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.

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