interactuaremos con imágenes y videos grabados de múltiples ruinas mayas. Tendremos un invitado especial que hablara de su experiencia como nativo de esa zona.

Superhero Day

Friday, April 26, 10 AM-4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

It’s a bird...It’s a plane...It’s Superhero Day! Join us for a day of activities, crafts and a scavenger hunt in the children’s area.

PAWS and Read with Therapy Dogs

Saturday, April 27, 10:30 AM | East Side Library

Join us for PAWS & Read with therapy dogs from Dog Training Elite. Reading to trained therapy pets can help build self-esteem, offers children a non-judgmental audience to build skills and confidence, and kids get to practice reading out loud.

Drop-In: Poem in Your Pocket Day

Monday, April 29, 3-7 PM | East Side Library

Drop by the library and immerse yourself in the beauty of poetry. Poem in Your Pocket Day is a celebration of poetry and creativity. Stop by and pick out a poem for yourself or create a new poem to take home in your pocket.

Grassy Head Cups

Thursday, May 2, 6 PM | East Side Library

Unleash your creativity and cultivate your own mini garden masterpiece with a silly face! You will also receive a tracking journal to keep track of how much your grass grows. Registration required.

Star Wars Day: May the 4th be With You

Saturday, May 4 | Franklin Avenue Library

Celebrate everything Star Wars! Bring the family and join us for crafts, activities and a scavenger hunt in the children’s area. Costumes are welcome!

Ivy + Bean the Musical Sneak Preview

Saturday, May 4, 10:30 AM | Franklin Avenue Library

See a special sneak preview of the Des Moines Community Playhouse production of Ivy + Bean the Musical, based on the series by Annie Barrows. Enjoy the performance and enter to win free tickets to the play!

Plant, Grow, Fly!

Thursday, May 9, 5:30 PM | East Side Library

Learn about butterflies and plants with the library and Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. Each child will get to decorate a flower pot and receive a plant to take home. Registration required.

Bike Helmet Safety & Decoration

Thursday, May 30, 5:30 PM | East Side Library

Children will learn basic bicycle safety and be properly fitted for a helmet, then can use our craft supplies to decorate their bicycle helmet. New helmets provided by Safe Kids Iowa and Safe Kids Greater Des Moines, a local coalition led by Blank Children’s Hospital. Registration required.

DIY Mother’s Day Cards

Thursday, May 30 | East Side Library

Create your own Mother’s Day card! All materials will be provided. Just bring your imagination and all your love for mom or grandma!

teens

After-School Club

Tuesdays through May 21 | North Side Library

Tweens and teens ages 10-18 can join us after school on Tuesdays for some fun. Each week features a craft, game, or activity.

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.

Drop-In Wednesday Fun

Wednesdays through May 22, 2-7 PM | North Side Library

Stop by the library every Wednesday to enjoy a craft or STEM activity.

VolunTeens

Wednesday, April 3, 17 and May 1, 15, 4 PM | South Side Library

Monday, April 8 and May 13, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Wednesday, April 10, 4 PM | Central Library

Students ages 12-18 can sign up to perform various tasks during our VolunTeens program! This is a great way to earn volunteer hours. All students must submit a VolunTeens application and waiver and have it signed by a parent/ guardian before attending. Applications can be picked up at library information desks.

Game On!

Tuesday, April 9 and May 14, 4:30 PM | Central Library

Tweens and teens can enjoy snacks and play games with friends! We’ll have different board games and card games set up every month.

The Art of Expression

Wednesday, April 17, 5 PM | Franklin Avenue Library – Earth Day Sculptures

Wednesday, May 22, 5 PM | Franklin Avenue Library – Mandala Scratch Art

The Art of Expression is a monthly program for teens to learn and create different types of art in a relaxed atmosphere. For grades 6-12. Registration required.

Open Art Hour

Tech Take-Apart

Wednesday, April 24, 4 PM | Central Library

If you’ve ever wondered what’s inside old electronics, now’s your chance to find out! Join us to open up a used piece of tech and see what’s inside, then use the parts to make a piece of art you can take home. Registration required.

Thursday, April 25, 4 PM | South Side Library

From paints to beads to drawing and more, you can explore ways to make art as unique as you!

Nintendo Switch Party

Friday, April 26, 3 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Wednesday, May 15, 5:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Join us for a Nintendo Switch Party! 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.

K-pop Meet Up

Tuesday, April 30, 5 PM | Central Library

Do you like all things K-pop? Come to the Central Library every month to meet and hang out with other fans! Invite your friends and be sure to bring your photocards to trade. We’ll enjoy snacks and activities and listen to music.

Anime Bingo

Thursday, May 16, 4 PM | South Side Library

Get your favorite anime characters all in a row to win a prize and meet others who love to watch and talk about anime, too. For ages 8-18.

adults

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.

Writers’ Workshop 2024

Monday, April 1 and May 6, 5:30 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. No registration required.

Glimpses of Iowa’s Capitol: Its History, Art, Architecture, and Restoration

Monday, April 1, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Join former state restoration painter Rosa Snyder as she shares untold stories and reveals hidden treasures of Iowa’s most recognized landmark. Several aspects of recent restoration will be explained in detail, and the audience will see before-and-after photos as well as photos of areas not seen by visitors.

Beyond Birth: Baby’s First Year

Tuesdays, 9 AM | Central Library

Beyond Birth: Baby’s First Year is a free weekly postpartum support group for parents and their new babies. Each week will feature a guest presenter on a variety of postpartum topics, plus plenty of time to meet other new parents.

Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K. Davis Center

Wednesdays, 10 AM-12 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 and resume 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.

AARP Tax Preparation Assistance

Wednesdays and Saturdays through April 13, 10 AM-3:30 PM | East Side Library

AARP volunteers will be at the library to assist the public with their taxes. Appointments can be made by calling 515-635-1471. Walk-ins will be accommodated as staffing allows.

Glowforge Training

Thursdays, 3 PM | Central Library

Learn how to use the Glowforge Plus Laser Engraver at Tech Central! After this program, you will be fully qualified to book and use the Glowforge on your own. Registration required.

Mushroom Foraging

Thursday, April 4, 6:30 PM | South Side Library

Monday, April 15, 6:30 PM | East Side Library

Learn all about mushroom foraging, including how to identify mushrooms and how you can forage safely and responsibly. Get ready to develop a new appreciation for the spectacular spore-bearing members of our ecosystem! The program is presented by Gina Buelow with the ISU Extension Office.

Snippets: A Writers’ Workshop for Short Works

Friday, April 5 and May 10, 10 AM | Central Library

This group will read works aloud and discuss them. Please email your submissions to Julia at jmdunt@dmpl.org if you would like them printed out. Seating is limited. Registration required.

Photo ©Jessica Bolser/USFWS

Internet Basics

Friday, April 5 and May 3, 3 PM | East Side Library

Participants will be introduced to basic terminology, functionality, and navigation of internet browsers, search engines and websites. Registration required

Sit n’ Stitch/Crafternoon

Saturday, April 6 and May 4, 1:30-3:30 PM | North Side Library

Saturday, April 6 and May 4, 2-3 PM | South 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!

DMPL & Dragons

Sunday, April 7 and May 5, 12:30 PM | Central Library

Thursday, April 18 and May 16, 5:30 PM | Central Library

Dungeons & Dragons is a role-playing game set in worlds of swords and sorcery where players use their imaginations to tell a story and create an adventure together. New players are welcome! Create a new character ahead of time to bring with you or use one of our pregenerated characters. Registration required.

Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research

Tuesday, April 9, 2 PM | South Side Library

Learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity, and social engagement while using hands-on tools to help incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.

Mindfulness Meditation

Wednesday, April 10 & 24 and May 8 & 22, 1:30 PM | Central Library

Learn about mindfulness meditation and take part in a session led by certified teacher Erin Husmann, a Health Care Navigator at Primary Health Care. Erin will answer questions about meditation afterward.

Pride and Prejudice Escape Room:

The Flight of Lydia Bennet

Thursday, April 11 | Session 1: 5:15 PM; Session 2: 6:30 PM

Lydia Bennet has run away with the cowardly Mr. Wickham. Mr. Darcy humbly requests your help in finding them and saving the Bennets’ reputation from ruin. Can you discover the pair before they escape to Scotland? Dressing for the occasion encouraged. Registration required

Free Friday Flicks at Franklin

• Friday, April 12, 1:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library – Aftersun (R, 2022)

• Friday, May 10, 1:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library – Everything

Everywhere All at Once (R)

Free Friday Flicks at Franklin is an ongoing film series typically held on the second Friday of the month.

Gardening with Native Plants Meet-Up

Thursday, April 11 & May 9, 5:30-7 PM | North Side Library

Connect with others interested in environmentally friendly gardens. The focus is on native plants that foster and nourish wildlife. Come to learn and to share your favorite gardening tips, design ideas, seeds, plants, and more!

Seed and Plant Exchange

Saturday, April 20, 2 PM | South Side Library

Bring your extra seeds or plants to exchange with other gardening enthusiasts. If you’re a beginner and don’t have seeds or plants to share, this is a good place to get started.

Seed Swap and Spring Gardening Workshop

Saturday, April 27, 12:30-4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Meet local gardeners while learning how to use your gardening space wisely, prepare your soil for success, and more vegetable gardening tips. We will also be hosting a seed swap! The workshop will be hosted by Holly Hallman, Des Moines Community Gardening Coordinator.

Natives in our Parks

Wednesday, May 8, 6:30 PM | East Side Library

Join Des Moines Parks and Recreation to learn about the city’s “Natives in our Park” program. We will also discuss specific native plant species attendees could use around their houses and how to incorporate them in their gardens and yards.

Perennial Plant Exchange

Saturday, May 25, 1-3 PM | North Side Library

Looking to add some pollinator plants to your garden? Come to this event and exchange perennial plants with other gardeners. Attendees are not required to bring plants. There will be native perennial plants to share with participants! While supplies last.

adults

Crochet 101: Make a Circle Coaster

Saturday, April 13 and 27, 10:30 AM | North Side Library

Learn the basics of crochet by making a flat circle you can use as a coaster. Each participant will receive yarn and a crochet hook to take home with them. Registration required

Community Crafting: Mandalas with Paul Witmer

Saturday, April 13, 2 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Join Paul Witmer as he teaches you how to create a mandala. All skill and experience levels are welcome. Supplies will be provided but you can also bring your own drawing/writing instruments (markers, colored pencils) if you’d like. Registration required

Franklin Avenue Library Repair Café

Sunday, April 14, 12-3:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Stop by Franklin Avenue Library’s Repair Café to get help from volunteers with expertise on how to fix your household item(s) or refer you to a local professional. Learn more details and requirements by going to dmpl.org/events.

Be Ready: Iowa Legal Aid’s Community Resource Fair for Disaster Preparedness & Recovery

Art 101

Monday, April 15, 10 AM-1 PM | Central Library

Learn about the legal issues and resources related to natural disasters and disaster recovery. Presentations will be given at the top of the hour throughout the fair, and local organizations will provide disaster preparedness tools and materials. Iowa Legal Aid be taking intake applications on-site.

Monday, April 15 and May 20, 6 PM | Central Library

Join library employee and artist Fueche Vang as he introduces participants to art concepts each month. Basic materials will be provided. Registration required.

Franklin Cinema Club

Monday, April 15, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library: Punch-Drunk Love (2002)

Monday, May 20, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library: Chinatown (1974)

Discuss noteworthy films at the Franklin Cinema Club, a discussion series held the third Monday each month. 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.

Introduction to the Foundation Directory Online

Thursday, April 18, 3 PM | Central Library

Looking for funding for your non-profit organization? The Foundation Directory Online provides access to a database of grantmakers and more that can help you in your search. Join us for a basic introduction to this valuable resource. Class size is limited. Registration required.

What Can AI Do for History and Education?

Thursday, April 18, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

We will explore the intersection of AI, education, and history. Discover how AI-animated portraits of historical figures leverage cutting-edge technology to create immersive educational experiences. Henry Winber of Fine Spirits will lead this hour of insights into the future of storytelling.

Paper Quilling

Monday, April 22, 6 PM | East Side Library

Discover the beauty of quilling and create unique, intricate artwork during this engaging workshop.

How to Ride DART

Friday, April 26, 2 PM | Central Library

DART staff will lead a training to help individuals learn to ride the bus in Greater Des Moines. Training will demonstrate how to plan a trip, read maps and schedules, recognize bus stops, pay fares, practice rider safety and more. Attendees will receive a free monthly bus pass.

Memory Café

• Friday, April 26, 2-4 PM | North Side Library

• Friday, May 24, 2-4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Memory Cafés provide a welcoming social gathering for people living with dementia and their care partners, focusing on person-centered care. Memory Cafés create a sense of community without the pressure to share in a support group environment.

NFC’s Journey to Homeownership

Wednesday, May 1, 6 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Wednesday, May 29, 6 PM | South Side Library

The Journey to Homeownership Program focuses on overcoming the systemic barriers for African American in homeownership by providing down payment and closing cost assistance, and more.

Using Local Grains in Bread Baking

Sunday, May 5, 1 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Join local area grain growers, millers, and bread bakers to learn about our “grain chain.” Find out how grains are grown and processed, the versatility of various types of grains, and more. We’ll end the program with a meal featuring soup and fresh baked bread! Registration required

Photo ©U.S. Geological Survey

adults

Community conversations

Europe and the Holocaust

Community Conversation: Poverty in Iowa

The Des Moines Public Library will be working with other Iowa libraries and community organizations such as Uplift Iowa for a months-long conversation about poverty. Join us for community reads and book discussions on two Matthew Desmond books: Evicted, and Poverty, by America, beginning in May. We’ll also host a film screening and a large Human Library community event in July with CultureAll. For more information, go to dmpl.org/povertyiniowa.

Monday, May 6, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Hear Beverly Nagel Ellis tell the story of her family’s years-long Holocaust journey. Her Polish parents spent time in a forced labor camp in Russia and a displaced persons camp in Germany, where she spent the first years of her life. She’ll share artifacts from her family’s experiences during and after the war.

Printmaking Workshop: Collagraphy

Monday, May 13, 6 PM | East Side Library

Join us for an immersive exploration of collagraphy, a fascinating printmaking technique that combines elements of collage and graphic design. You’ll learn how to create unique and expressive prints using unconventional materials and textures. Registration required

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s

Tuesday, May 14, 2 PM | South Side Library

Become familiar with the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and how it differs from normal aging. Hear from people who have the disease and find out how to recognize the signs in yourself and others.

Community Crafting – Calligraphy

Sunday, May 19, 2 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Learn the art of calligraphy from Tome Hope, owner of the calligraphy business Ink & Oak. You’ll learn the basics of pointed-pen calligraphy. Pen, ink, and handouts are yours to take home. Registration required

Discovering Des Moines History

Tuesday, May 21, 5:30 PM | Central Library

Interested in learning about the history of our great city and your little corner of it? DMPL is offering free presentations on Des Moines’ fascinating past. You can also learn about the resources the library offers on the history of your city, neighborhood, or house.

Board Game Exchange

Saturday, May 25, 2 PM | South Side Library

Bring your gently used board games to the South Side Library for a Board Game Exchange! Games for all ages and skills are welcome.

Korean Mythology Escape Room

Tuesday, May 28, 3-8 PM | Central Library

Join us for a special escape room event, infused with Korean mythology. Registration required.

Community Health Education: Medical Power of Attorney

Friday, May 31, 1:30 PM | Central Library

This month, Unity Point staff will explain the importance of a medical power of attorney and help you with the paperwork. Presented by Primary Health Care Supportive Services for Veteran Families, Health Care Navigation in partnership with the Des Moines Public Library. Anyone may attend.

Scan the code for the events at your home library

CENTRAL LIBRARY

forest avenue LIBRARY

north side LIBRARY

east side LIBRARY

franklin avenue LIBRARY

south side LIBRARY