August/September engage

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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

HOURS AND LOCATIONS

Reader Rsie outreach expands!

Here comes Rosie, riding through Des Moines! The Des Moines Public Library’s outreach department has brought Rosie Reader, the library’s reading monster mascot, to classrooms and events around the city, helping kids and families discover joy in reading and literacy.

Now, due to a $1 million federal grant approved by the Des Moines City Council last winter, the outreach team has more resources to reach more kids, including a fleet of Rosie cars you’ll see around town.

The library’s Community Engagement department began in 2021, when library manager Ashley Molzen took on the role of leading the new team. Her job was to go to kids and families where they were and connect them with library resources.

“We want to help each child in Des Moines identify as a reader,” says Molzen. “The best way to do that is to bring the library to them.”

The department has grown over time and will include five people come September. It also includes

Rosie Reader, DMPL mascot. Rosie has visited dozens of classrooms across the city, with a special focus on preschools and second grades. And everywhere she goes, kids fall in love with her – and with the library in the process.

“Rosie is the embodiment of joyfulness,” Molzen says. “And what’s more – when people see Rosie, they see the library as well.”

The new fleet of three Rosie cars and a Rosie van will help staff as they visit more childcare centers and classrooms throughout the school year.

The department matches the interests of the kids at each age level, providing materials that help connect reading with joy.

“We bring a collection of books to each site, but we also bring hands-on materials to help engage kids,” Molzen says. This could include puppets, magnets, specific genre books, or STEM materials.

Learn more about Rosie Reader, find out how to buy Rosie t-shirts, and more at dmpl.org/rosie

kids

Reading Buddies with ARL TheraPets

Tuesday, August 1 and September 19, 4 PM | Central 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.

Family Storytime: Elvis the Pony

Wednesday, August 2, 10 AM | Forest Avenue Library

Come meet our pony friends! We will pet and brush them, take pictures, and ask questions after a storytime adventure.

Wiggles & Giggles

Watermelon Party

Thursday, August 3, 10:15 AM | Central Library

Celebrate National Watermelon Day with a special outdoors Wiggles & Giggles storytime at Central! We’ll read a watermelon story, make watermelon art, and of course... eat watermelon!

STEM Party

Thursday, August 3, 10:30 AM | North Side Library

Celebrate the end of Summer Reading with us at North Side. We will have STEM stations set up for children of all ages!

Bicycle Rodeo

Thursday, August 3, 5:30 PM | East Side Library

Come to the library and ride around our bicycle rodeo course! We will learn about bicycle safety and the rules of the road from a Des Moines Police Officer. We will also have helmets to give away and decorate. The library will have bikes to use around the course, but feel free to ride your own bike to the library.

Family Storytime at LSI Global Greens

Saturday, August 5, 10:15 AM | Polk County Health Department

(1907 Carpenter Avenue)

Join DMPL librarians for a special outdoor family storytime at LSI Global Greens! Engage your brain at storytime and then nourish your body by purchasing locally grown produce from former refugee farmers.

Tippi Toes Dance Class

Saturday, August 5, 10:15 AM | Central Library

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

Summer Sandcastles

Tuesday, August 8, 10 AM | South Side Library

We’ll turn our kiddie pool into a sandbox, with all the right sand toys to make an awesome sandcastle or any other creation you can imagine! And what’s sand without a little water? We’ll bust out our water table, too, for some extra fun! Bring clothes you don’t mind having some messy fun in!

School Bus Storytime with DMPS

Monday, August 14, 6:30 PM | South Side Library

Wednesday, August 16, 10 AM | Forest Avenue Library

Wednesday, August 16, 10 AM | East Side Library

Thursday, August 17, 10:30 AM | North Side Library

Monday, August 21, 10:15 AM | Franklin Avenue Library

Tuesday, August 29, 10:30 AM | Central Library

Kids will get to meet a school bus driver, learn how to ride safely, and get a close-up look at what it’s like to be a big kid riding to school! Whether they’re just curious or have those first-day-of-school jitters, this storytime will help!

You, Me, & Nature Family Storytime with Heartland Wilding

Thursday, August 17, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Join us at the library for tips from Heartland Wilding on coexisting with urban wildlife in Central Iowa. Find out why wildlife lives in Des Moines, what animals you might see around the city, and why these species might be attracted to our neighborhoods.

Luca Movie Party

Friday, August 18, 4 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Enjoy the Disney film, Luca, where a young boy learns to overcome his fears. Decorate mini ocean jars and chow down on goldfish! Best for ages 6+.

LEGOfy Yourself

Thursday, August 24, 4:30 PM | East Side Library

Let’s make minifigures! In this fun program, you’ll get the chance to decorate your own minifigure made out of resin.

Family Storytime: Central Iowa Honeybee Queen

Thursday, August 24, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Come meet Bethany Kelly, the 2023 Central Iowa Honey Bee Queen. Taste a range of honeys and learn all about honeybees! Best for ages 6+.

Kids Pokémon Card Swap

Thursday, August 31 and September 28, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Bring your friends and come to this monthly program with any cards you want to trade. This event is open to children ages 7-18.

Kids Collage and Bilingual Story Time| Collage y Cuento Bilingüe

Thursday, August 31, 4:30 PM | East Side Library

Create a beautiful collage and enjoy a bilingual story. Crea un collage hermoso y disfruta de un cuento bilingue.

Dinosaur Dig: Salt Dough Fossils

Thursday, September 7, 4 PM | South Side Library

Love dinosaurs? Create cool dinosaur fossils using salt dough! We’ll make the dough together, then use dinosaur figurines to create fossils imprints. Best for ages 3-10.

Science Wednesdays: Animal Visitors from the Blank Park Zoo

Wednesday, September 13, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

A special guest from the Blank Park Zoo will be visiting the library and bringing two animal friends. Registration required.

Monarch Tagging with Des Moines Parks and Recreation

Wednesday, September 13, 4 PM | North Side Library

Monday, September 18, 6:30 PM | South Side Library

Children and their caregivers can learn about monarch butterflies in this special event with Parks and Recreation! Kids can participate in a butterfly obstacle course, learn how butterflies consume nectar, view how butterflies are tagged and watch as they are released. For ages 5+.

Play-Doh Party

Thursday, September 14, 4 PM | Central Library

Come join us as we celebrate National Play-Doh Day by making, molding, and stretching our creative muscles. We’ll make Play-Doh together and take part in a variety of counting, spelling, and creative activities that encourage fine motor play. Attendees will get to take home Play-Doh and activity mats!

Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Party

Friday, September 15, 4 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Do you love Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom? Join fellow fans to make your own fairy-in-a-jar crafts and Korok plushies! Best for ages 6+.

Art in the Library: Mini Animal Friends

Wednesday, September 20, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Join us at the library for one of our favorite activities: making miniature animals out of glass gems. Registration required.

Epic Graphic Novel Book Club

Thursday, September 21, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

We’ll chat about a fun graphic novel and work on a fun activity or craft related to the book! Registration Required. For ages 7-11.

Family Art Studio

Thursday, September 21, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Bring the whole family for one-of-kind art project. All supplies will be provided – and dress to get messy!

Kids Movie Bingo

Friday, September 22, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Join us for several games of BINGO featuring characters from your favorite movies! Prizes will be awarded to the winners.

Mid-Autumn Festival with Viet Advocacy

Saturday, September 23, 2 PM | Forest Avenue Library

The Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung thu) is a traditional festival celebrated by many East and Southeast Asian people. We’ll celebrate with Vietnamese folktales, lantern making, and other activities to learn more about the significance of the festival, before concluding with a parade led by lion dancers!

Pastel Flowers and Bilingual Story ~ Pinta Flores con Pasteles y Escucha un Cuento Bilingüe

Thursday, September 28, 4:30 PM | East Side Library

Create and take home a beautiful poster size flower using pastels (in the style of Georgia O’Keefe’s flower paintings). We’ll also enjoy a bilingual story! Pinta una flor grande con pasteles en el estilo de las flores de Georgia O’Keefe. Tambien, disfruta de un cuento bilingue.

The White Flower, 1932 by Georgia O’Keeffe

Find even more free kids programs –from storytimes to crafts to scavenger hunts – at dmpl.org/events.

teens

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. Ages 8+.

STEM Party

Thursday, August 3, 10:30 AM | North Side Library

Celebrate the end of Summer Reading with us at North Side. We will have STEM stations set up for children of all ages!

Papercraft

Monday, August 7, 6-7:30 PM | East Side Library

Join Library Assistant Ben Hatcher for this advanced papercraft program! We’ll be folding, gluing and assembling a fun Sailor Moon figurine inspired by the Japanese anime television series. This program includes tiny paper pieces and requires fine motor skills to assemble. Materials included. Registration required.

Anime/Manga Meetup

Wednesday, August 9 and September 13, 4 PM | South Side Library

Join us for the Teen Anime/Manga Meetup! We’ll get together and discuss all things Anime and Manga while you draw and make your own customizable stickers to take home. Ages 12-18.

School of Beats

Friday, August 11 and September 8, 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. Ages 12+.

Teen Tech Mondays

Monday, August 14 and September 11, 6 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Teens, come to the Forest Avenue Library the second Monday of every month and check out our tech center. We will have iPads with Procreate, a green screen, 3-D pens, and more! Ages 12+.

Nintendo Switch Free Play

Thursday, August 17, 4 PM | South Side Library

Monday, August 21, 3 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Friday, September 22, 1 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Play Nintendo Switch games and have some delicious snacks. Challenge your friends to Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros., and more! Ages 10+.

Open Slay Dungeons & Dragons

Sunday, August 20 and September 17, 2 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. Registration is required.

3-D Printing: Pencil Toppers

Tuesday, August 29, 4 PM | North Side Library

Tweens and teens ages 10-18 can learn 3-D printing basics at North Side! We will use Tinkercad to create a 3-D design for a pencil topper. Then, we will print your design for you to pick up about a week after class.

The Art of Expression

Fantastic Characters – Wednesday, August 30, 5 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Calligraphy Workshop – Monday, September 25, 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 August, we’ll learn the basics of drawing fantasy and sci-fi characters. In September, we’ll learn basic brush work calligraphy and try out some dip brush work.

After-School Club

Tuesdays, starting in September, 4 PM | North Side Library

Tweens and teens can stop by the library each week after school for activities. We’ll kick off the school year September 5 with a fun party!

South VolunTeens

Wednesday, September 6 and Tuesday, September 12, 4 PM (Fall orientation sessions)

Wednesday, September 20 (regular VolunTeens)

Students ages 12-18 may volunteer at the South Side Library for one hour performing various tasks during our South 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.

Franklin VolunTeens

Monday, September 18, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Become a volunteen and help with library projects and programs. Teens ages 12-18 can pick up a teen volunteer application at the Franklin Avenue Library. Applications must be turned in and approved before attending this program.

adults

DMPL Fall Author Series

We’re bringing amazing best-selling authors to Des Moines this fall. The authors will all sign books following the program, and Beaverdale Books will be onsite selling their books. All events are free and open to the public. The first two authors in the series:

James Rollins

Wednesday, August 16, 7 PM |

Central Library

Rollins is the No. 1 New York Times best-selling author of international thrillers that have been translated into more than 40 languages. Rollins will stop at Central Library during his tour for the launch of the latest book in his Sigma Force series, Tides of Fire.

Manualidades para adultos: Creación de crema exfoliante de limón | Crafting for Adults: DIY Lemon Body Scrub

Tuesday, August 1, 3:30 PM | Central Library

Do you love to craft? Come make your own lemon body scrub or bring your current project and make some progress! Enjoy the friendly atmosphere.

¿Te encanta hacer manualidades? ¡Ven a preparar tu propia crema exfoliante de limón entre otros artesanos o trae tu proyecto actual y progresa! Disfruta de un ambiente agradable.

Journey to Homeownership

Wednesday, August 2, 6 PM | South Side Library

Saturday, August 12, 10 AM | North Side Library

Wednesday, September 13, 6 PM | Central Library

Join Bridgett Robinson, Neighborhood Finance Corporation’s Diversity and Inclusion Mortgage Loan Originator and Outreach Coordinator, along with community panelists, as they help navigate what Black/African American homeownership may look like today, and what is being learned from the past.

William Kent Krueger

Wednesday, September 20, 7 PM |

Central Library

William Kent Krueger writes the New York Times bestselling Cork O’Connor mystery series, which is set in the north woods of Minnesota. His work has received many awards and been translated into more than a dozen languages. His latest book, The River We Remember, will be released September 6.

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.

Glowforge Training

Thursdays, 10 AM | Central Library

Learn to use the Glowforge Plus Laser Engraver at Tech Central! This program takes the place of the 1-on-1 Glowforge tutorial, so you will be fully qualified to book and use the Glowforge on your own after this program. Registration required.

Compre. Coma. Viva Saludable.

Thursdays, August 3-September 21, 1:30 PM | North Side Library

Aprenda a hacer recetas fáciles, nutritivas y baratas con una instructora de Iowa State University - Extension. Durante esta clase de 8 semanas, aprenderá a: Ahorrar dinero: comprar y gastar menos en sus alimentos.; Ahorrar tiempo: en el supermercado y en la cocina.; Aprender: a hacer comidas fáciles y nutritivas.

©David Sylvian

Incarceration FAQs

Thursday, August 3, 6 PM | South Side Library

Join the library and Iowa’s Wrongful Conviction Division to learn about incarceration in Iowa. We’ll talk about the legal process of a criminal case, accessing information from the Department of Corrections, and making visits, as well as how to navigate the restrictions on books and mail.

August Adult Read-Aloud

Friday, August 4 and September 15, 1 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Join us for a monthly program where we read stories together. You are welcome to bring a story to read (or have someone else read) and share.

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 necessary.

Sit n’ Stitch

Saturday, August 5 and September 2, 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. Children ages 8+ are welcome but must come with parent/ guardian.

Technology Basics

Monday, August 7, 3 PM | North Side Library

Join us for a computer basics class and increase your skills. In this month’s workshop, you will be introduced to basic terminology, functionality, and navigation of internet browsers, search engines and websites.

Writers’ Workshop

Monday, August 7 and September 11, 5:30 PM | Central Library

Share samples of work and receive feedback from other writers in the group. Email your submission to 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.

Living with Alzheimer’s for Caregivers: Middle Stage

Tuesday, August 8, 2 PM | South Side Library

In the middle stage of Alzheimer’s disease, care partners now become hands-on caregivers. During this second program of a three-part series, you will hear from caregivers and professionals as they discuss helpful strategies to provide safe, effective, and comfortable care.

LGBTQIA+ Rights with the Iowa ACLU

Wednesday, August 9, 6 PM | South Side Library

Join South Side Library and the Iowa ACLU to learn about the current state of LGBTQIA+ rights in Iowa. Learn your rights, advocacy, and the legislative process.

Preserve the Taste of Summer 101

Wednesday, August 9, 6 PM | East Side Library

Love that fresh garden produce but have more than you can eat? Preserve it! You’ll learn how to can, freeze, and dry foods safely at home in this introductory course hosted by ISU Extension and Outreach. Registration required.

The History of Professional Baseball in Des Moines

Wednesday, August 9, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Des Moines has had professional baseball for 115 years. Author Steve Dunn will provide a look back at the city’s rich relationship with the sport, including the teams, players, and ballparks that have brought enjoyment to millions of fans over the years.

Native Plant Gardening Enthusiast Meet-Up

Thursday, August 10 and September 14, 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 that foster and nourish wildlife. Come to learn and to share your favorite gardening tips, design ideas, seeds, plants, garden pictures, and more!

Vegetarian Mexican Cuisine: Squash

Saturday, August 12, 11 AM | Central Library

Broaden your recipe repertoire with foods that are good for you and the planet. You’ll chop, mix, and sample several vegetarian recipes that feature each ingredient and take home a recipe card to make again at home! We’ll learn to make squash blossom quesadillas and delicious zucchini tacos.

Puzzle Exchange

Saturday, August 12, 2 PM | South Side Library

Come to the South Side Library Meeting Room and exchange your beloved puzzles for “new to you” ones.

DMPL & Dragons

Sunday, August 13 and September 10, 1:30 PM | Central Library

Thursday, August 17 and September 21, 5:30 PM | Central Library

Join us for a 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. Recommended for ages 12+. Registration required.

Game Day @ Central

Sunday, August 13 and September 10, 1:30-4:30 PM | Central Library

Try out some new board games and make some new friends. A selection of tabletop games will be provided for use in the library. Feel free to bring beverages, snacks, and your own games from home if you would like to share them with others. This event is co-sponsored by The Rook Room.

Hospice FAQ with EveryStep

Tuesday, August 15, 2 PM | South Side Library

Wednesday, September 13, 6 PM | South Side Library

Learn the ins and outs of hospice care with EveryStep Hospice. Topics like hospice can be difficult, but with EveryStep professionals, we’ll learn about when someone might need hospice, how to obtain hospice services, what the process might look like, and more.

Forest Avenue Library Iowa History 101 Film Series

Tuesday, August 15, 6:30 PM: Prairie Fires: Urban Rebellions in the Midwest

Tuesday, September 19, 6:30 PM: American Indian Resistance to American Settler Colonialism

Join the Forest Avenue Library each month for a film presentation from the State Historical Society of Iowa.

Journaling to Heal

Friday, August 18, 10 AM-1 PM | North Side Library

Journaling is an inexpensive, readily available practice for selfawareness, problem solving, goal setting, and more. This three-hour workshop, led by Billie Wade, will help you use journaling techniques on your life journey. Registration required.

Community Health Education

Friday, August 18 and September 29, 1:30 PM | Central Library

Learn about health and wellness. Presented by PHC Supportive Services for Veteran Families, Health Care Navigation in partnership with the Des Moines Public Library.

Board Game Café

Saturday, August 19 and September 9, 10 AM-12 PM | South Side Library

Stop by the library to play an old favorite, learn a new game, or invite friends and bring your own! Snacks provided.

Agatha Christie’s Hunt-a-Killer: The Mystery of Hunter’s Lodge

Saturday, August 19, 1 PM | South Side Library

Dare to test your detective skills against the literal Queen of Mystery and join us for an afternoon where we solve The Mystery of Hunter’s Lodge! Tackle the case of the murder of wealthy magnate Harrington Pace by solving puzzles, diving into the evidence, and eliminating the suspects one by one.

Franklin Cinema Club

Monday, August 21, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library:

Glengarry Glen Ross

Monday, September 18, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library:

The Professor and the Madman

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.

Art 101

Monday, August 21, 6 PM | Central Library: Animal Farm Cookie Decorations

Monday, September 18, 6 PM | Central Library: Fantasy artist

Frank Frazetta

Join artist and library staffer Fueche Vang each month for art classes. All supplies provided. Registration required.

Build Your Firewall: Protecting Your Information Online

Tuesday, August 22, 2 PM | South Side 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.

Linoleum Printing with Emily Ma

Tuesday, August 22, 6 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Through this workshop, you will learn how to create prints through a stamping process. You will learn the history of linoleum printing and walk away with skills to do this technique at home. Plus, you’ll get hands-on experience carving and printing your own pieces of art!

Snippets: A Writers’ Workshop for Shorter Works

Friday, August 25 and September 15, 10 AM | Central Library

This group will read and discuss works out loud. Email Julia at jmdunt@dmpl.org your submissions and questions. Seating is limited. Registration required

Franklin Avenue Library Repair Café

Sunday, August 27, 1-4:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Stop by Franklin Avenue Library’s Repair Café to get help from volunteers with expertise on how to fix a household item or advice on where you can go to get it squared away. Items serviced include clothing, jewelry, electronics, small home and kitchen appliances, bicycles, gardening and other tools.

Medicare Presentation with BINGO

Tuesday, August 29 and September 26, 5:30 PM | East Side Library

If you’re newly eligible for Medicare or turning 65, please join us for a Medicare educational workshop at our library. The more you know, the more prepared you’ll be to evaluate benefits and costs and choose the plan that’s right for you. We’ll play a game of BINGO after! This workshop is bilingual.

Book Binding: Case Binding

Tuesday, August 29, 6-8 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Learn to bind a book using a case binding technique, with a cover that wraps around the front, back, and spine of the book, like a hardcover book on the library shelves.

Spice It Up! DIY Spice Mixing Class

Wednesday, August 30, 6:30 PM | East Side Library

Have you ever wanted to learn how to mix your own spices at home? Easton, from Easton’s Bistro in Winterset, will walk us through how to create taco seasoning and all-purpose seasoning. Participants will be able to mix their own spices and take them home.

Watercolor with Lisa Christensen

Wednesday, September 6, 5:30 PM | South Side Library

Join us for a calm evening of watercolors with Lisa Christensen. Registration required

Prairie Talk

Stephanie Badsoldier Snow

Monday, September 11, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Stephanie Badsoldier Snow, the education coordinator for the Meskwaki Nation, will talk about Iowa prairies and Native cultures. While here, visit the Franklin Avenue Library’s new prairie roots display.

Career Fair

Thursday, September 7, 11:30 AM–1:30 PM | Central Library

Join the DMPL Central Library and IowaWORKS for a career fair featuring employers from downtown and surrounding areas. Meet with various hiring employers and register for a mock interview or resume prep assistance.

The Importance of a Black-Owned Comic Book Company in Des Moines

Thursday, September 7, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Comic book writer Basi Affia will speak about diversity in fiction and literature, incorporating his life experiences to highlight the importance of representation. He’ll discuss his comic book, Lost With All Hands, as an example of a story that celebrates Afrocentric cultures.

Drop-In: Plant Swap

Saturday, September 9, 10 AM-12 PM | East Side Library

Drop into the East Side Library for a plant swap! Bring houseplants or outdoor plants, and don’t forget to label them if you can. Don’t have a plant to share? Come in anyway; there will be extras! ISU Extension & Outreach Master Gardeners will be here to help give tips and tricks and answer questions.

Crochet 101: Start a Scarf

Saturday, September 9, 1 PM | North Side Library

Learn how to crochet a scarf as the weather begins to cool. Each participant will receive a skein of yarn and a crochet hook. By the end of the program, participants will have a good start on their scarves which they can complete at home. Registration required.

Yarn Swap

Saturday, September 9, 2-3 PM | South Side Library

Come to the South Side Library Meeting Room and exchange your beloved yarns for “new to you” ones.

Living with Alzheimer’s for Caregivers: Late State

Tuesday, September 12, 2 PM | South Side Library

In the late stage of Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving typically involves new ways of connecting and interacting with the person living with the disease. You’ll hear from caregivers and professionals about resources, monitoring care, and ways to engage in meaningful connections.

Open a Book with a Rube Goldberg Machine

Tuesday, September 12, 6 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Find the most elaborate way to turn a page! Through trial and error, you’ll set up a complicated sequence of cause and effect. Bring friends and collaborate—or compete. All ages are welcome at this event, but kids should be accompanied by adults, even if you don’t work together.

Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge

Thursday, September 28, 6:30-8 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Discover how Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge staff and volunteers are bringing back Iowa’s native tallgrass prairie and oak savanna ecosystems and wildlife populations. Learn how the refuge manages the landscape and wildlife populations, including bison and elk herds.

Senior Debate: Introduction

Tuesday, September 19, 3 PM | South Side Library

Welcome to Senior Debate 2023! This introduction session will be the kickoff for multiple rounds of public debate style tournaments that will flex your research skills and competitive nature. Staff will guide you through the process of learning about debate and the tournaments. For ages 55+.

Discovering Des Moines History

Tuesday, September 19, 5:30 PM | Central Library

Interested in learning about the history of our great city and the little corners that lie within? Stop by our monthly presentation on Des Moines’ fascinating past. You’ll also learn about the resources the library offers to explore the history of your city, neighborhood, or house.

ACLU Presents: Engaging with Elected Representatives

Wednesday, September 20, 6 PM | South Side Library

Learn how to best interact with your elected representatives on topics you care about with assistance from the Iowa ACLU!

Marry Mr. Darcy: The Pride & Prejudice Card Game

Saturday, September 23, 2 PM | South Side Library

Join us at the South Side Library for a role-playing card game where you become one of the heroines from Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice. Players work to attract the interest of available suitors using both cunning and character.

Make a Coloring Book (Together!)

Tuesday, September 26, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Come make a page or two for a coloring book! We’ll offer snacks and some ideas for the drawing-averse. At the end of the program, we’ll make copies for everyone, so you go home with a coloring book full of different art styles.

Egg Drop Challenge

Saturday, September 30, 2 PM | Forest Avenue Library

We’re going old-school science class chaos with this one: using random things from around the library, you’ll try to make sure your egg doesn’t break when dropped. Bring friends and collaborate—or compete. Kids should be accompanied by adults.

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