engage - February/March 2024

engage February/March 2024

vol 5 • issue 1

CLASSES • ACTIVITIES • EVENTS

Get kids excited about reading!

Tips for building literacy habits PAGE 3

DMPL goes fine-free!

PAGE 11

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Adults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Fine-Free . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Literacy Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ON THE COVER Are you a Rosie Reader yet? Find out how you can build strong reading habits for the whole family. Page 3

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 12 - 4 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

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

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

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

reference@dmpl.org | 515.283.4152

Closings: All six locations of the Des Moines Public Library will be CLOSED on Monday, February 19 and Sunday, March 31.

Book Clubs dmpl.org/book-clubs 2 engage • February/March 2024

Register at dmpl.org/events

February/March 2024 • engage 3

kids Little Explorers

Family STEM Challenge: Tallest Tower

Friday, February 2 and March 1, 10 AM | Franklin Avenue Library Saturday, February 17 and March 23, 10-11 AM | Central Library Bring your young ones to our Little Explorers program, designed for children ages 0-5, to discover, learn and play with different sensory activities. Please wear play clothes as some activities may be messy.

Saturday, February 10, 10 AM-12 PM | Franklin Avenue Library The whole family can visit the library and take on our Family STEM Challenge. This month’s program involves building the tallest tower possible using a set amount of supplies. Materials will be available between 10 AM and 12 PM.

Valen-Slime Party

Tippi Toes Dance Classes

Saturday, February 3, 10 AM | Central Library Let’s get messy! Join us to make some Valentine’s themed slime and a card! Maybe you want to share it with a parent or friend ... or maybe you want to keep it and show yourself some Valentine’s love!

Either way, we’ll have a slimy, fun time! Registration required.

Saturday, February 10 and March 9, 10:30 AM | Central Library Join us and Tippi Toes for high-energy dance classes for kids age 2-10.

Play, Grow, Learn

Des Moines Symphony Academy’s Instrument Petting Zoo

Tuesdays, 10 AM | South Side Library Play, Grow, Learn is an opportunity to meet families with other young children and engage in early literacy. We will have a variety of toys available that promote learning for little ones.

Simple Steps Series Wednesday, February 7 & 14, 10 AM | East Side Library Explore early literacy concepts Simple Steps to early literacy read write sing play talk with your child and have fun! On the 7th, we’ll use our imagination to learn about playing, pretending, and creating new stories. On the 14th, we’ll explore reading with several stations that have different types of books and reading activities for all ages.

sIMPLE STEPS

SERIES

Science Wednesdays Wednesday, February 7 and March 6, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Science Wednesdays is a chance for kids ages 6-12 to explore different aspects of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).

Different activities take place each month. Registration required.

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ARL TheraPets Monday, February 12 and March 11, 4 PM | North Side Library Tuesday, February 20 and March 19, 4 PM | Central Library Read to a furry friend from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa’s TheraPets program!

Monday, February 12, 6:30 PM | South Side Library Children can learn about string instruments and get some hands-on experience with them, as well as hear kid-friendly music from the wonderful Honors String Quartet, which is Des Moines Symphony Academy’s Youth Symphony. For ages 3-12.

ARL Valentine’s Day Party Wednesday, February 14, 6 PM | East Side Library Come visit the East Side Library for a Valentine’s Day Party with ARL TheraPets! We will have coloring pages, Valentine’s Day crafts, and sweet animals to celebrate!

Epic Graphic Novel Book Club Thursday, February 15 and March 21, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Join us for our epic graphic novel book club for ages 7-11. We will chat about the book title chosen and work on a fun activity or craft related to the book! Registration required.

Magical Winter Ball Saturday, February 17, 2 PM | South Side Library Hear ye, hear ye! Put on your favorite outfit or costume and come to the library, where you’ll have the chance to meet a princess, do fun crafts and activities, and listen to stories. Take home a book goodie bag, generously provided by our friends from Iowa Total Care. For ages 5-11. Registration required.

Register at dmpl.org/events

kids Sensory Play Hour

Kids Pokémon Card Swap

Tuesday, February 20 and March 19, 4 PM | South Side Library Come to South Side for an hour of sensory exploration! From cool textures to fun activities, kids can have a great time learning while doing what they do best: playing!

Thursday, February 29 and March 28, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Are you looking for a place to trade your Pokémon cards? 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.

Family Game Night

Dragons Love Tacos Sneak Preview

Thursday, February 22, 6 PM | East Side Library Visit the East Side Library for a fun family game night! The library will provide games for families to pick out and play. If you have a game that you love and would like to share with others, bring it over!

The games that will provided by the library are best for families with children ages 5-18.

Saturday, March 2, 10:30 AM | Franklin Avenue Library Visit the library for a special sneak preview of the Des Moines Community Playhouse production of Dragons Love Tacos, which is based on the hilarious book by Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri.

Enjoy the performance and enter to win free tickets to the play!

Puzzle and Game Café

STEAM Cart Challenge: Rosie Robotics

Saturday, February 24 and March 23, 10 AM-12 PM | South Side Library Love playing board games or putting together puzzles? Stop by the the library to play a selection of provided board games and puzzles or invite a group and bring your own! Snacks will be provided. For ages 8+.

Monday, March 11, 2 PM | East Side Library We will use our STEAM Cart components to create a Rosie Robot that wiggles and moves! Then we will use our Rosie Robots to complete a different challenges around the library. Registration required.

Art in the Library

Bird Feeder Craft

Wednesday, February 28 and March 20, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Create fun art projects at the library each month. Registration required.

Monday, March 11, 4 PM | Central Library Join us at the Central Library in celebrating the return of spring with a bird feeder craft. Bird feeders will be made using sunflower butter. Registration required.

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 February/March 2024 • engage 5

kids Design Your Own Pencil Pouch

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Party

Tuesday, March 12, 3 PM | East Side Library A pencil pouch is a small container or pouch to put pencils, pens, markers, and other small items used for school. Express yourself by creating a new pencil pouch to end the school year with! Registration required.

Friday, March 15, 2 PM | Forest Avenue Library Cowabunga Dude! Enjoy a showing of the movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem with snacks and a cool craft. Rated PG.

Giant Board Games Tuesday, March 12, 3:30 PM | South Side Library What’s better than games? Giant games! Celebrate Spring Break with giant board games and delicious snacks at South Side Library!

Ages 5+.

LEGO Boat Race Challenge Wednesday, March 13, 3 PM | Franklin Avenue Library We are hosting a LEGO boat challenge for ages 6 to 12. Registration required.

Central Craftopia!

Wednesday, March 13, 1-3 PM | Central Library Celebrate National Children’s Craft Day with activities like rainbow looms, Perler Beads, Shrinky Dinks, and more.

Family STEM Challenge: Build a Bridge Saturday, March 16, 10 AM-12 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 made out of paper.

Painting with Food Monday, March 18, 11 AM | East Side Library Stop in and make a painting masterpiece using food! We have thrown out the paintbrushes and we are only using fruits and vegetables to paint with for this project. See what you can create using carrots, potatoes, celery, broccoli, apples, oranges, and more! Registration required.

Lotería Thursday, March 28, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library Come and join us to play this traditional Mexican boardgame.

Winners will receive a price! Do not worry if this is your first time, we will teach you how to play.

Pokémon Bingo Thursday, March 14, 3 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Join us for another round of everyone’s favorite game, BINGO! This time your BINGO card will be filled with Pokémon. 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.

Garden Starters Friday, March 15, 10 AM | Central Library Whether you’ve got a garden spot in your yard or a sunny spot by a window, you can grow your own vegetables! Plant some vegetable seeds, and by the time it’s warm enough to start a summer garden, your seedlings will be ready to transplant into a bigger container or garden space. Registration required.

Ven y acompáñanos a jugar este tradicional juego de mesa mexicano. ¡Los ganadores recibirán un premio! No te preocupes si es tu primera vez, te enseñaremos a jugar. ©Andreanna Moya Photography

Find even more free activities for kids, including scavenger hunts, drop-in crafts, and more at dmpl.org/events.

teens Movie Watch Parties

VolunTeens Monday, February 5 and March 11, 4 PM | Forest Avenue Library Eat popcorn and do a fun activity while we watch a flick! In February, we’ll be watching The Hate U Give (PG-13) and in March, we’ll be watching Barbie (PG-13).

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• Monday, February 5 and March 11, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library • Wednesday, February 7 & 21, and March 6 & 20, 4 PM | South Side Library • Wednesday, February 14, 4 PM | Central Library Are you looking for a great place to volunteer? Become a VolunTeen and help with library projects and programs. For ages 12-18.

Register at dmpl.org/events

teens After-School Club Tuesdays, February 6, 20, & 27; March 5 & 26, 4 PM | North Side Library Tweens and teens ages 10-18 can join us after school on Tuesdays to enjoy activities in our meeting room.

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+.

Nintendo Switch Party Monday, February 12, 3 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.

Pokémon Party Tuesday, February 13, 3:30 PM | North Side Library Celebrate all things Pokémon at North Side!

Enjoy snacks, crafts, and other Pokémonthemed activities for the whole family!

Game On Tuesday, February 13, 4:30 PM | Central Library Tweens and Teens are welcome to enjoy some snacks and play games with friends! We’ll have different board games and card games set up every month.

Anime/Manga Meetup

T-Shirt Totes: Upcycling for Our Community Thursday, February 29, 4 PM | Central Library We will have a variety of used t-shirts to make bags out of, and you can bring your own as well. Each attendee will get to make one bag to keep and take home, but if you’d like to make more bags, we will be donating them to use at our community fridge.

Families are encouraged to participate together!

Intro to Cubing Thursday, March 7, 6 PM | East Side Library Come to the library and learn all about the Rubik’s cube, tips and solving techniques, and how you can compete in speedcubing competitions. Join others in learning more about this fun puzzle!

3-D Printing Basics: Story Starter Dice Tuesday, March 12, 3:30 PM | North Side Library Tweens and Teens ages 10-18 can join us to learn 3-D printing basics using Tinkercad. Together, we will use build a 3-D model of story starter dice. After class, we will print your model for you to pick up.

Printing usually takes 1-2 weeks. Registration required.

Game On! Mario Kart Tournament Tuesday, March 12, 4:30 PM | Central Library Sign up for this special Mario Kart tournament, where you’ll compete, eat snacks, and make your own character button to keep. Registration required.

Nano Tape Air Squishies

Wednesday, February 14 and March 13, 4 PM | South Side Library We’ll get together and discuss all things Anime and Manga and do a fun craft.

Thursday, March 14, 3:30 PM | South Side Library Discover how to make adorable air squishies using nano tape. You’ll design your squishy, then learn how to inflate it for an awesome squishy creation as unique as you. For ages 8-18.

The Art of Expression

Hunger Games Escape Room

Wednesday, February 21, 5 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Wednesday, March 27, 4:30 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 February, we’ll learn about random acts of kindness. In March, we’ll create dioramas using marshmallow PEEPs. Registration required.

Thursday, March 14, 4 PM and 5 PM | Central Library You have the worst luck ever — your name was called in the reaping ceremony to represent your district in the 74th annual Hunger Games. You only have a few days to prepare. Are you clever enough to find a way out of the games? May the odds be ever in your favor. For ages 12-18. Registration required.

Avatar: The Last Airbender Party

Teen Tiny Art

Thursday, February 22, 4:30 PM | Central Library Come to Central Library to celebrate the new live action Avatar: The Last Airbender series! You can dress up as your favorite character or element. We will have relay activities for teams of 4 or 5 inspired by each element: fire, air, earth, and water. The relays will start at 4:30 PM followed by crafts and trivia.

Thursday, March 14 and 21, 5 PM | East Side Library Join us to create a small-scale art piece! Attendees will be provided with a small canvas and materials to create their own artwork.

Keep your finished masterpiece or leave it on display at the library!

Registration required.

K-pop Meet Up

Friday, March 15, 2 PM | East Side Library Join for a fun jewelry making class! Crystals can be used as a tool for positivity in your life, come and learn about different crystals and create a wire-wrapped crystal necklace for yourself!

Tuesday, February 27 and March 26, 5 PM | Central Library Do you like all things K-pop? Come to the Central Library every month and bring your photocards to trade, invite your friends or meet and hang out with other fans! Enjoy snacks, other activities, and listening to music.

Crystal-Wire Wrapped Necklaces

Cardboard Party Tuesday, March 19, 3:30 PM | North Side Library What will you build with a room full of cardboard and tape? If cardboard isn’t your thing, we will also have some smaller STEM activities available to enjoy.

February/March 2024 • engage 7

adults Glowforge Training

DMPL & Dragons

Thursdays, 10 AM | Central Library Learn how 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.

Sunday, February 4 and March 3, 12:30 PM | Central Library Thursday, February 15 and March 28, 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 welcome; no future commitment required. Registration required.

The Outreach Project

February 5-17 | Forest Avenue Library Drop by the Forest Avenue Library to look at photo books, graphic novels, and other visual records of Black history. These books are available to check out year-round! This month, we’re pulling them out and placing them on display.

Mondays and Fridays, 1-3 PM | Central Library The Des Moines Public Library is partnering with area organizations to connect people with community resources. Community advocates will provide information about community resources like meal sites and shelters. No appointments are needed and no Registration required. The library will be closed on Monday, February 19. There will be no Outreach Project that day.

AARP Tax Preparation Assistance Saturdays and Wednesdays, 10 AM-3:30 PM | East Side Library AARP volunteers will be at the library to assist the public with their taxes. On Wednesday, February 7 and 14, appointments are limited to 11:30-3:30. All other appointments are between 10:00-3:30. Appointments can be made by calling 515-6351471. Walk-ins will be accommodated as staffing allows.

Explore Visual Black History

Writers’ Workshop Monday, February 5 and March 4, 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 if you would like to have it reviewed.

No registration required.

Key West Watercolor Postcards Monday, February 5, 6 PM | East Side Library Immerse yourself in the tropical vibes of Key West with watercolor postcards. Our watercolor programs at the East Side Library are perfect for beginning and intermediate artists. The program is directed by library employee and artist Ben Hatcher. All necessary materials are provided. Registration required.

Sit n’ Stitch

Beyond Birth: Baby’s First Year

Saturday, February 3 and March 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. Pleasant company is provided to share ideas and inspiration!

Tuesdays, 9-11 AM | Central Library Beyond Birth: Baby’s First Year is a free weekly postpartum support group for parents and their new babies. Facilitated by Blank Children’s Hospital, each week will feature a guest presenter on a variety of postpartum topics, plus plenty of time to meet other new parents and enjoy time at the library.

8 engage • February/March 2024

Register at dmpl.org/events

adults Manualidades para adultos | Crafting for Adults

Community Crafting: Pressed Flower Cards

Tuesday, February 6 and March 5, 3:30 PM | Central Library Do you love to craft? Come make a for beginners or bring your current project and make some progress! Registration recommended.

Sunday, February 11, 2 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Design expert Ted Lare will be presenting a pressed flower card craft.

Registration required.

¿Te encanta hacer manualidades? ¡Ven a hacer un proyecto de entre otros artesanos o trae tu proyecto actual y progresa! Se recomienda registrarte.

Introduction to Alzheimer’s

Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K. Davis Center Wednesdays, 10 AM-2 PM | South Side Library Wednesdays, 10 AM-12 PM | North 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.

Buy. Eat. Live Healthy.

Wednesdays in February, 1:30 PM | North Side Library Learn how to make easy and low-cost recipes with ISU Extension in this class where we’ll get hands-on in the kitchen. Learn how to save money, save time, and help picky eaters try new food.

Gardening with Native Plants Meet-Up Thursday, February 8 and March 14, 5:30-7:30 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!

Snippets: A Writers’ Workshop for Short Works Friday, February 9 and March 8, 10 AM | Central Library Please email your submissions to Julia at jmdunt@dmpl.org if you would like them printed out. This group will read and discuss works out loud. Seating is limited. Registration required.

Free Friday Flicks at Franklin Friday, February 9 and March 8, 1:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Spend Friday afternoon watching a fun movie! In February, we’ll be watching The Bookshop (2017), starring Emily Mortimer and Bill Nighy. In March, we’ll be watching Lady Bird (2017), starring Saoirse Ronan.

Native Plants for Iowa Saturday, February 10, 1 PM | North Side Library In this class, we will discover what Iowa was historically like and what we can do in our own personal gardens to begin to bring back the native plants that were lost. Plant options for shade and sun will be extensively covered by professional horticulturalist Derek McKay.

Crafternoon Saturday, February 10 and March 9, 1:30-3:30 PM | South Side Library Spend a few hours with other crafters and work on your knit, crochet, or other craft projects. Please bring your own supplies and projects with you. Pleasant company is provided to share ideas and inspiration! For adults and teens.

Tuesday, February 13, 2 PM | South Side Library This program will briefly cover a range of topics including the impact of Alzheimer’s, risk factors and warning signs, resources, and how you can join the fight against the disease.

Pride and Prejudice Escape Room: The Flight of Lydia Bennet Wednesday, February 21, 5:15 PM (session 1) and 6:30 PM (session 2) | Central Library Calling all Janeites and escape room enthusiasts alike! Lydia Bennet has run away with the cowardly Mr. Wickham. Mr. Darcy humbly requests your help in finding them and saving the Bennetts’ reputation from ruin. Can you discover them before they escape to France? Dressing for the occasion encouraged. Registration required.

Introduction to the Foundation Directory Online Thursday, February 22, 3 PM | Zoom Looking for funding for your nonprofit 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.

Community Health Education Friday, February 23 and March 29, 1:30 PM | Central Library Learn about health and wellness each month. Presented by PHC Supportive Services for Veteran Families, Health Care Navigation in partnership with the Des Moines Public Library. In March, we’ll specifically talk about brain injuries with a presentation by the Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa.

Seed Swap and Giveaway Saturday, February 24, 12-2 PM | Central Library Start planning your perfect garden now! Nine Square Feet is providing a selection of seeds, along with an opportunity for gardeners, new and experienced, young and old to connect. Everyone who attends the Seed Swap and Giveaway can select free seed packets, whether they have seeds to swap or not.

Art 101 at Central Library Monday, February 26, 6 PM: Fun with Charcoal Monday, March 18, 6 PM: Miniature Painting Join library employee and artist Fueche Vang as he introduces participants to art concepts each month. Basic materials will be provided, and attendees can bring their own supplies. Registration required.

Franklin Cinema Club Monday, February 26 and March 18, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Discuss noteworthy films at the Franklin Cinema Club, a discussion series held one Monday each month. Participants view the selected film prior to attending the discussion. In February, we’ll be discussing The Whale (2022). In March, we’ll be discussing The Italian Job (1969).

February/March 2024 • engage 9

adults The Varsity Cinema Book Club • Wednesday, February 28, 8:30 PM: The Coen Brothers and Fargo • Wednesday March 27, 8:30 PM: Trainspotting Read the book. Watch the movie. Then meet and discuss them both at Varsity Cinema, 1207 25th St. February’s book is The Coen Brothers by Adam Nayman, and the movie Fargo. March’s book is Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh, and the movie Trainspotting. Limited copies of the books are available at Central Library’s pickup window. See Varsity Cinema for showtimes.

USA 101/Estados Unidos 101 Thursday, February 29, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library Come and join us to learn about the next steps to take now that you are in the United States. A guide with resources, non-profit organizations, and partnerships in the city of Des Moines will be shared and handed out.

Ven para aprender y saber los próximos pasos a seguir ahora que se encuentra en los Estados Unidos. Se compartirá y entregará una guía con recursos, organizaciones sin fines de lucro y asociaciones en la ciudad de Des Moines que serán de mucha ayuda.

Virtual Cookbook Club Thursday, February 29 and March 28, 6:30 PM | Zoom Join us from the comfort of your own homes and kitchens for a DMPL cookbook club that celebrates substitutions, creativity, sustainability and independence in home cooking. Prepare and discuss one or more recipes from the cookbook for the month. Books can be picked up at the North Side Library. Registration required.

Forest Avenue Friend’s Soul Food Festival Saturday, March 2, 11 AM-2 PM | Forest Avenue Library Join us for the Friends of the Forest Avenue Library’s annual Soul Food Festival! A la carte and dessert items also available.

Hunt-a-Killer: Fine Art Foul Play Saturday, March 2, 1 PM | South Side Library When the matriarch of a family of artists is found dead at the opening of her art exhibit, you must identify who within her circle is the killer.

Join us in this colorful world and solve the case alongside other amateur detectives! Registration required.

Manet and Monet: mAsters of mOdern art Monday, March 4, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library End the confusion! Learn to differentiate between Édouard Manet and Claude Monet, two French painters who were among the most influential figures of the Modern Art movement. Drake University instructor Dr. Natalie Benson will bring her considerable expertise to provide insight into these masters.

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Chair Yoga Tuesdays in March, 2 PM | East Side Library Join yoga instructor Lily Allen-Duenas for chair yoga at the East Side Library! All ages and stages of life are welcome to join these yoga classes.

Retirement University Thursday, March 7, 21, & 28, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Learn more about retirement and planning. On March 7, we’ll be talking about Social Security and Medicare. On March 21, we’ll be discussing investments and taxes.

Finally, on March 28, we’ll chat about estate planning and long-term care. Come to any or all sessions.

Oil Pastel Workshop Monday, March 11, 6 PM | East Side Library This program is perfect for artists of all levels who want to learn more about oil pastels. You’ll learn how to use oil pastels to create beautiful and unique artwork. Our program will be directed by library employee and artist Ben Hatcher, who will provide all the necessary materials.

Registration required.

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia Tuesday, March 12, 2 PM | South Side Library Learn about detection, causes, risk factors, stages, and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Discovering Des Moines History Tuesday, March 19, 5:30 PM | Central Library Interested in learning about the history of our great city, or learning about your little corner of it? DMPL is offering free presentations on Des Moines’ fascinating past. Learn about the resources the library offers on the history of your city, neighborhood, or house.

Stencil a Tote Bag Tuesday, March 19, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library You’ll make a stencil—you create the design!—and use it to paint your own bag. This program involves craft knives. Teens and adults only, please! If you’d like to participate but need (or want to find out whether you’ll need) an accommodation, contact Nikki at nmrhodes@dmpl.org.

Adopt a House Plant Saturday, March 23, 1-3 PM | North Side Library Looking to bring a new plant to your home? Come to this plant swap and pick up a plant, share cuttings, or drop off a plant you no longer want. The library will provide small terracotta pots and potting soil – while supplies last.

Community Crafting: Watercolors with Paige and Nikki Saturday, March 23, 2 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Please join watercolor artist Paige as she provides instruction and guidance to do a beautiful painting! Our own librarian, Nikki will show us how to follow along as Paige teaches. This will be a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon, so please join us! Supplies are provided!

Register at dmpl.org/events

February/March 2024 • engage 11

Scan the code for the events at your home library CENTRAL LIBRARY

east side LIBRARY

forest avenue LIBRARY

franklin avenue LIBRARY

north side LIBRARY

south side LIBRARY