Engage June-July 2022

engage June/July 2022

vol 3 • issue 4

CLASSES • ACTIVITIES • EVENTS

ALL SUMMER LONG! Our summer reading program starts June 6 PAGE 3

Celebrate diversity with the DMPL! PAGE 4

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 For Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 For Teens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 For Adults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 DVD Fines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 All Summer Long . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Celebrating Diversity . . . . . . . . . . .

ON THE COVER Children share a book inside Franklin Avenue Library’s youth area. Photo credit: Aaron Gernes.

HOURS AND LOCATIONS Always open 24/7 at dmpl.org

Central Library

Forest Avenue Library

North Side Library

1000 Grand Avenue

1326 Forest Avenue

3516 Fifth Avenue

9 AM - 8 PM Monday-Thursday 9 AM - 6 PM Friday 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday 1-5 PM Sunday

10 AM - 8 PM Monday-Thursday 10 AM - 6 PM Friday 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday

10 AM - 8 PM Monday-Thursday 10 AM - 6 PM Friday 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday

Pickup Window: 9 AM - 7 PM Monday-Thursday 9 AM - 6 PM Friday 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday

Franklin Avenue Library

South Side Library

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 10 AM - 8 PM Monday-Thursday 10 AM - 6 PM Friday 10 AM- 5 PM Saturday 1-5 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 June 3, June 20, June 25 and 26, and July 4.

2 engage • June/July 2022

Register at dmpl.org/events

Age 18 and younger

June 6-August 6, 2022

Read to succeed with the Des Moines Public Library’s Summer Reading program!

Keep reading and learning ALL SUMMER LONG! It’s one of the Des Moines Public Library’s favorite times of the year! All Summer Long, the library’s annual summer reading program, kicks off Monday, June 6. The program is open to anyone age 18 and younger, and is meant to help students retain reading and literacy skills throughout the summer, allowing them to start the next school year on the right foot.

“During the school year, kids have lots of access to books and reading materials, but when school ends, that access disappears,” says Maddie Bassman, DMPL’s Community Engagement Librarian who visits with hundreds of school-aged kids each week with the library’s Rotary Rosie Reader outreach van.

By promoting reading in the summer, Bassman says, the library gives kids the opportunity to retain those skills and academic gains.

Taking part in All Summer Long is free, and kids get an activity log sheet and a new book to keep just for signing up. Read for 20 minutes or complete one of the summer reading activities chosen by our librarians, and you can fill in one of the spaces on the sheet. Fill in all the spaces, and you’ll become eligible for a big prize at the end of summer.

The summer reading program is more than just books. Our libraries are filled with fun, interesting programs, like STEM experiments, fun crafts, and performances by fun entertainers.

Programs are also about providing free opportunities for kids. “We bring in guests like the Blank Park Zoo or the Science Center of Iowa, and kids who can’t take big trips or visit museums over the summer can see great things at the library,” Bassman says. “Whether it’s learning about opossums or building with LEGOs, the library can support summer learning in ways that speak to kids’ and teens’ interests and passions.”

Learn more about All Summer Long by going to dmpl.org/summer-reading or by talking to a librarian at any of our library buildings.

DMPL Summer Checkout Challenge June 6-August 6, 2022 FOR ADULTS

Our Adult Summer Reading Program is also back this year! Our Summer Checkout Challenge gives adults the opportunity to win prizes by reading books and checking out materials from the library. It’s easy to take part – just go to your favorite library location and ask for a Summer Checkout Challenge form. Follow the instructions to complete the form and turn it in to be eligible for our prize drawings. You can even have multiple entries for every time you complete the challenge.

To sign up, stop by any of our six library buildings.

June/July 2022 • engage 3

Celebrating the Diversity of Des Moines When you walk through the sliding doors to the Des Moines Public Library, the first thing you see are carefully curated displays by staff librarians.

Beach reads, books for Pride Month, books for Latino Heritage Month, Black History month, and more. There are books for every reader from every cultural background in the collection at the Des Moines Public Library.

Library staff always try to give patrons relevant, timely and creative book options that help broaden a reader’s horizon in displays. And as the Des Moines Public Library continues to celebrate diversity and cultural heritage months throughout the year, it is important for readers from different backgrounds to see themselves represented in the library collection and expose the rest of our patrons to titles they might not have otherwise picked up.

pride

month

“We read to understand each other. Reading teaches us empathy and tolerance instead of judgement and division,” says Des Moines Public Library Director Susan A. Woody.

Highlighting diverse books is not just about learning, but also making sure that people from all backgrounds know the library is for them.

“Representation allows individuals to see themselves in literature, it allows them the ability to engage with a story through characters who experience the world in the same way that they do,” says Victoria Henderson Weber, president of the Des Moines chapter of the NAACP. “Without representation it makes it difficult to dream.”

This summer at the Des Moines Public Library we are celebrating and highlighting Pride Month, World Refugee Day, Juneteenth, and Disability Pride Month – because these communities are important to us, and these stories are important.

REFUGEE AWARENESS MONTH

“One of the things that I recommend most as an LGBTQ educator is that people listen to more LGBTQ stories. Reading is just one way to do that,” says Max Mowitz from One Iowa.

The LGBTQ community is not a monolith, Mowitz says. “And because of that, it’s so important to learn and expose yourself to individual stories as a way of becoming a better ally.”

Follow along on our website, social media, and in our branches for book recommendations and more relating to all the heritage months and days happening this summer. Printable bookmarks with book recommendations for everyone from pre-readers to teens to adults can be found on the Community page on our website at dmpl.org/community.

If there is a title from an author from an underrepresented group you would like to check out from the library that is not currently in our collection, you can always suggest a title to purchase on our website.

4 engage • June/July 2022

Summer Diversity Celebrations Pride Month: June 1-30 Refugee Awareness Month: June 1-30 Juneteenth: June 19 World Refugee Day: June 20 Disability Pride Month: July 1-31

Register at dmpl.org/events

kids

kids

DIY Mini Pride Floats

Touch a Vehicle Series

June 1-15 Celebrate Pride Month by making your own mini parade float! Stop by any DMPL location starting June 1 to pick up a float kit. Once you finish, email photos to LIB-Marketing@dmpl.org by Wednesday, June 15, and be eligible for a prize drawing. More information at dmpl.org.

Stop by the library to interact with a cool vehicle, hear stories, and meet the workers who drive them!

Family Movie Party: Lilo & Stitch Saturday, June 4, 10:30 AM | Central Library Join us for a family movie party featuring the classic Disney family film! Rated PG.

Fossil Hunters Escape Room Session A (ages 9-12): Monday, June 6, 4 PM | Central Library Session B (ages 13-18): Monday, June 6, 5 PM | Central Library Kick off Summer Reading at the library with this archeology-themed escape room! Participants will have 45 minutes to sleuth through dig sites, clues, and interviews to find the fossils of the lost Spinosaurus.

Colorful Creatures with the Blank Park Zoo Monday, June 6, 4 PM | East Side Library Friday, June 24, 3:30 PM | North Side Library Learn about the uses of coloring and camouflage that help animals thrive in their environment. A friend from the Blank Park Zoo will visit and bring some animals that use camouflage!

• ROSIE VAN: Tuesday, June 7, 12 PM | South Side Library • AMBULANCE : Tuesday, June 14, 12 PM | South Side Library • GARBAGE TRUCK: Tuesday, June 21, 12 PM | South Side Library • LIBRARY DELIVERY VAN: Tuesday, June 28, 2:30 PM | South Side Library • DART BUS • Monday, July 11, 10 AM | East Side Library • Thursday, July 14, 10:30 AM | North Side Library • Friday, July 15, 2 PM | Franklin Avenue Library • SEMI AND SERVICE TRUCK: Monday, July 18, 10 AM | East Side Library • FIRE TRUCK: Monday, July 25, 10 AM | East Side Library June/July 2022 • engage 5

kids Mini Soap Box Derby

Pride Cookies and Crafts

Tuesday, June 7, 3 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Thursday, June 9, 6 PM | East Side Library Celebrate Pride Month in the most delicious way: By decorating cookies with rainbow frosting! We will make other crafts as well.

The Soapbox Derby is coming to Des Moines. Join us and design a mini derby car for your favorite book character using the materials provided, your engineering skills and imagination, and race your car against others to see if it makes it to the finish line in one piece.

Registration required.

Backyard Birds with Joel Tuesday, June 7, 3:30 PM | East Side Library Wednesday, June 15, 2:30 PM | South Side Library Thursday, June 16, 11 AM | Forest Avenue Library Thursday, June 16, 3:30 PM | North Side Library Join Joel Van Roekel from Des Moines Parks & Recreation at the library to discover some of the birds that live in our area! We will read a story, use binoculars to spot some wild birds, and make a soda bottle birdfeeder that you can take home and put up in your own yard!

Reading Buddies with ARL TheraPets!

Wednesday, June 8, 3:30 PM | Central Library Tuesday, July 5, 3:30 PM | Central Library Thursday, July 21, 6 PM | East Side Library Each child will get 15 minutes to spend reading and interacting with a live, certified pet-therapy animal. Engaging with animals is a great way to boost confidence and reduce anxiety around learning to read.

Registration required at the Central Library event.

Pokémon Bingo Thursday, June 9, 2:30 PM | South Side Library Join us to play rounds of Bingo using characters from the Pokémon series and win prizes!

Bouncing Bubbles Thursday, June 9, 3 PM | Central Library Come try your hand at making some special bubbles! When you make these bubbles with our secret recipe, you’ll be able to bounce them and hold them in your hand without them popping.

Blank Park Zoo Presents: Ruby the Reading Panda Friday, June 10, 10:15 AM | Forest Avenue Library Monday, June 27, 6:30 PM | South Side Library Meet our friends from the Blank Park Zoo and we will discover some of the animals that live in our world. There will be a story followed by an animal meet and greet with time to meet the Blank Park Zoo Mascot.

All ages.

Paint Yourself Calm: Family Watercolor Workshop Friday, June 10, 2:30 PM | North Side Library Join us for a family-friendly watercolor workshop where you will learn to paint a soothing piece of artwork in this program led by watercolorist Lisa Christensen. This project is perfect for kids and beginner watercolorists.

Youth Family Game Night Friday, June 10, 4 PM | Central Library Friday, July 15, 4 PM | Central Library Visit Central Library for a casual family game night! Includes fun board games and other games. Best for families with kids ages 5-18.

Pride Month Windsock Craft Saturday, June 11, Franklin Avenue Library Celebrate Pride with a special windsock! Learn about the history and the meaning of the colors represented on the LGBTQ+ flag and create your own colorful windsock to display at home to celebrate Pride Month.

Chihuly Glass

ART

IN THE

LIBRARY

Wednesday, June 8, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Visit the library and create a piece of art using everyday materials that resembles Dale Chihuly’s amazing glass sculptures.

Frida Kahlo Inspired Portrait Wednesday, June 22, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Mexican artist Frida Kahlo was known for her self portraits, and we will be creating a work of art that is inspired by one of her most famous pieces.

Printmaking Wednesday, July 20, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Create your own unique piece of art using the old-fashioned method of printmaking.

For ages 6-12. Registration required.

6 engage • June/July 2022

Register at dmpl.org/events

kids Seeds and DMPL Present: Swan

Green Talk | Charla Verde

Saturday, June 11 and July 9, 10 AM | Forest Avenue Library Different styles of dance will be highlighted with expert guest presenters, hosted by SEEDS Youth Creative Development.

This program is made possible through the Catherine Williams Endowment.

Thursday, June 16, 4 PM | East Side Library Join us for a ‘Green Talk’ with a Metro Waste Authority guest to learn about what goes on behind the scenes with waste and recycling.

Stay and enjoy making two crafts from recycled materials!

Gateway Dance: Water-Themed Movement Workshop and Performance Monday, June 13, 2 PM | Forest Avenue Library Join us for an afternoon of dance and movement! Gateway Dance Theater presents a workshop and performance that will empower young minds with a water-themed dance.

Chalk the Walk Monday, June 13, 2:30 PM | South Side Library Bring the family and help us decorate the sidewalks around the library! We’ll use sidewalk chalk to create fun art that everyone can enjoy as they walk the sidewalk of the library. All ages.

Nintendo Switch Party Monday, June 13, 3 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Join us for a Nintendo Switch Party! We will have games like Mario Kart 8, Super Mario Bros. Ultimate, and Splatoon 2. Feel free to bring your own Switch or share the library’s controllers. Registration encouraged but not required.

Superhero Bingo Tuesday, June 14, 3 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Bring the whole family and play a good old-fashioned game of Bingo, but with superheroes instead of numbers. Feel free to come as you are or dress up as your favorite superhero. No superhero knowledge is required.

Science Wednesdays LEGO Zip Line Challenge Wednesday, June 15, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Can your LEGO mini figure make it down the zip line in one piece? Explore the concepts of gravity and acceleration as you design a device to zoom down a zip line.

Amphibians R Us with Polk County Conservation Wednesday, June 29, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library A special guest from Polk County Conservation will be visiting to tell us all about amphibians! Find out about these smooth, wet animals that seem to magically transform from egg to adult. A live animal will be here if available.

Science in Magic Wednesday, July 13, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Is it magic or is it science? We will be doing science activities and experiments that are almost like magic.

Acompáñenos para una ‘Charla Verde’ con Metro Waste Authority para aprender que ocurre tras bambalinas con basura y reciclje . Disfruten de un cuento bilingüe y manualidades con cosas recicladas.

Family “Bad Art” Night Thursday, June 16, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Bring the whole family and join us at the library to create whatever crazy, silly, strange art you’re inspired to make! There are only two rules: it must be “library appropriate” and it must be BAD... so bad that it’s good! Wear clothing suitable for art activities and we will provide the supplies.

Graphic Novel Book Club Join us each month as we chat about a graphic novel and work on a fun activity or craft. For ages 7-12. Registration required. Books available at the library front desk for those who have registered, while supplies last.

• New Kid, by Jerry Craft | Friday, June 17, 5 PM | East Side Library • Agent 9, by James Burkes | Thursday, June 23, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library • TBD | Thursday, July 21, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Family Mini Golf Saturday, June 18, 10 AM-12 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Drop into our Franklin Avenue meeting room and play a round of mini golf with the family. Golf clubs provided by Blank Golf Course.

Pride Cookie Party Saturday, June 18, 2:00 PM | Forest Avenue Library Enjoy a sweet celebration! Adults will learn some design techniques using royal icing, and kids will enjoy testing out colors and sprinkles in a variety of patterns. Plenty of taste testing along the way. All ages.

Art on the Green Tuesday, June 21, 3 PM | Tower Park (4900 Hickman Road) Bring your imagination and join Miss Donna at Tower Park for this free, creative program where kids will explore various materials to bring their artwork to life. Wear clothing suitable for art activities and bring a blanket or towel to sit on. Activity will be available while supplies last.

Ice Cream in a Bag Tuesday, June 21, 4 PM | Central Library Make your own ice cream treat in a bag. Learn how ice cream is made and then personalize your own!

Terrific Trees Thursday, June 23, 6 PM | East Side Library Join Polk County 4-H to explore nature, especially trees and just how terrific they are! Participants will enjoy a read aloud story and a STEAM activity related to trees and their byproducts.

June/July 2022 • engage 7

kids 3-D Printed Pokémon Gardens

Gateway Games

Friday, June 24, 4:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library Come catch them all! We will be building mini garden homes for 3-D printed Pokémon. Kids can create their own garden to take home and add up to three 3-D figurines. As supplies last.

Monday, July 11, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Bring your friends and family for an evening of Gateway Games! We are upgrading family game night from Sorry and Monopoly to games like Ticket to Ride, Azul, Catan, Sushi Go, and more. For ages 8+.

Dinosaur Discovery!

Dog Man Celebration

Tuesday, June 28, 3 PM | Franklin Avenue Library The dinosaurs are back. Join us in the meeting room for activities, games, and crafts that are all about everyone’s favorite creatures.

Ages 3+.

Tuesday, July 12, 2:30-3:30 PM | South Side Library Celebrate our favorite half-man, half-dog crime fighting hero with games, crafts, and other fabulous fun at our Dog Man Celebration.

Slime Science

Tuesday, July 12, 3 PM | Tower Park (4900 Hickman Road) Take part in a unique scavenger hunt. Discover the art of Letterboxing by using clues to search the park for treasure boxes where you collect stamps in your logbook and leave your own stamp at each letterbox you find.

Wednesday, June 29, 4 PM | Central Library Experiment with magnetic slime at the Central Library. Registration required.

Manualidades at Forest Avenue Library Thursday, June 30 and July 28, 4:45 PM | Forest Avenue Library Stop by Forest Avenue Library for a bilingual craft activity series hosted by our very own bilingual library assistant, Mrs. Les. Different types of crafts, dances, and music will be explored. The program is bilingual, where instructions will be given in Spanish and English.

Spiders! with Polk County Conservation Friday, July 1, 10:30 AM | Forest Avenue Library Join us for a special presentation on spiders. We’ll discuss different types of spiders such as web weavers and hunters. A live animal will be used if available. Following the presentation, join us to make glow in the dark spider web crafts!

Family Movie Party: Trolls: World Tour Sing-a-Long Saturday, July 2, 1:30 PM | Central Library Join us for a Family Movie Party! Sing along to this rated PG, familyfriendly movie.

DIY Glass Window Decorations

Letterboxing Scavenger Hunt

The Belin Quartet Children’s Concert Friday, July 15, 10 AM | Central Library Presented by Civic Music Association, this program will include an outdoor performance by the Belin Quartet of The Carnival of the Animals, a piece by Camille Saint-Saëns, arranged for two violins, viola, cello, and piano.

Join us for wonderful music and fun crafts!

Family Hula Hoopin’ Fun with Sparkle Hoop Dance Friday, July 15, 10:30 AM | North Side Library Get moving outside the North Side Library with hula hooping for the whole family. Mary Boyvey, of Sparkle Hoop Dance, will provide hula hoops and music while showing us fun tricks to try out with our hoops!

Blacklight Slime Party

Thursday, July 7, 4 PM | Central Library Join us at Central Library to make our own stained glass window decorations. This is fun for all ages and levels of artistic ability.

Friday, July 15 | 2 PM | Forest Avenue Library Get ready for some glow in the dark fun at the Forest Avenue Library with special blacklight slime, games, and art activities. As supplies last. Ages 8+

3-D Printed Among Us Dioramas

3-D Pens: Rocket Ship Creation

Friday, July 8, 4:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library We will be building and painting our own mini dioramas showing a happy crew or a villainous imposter. Use 3-D printed crewmates to stage your game! As supplies last!

Monday, July 18, 4 PM | Central Library Join us at Central Library for a lesson in 3-D Pens! We will learn how to build our own 3-D rocket ship. For ages 8-12. Registration required.

Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical Sneak Preview Saturday, July 9, 10:30 AM | Franklin Avenue Library Visit the library for a special sneak preview of the Des Moines Community Playhouse production of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, based on the classic children’s book. Enjoy the performance and register to win free tickets to the play!

Tuesday, July 19, 2:30 PM | South Side Library See an explosion! Explore the interactions of pressure, temperature and states of matter with the Science Center of Iowa! Kids can watch an experiment with ultra-cold nitrogen and combustible gases to learn why things pop, bang and blow up! All ages. Parent or guardian must be present.

The Science Center of Iowa: Simply Electrifying

The Bad Guys Book Party

Monday, July 11, 10 AM | Forest Avenue Library Join us at Forest Avenue Library as we explore the exciting world of electricity! Experience hair-raising fun with a Van de Graaff generator, and watch as you and your friends become electrons and atoms.

All ages.

Tuesday, July 19, 3 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Celebrate the newest Bad Guys book (Open Wide and Say Arrgh!) with games, crafts, puzzles, and a scavenger hunt. From Ms. Tarantula to Mr. Wolf, Mr. Shark to Diane Foxington, you’ve never had so much fun cheering for the bad guys.

8 engage • June/July 2022

Science Center of Iowa’s Boom!

Register at dmpl.org/events

kids 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 Family STEM Challenge

Book Character Bingo

Thursday, July 21, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library The whole family can visit the library and take on our Gummy Bear Launch Challenge. Can you design a contraption to launch a Gummy Bear across the room? Bring your creativity and we will provide the materials.

Tuesday, July 26, 3 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Join us for another round of everyone’s favorite game. This time your bingo card will be filled with characters from children’s books. Prizes awarded to the winners.

Water Battles

Insect and Spiders with Polk County Conservation

Friday, July 22, 2 PM | Forest Avenue Library Prepare to battle it out in a series of water based challenges followed by popsicles. You will get soaked so be sure to bring a towel and shoes if you plan to come in the library after! As supplies last.

Ages 8+.

Friday, July 29, 4:30 PM | North Side Library Explore the fascinating world of insects and spiders and their bizarre ways of life with Polk County Conservation! Live insects or spiders will be used if available.

Pop Art Collage with Michael Albert Friday, July 22, 4 PM | North Side Library Pop Artist and author Michael Albert will show off his collages and help us make our own! For kids and teens. Registration required

June/July 2022 • engage 9

teens Language Learner’s Meet-Up

Loud and Proud Party

Thursday, June 2, 4:30 PM | Central Library Get tips to improve your skills, connect with other teens interested in learning languages, and complete a fun craft.

Wednesday, June 22, 2:30 PM | South Side Library Celebrate Pride Month by joining us to make your own Pride-themed crafts, eat yummy snacks, listen to music and have fun!

Level Up!

Avengers Escape Room

Tuesdays, 4 PM | Forest Avenue Library Use our tablets and Nintendo Switch to play Among Us, Minecraft, Roblox, and more.

Thursday, June 23, 3:30 and 4:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library The Avengers are missing and no one knows why! A series of puzzles have been left behind for each missing member. Who will save the multiverse and rescue the heroes who usually rescue us all? Those who work as a team and complete the challenges will win a special prize. Registration required.

Pride Mosaics Monday, June 6, 1 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Celebrate Pride Month with friends by creating your own unique rainbow mosaic designs! Registration encouraged but not required.

Tween and Teen Ukulele Camp June 7-9, 1:30 PM | North Side Library Play your own ukulele or borrow one of North Side’s soprano ukuleles for the class. Natalie Steenson will facilitate this 3-day camp for ages 8-18, teaching ukulele basics, chords and strumming patterns.

Registration required.

Anime/Manga Meetup Wednesday, June 8 and July 13, 2:30 PM | South Side Library Nerd out about anime and manga with other people who love it.

Registration required.

Forest VolunTeens Wednesday, June 8 and July 13, 4 PM | Forest Avenue Library Help out the library with various tasks during the Forest Avenue Library’s VolunTeens program. This is a great way to earn volunteer hours. Pick up a volunteer application and waiver from the front desk and return it prior to the program.

Open Slay Dungeons & Dragons Monday, June 27 and July 18, 1 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Open Slay Dungeons & Dragons is for teens and tweens who are ready to play one-off campaigns and meet D&D friends! All gaming supplies will be provided by The Rook Room, but feel free to bring any supplies from your own personal collection. Registration required.

Exploring Nature through Mindfulness Thursday, June 30, 6 PM | East Side Library Join Polk County 4-H to explore how nature can support teens in their mindfulness journey. Youth will learn more about mindfulness though nature and being present while outdoors. Learn about multiple mindfulness techniques to do when outside, including building labyrinths.

Teens and Tweens: Light it Up ‘Copters Wednesday, July 17, 2:30 PM | South Side Library Use our LED lights and supplies to make basic circuits to make paper copters light up. Afterwards, we’ll test them outside and watch them fly! Snacks will be provided. Ages 10-17. Registration required.

Pride Fashion Show

Storytelling with Google Coding

Sunday, June 12, 3 PM | Central Library Join us for a family-friendly fashion show to celebrate Pride Month. DMPL and Iowa Queer Communities of Color Coalition (IQ3C) will host an event celebrating fashion, identity, and being your true self.

Tuesday, July 19, 3:30 PM | North Side Library Tweens and teens ages 10-18 can join us to explore how we can use coding to tell stories. Participants will create a virtual character and use code to describe their actions, thoughts, and words!

Tween and Teen Switch Gaming Tuesday, June 14, 28 and July 12, 26, 3:30 PM | North Side Library Anyone age 10-18 can come play games on our Nintendo Switch!

Pride Cookie Party Saturday, June 18, 2 PM | Forest Avenue Library All ages are welcome. Adults will learn some design techniques using royal icing, and kids and teens will enjoy testing out colors and sprinkles in a variety of patterns.

10 engage • June/July 2022

Teens and Tweens: Clay Creations Friday, July 22, 2:30 PM | South Side Library We will have different colors of air dry clay to use along with stones and other materials to create and take home! Make a small vase, a pencil holder, or anything you choose. Ages 10-18. Registration required.

Friendship Bracelet Creation Friday, July 29, 3 PM | Central Library Join us at Central Library for friendship bracelet creation! Learn a few different ways to artfully show off your best friends! Ages 8-18.

Registration required.

Register at dmpl.org/events

adults jim

autry

neil

hamilton

DEMING

dr. richard

Plant, Grow, Fly! with Des Moines Parks & Recreation Wednesday, June 1, 6 PM | East Side Library Learn about butterflies and plants with Des Moines Parks and Recreation. You’ll learn what pollinators need to survive, take home a flower pot with you, and get hands-on in the East Side Library’s butterfly garden by helping plant some native plants. Registration required.

AUTHORS VISITING IN DES MOINES

6/7 7 PM

central library 1000 GRAND AVENUE

Writers’ Workshop Monday, June 6 and July 11, 5:30 PM | Central Library Share samples of your work and receive feedback from other writers in the group. If you would like to share your writing with the group, please attach the document in an email to Julia (JMDunt@dmpl.org) by 12 PM the Tuesday before the group meets.

AViD Presents: Iowa Author Panel

Thursday, June 2, June 16, July 7, and July 21, 3:30 PM | South Side Library Practice your English and meet new people in the community. All English levels welcome.

Tuesday, June 7, 7 PM | Central Library Joining us will be a panel of popular, distinguished local figures who are also published authors: Dr. Richard Deming, Neil Hamilton, and Jim Autry (see above). We’ll be discussing their works and how their unique experiences in Des Moines and Iowa led them to where they are now.

Sit n’ Stitch

Spark Stories: Max Mowitz

Saturday, June 4 and July 2, 1:30 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. Registration required.

Wednesday, June 8, 6:30 PM | Facebook/YouTube Max Mowitz is Program Director at One Iowa, Iowa’s statewide LGBTQ advocacy organization. Hear the “spark” that gave Max the desire to create change in the community.

English Conversation Practice

A Thousand Acres Sneak Peak Saturday, June 4, 2 PM | Central Library Join the Des Moines Metro Opera for a preview of their upcoming production of A Thousand Acres, based on the novel by Jane Smiley.

Learn about the process of developing a world premiere production with the opera’s director, Kristine McIntyre. Attendees have a chance to win a pair of tickets.

Game Day at Central Sunday, June 5 and July 3, 1:30-4:30 PM | Central Library Play new board games and make new friends during our new monthly event. We’ll have a selection of tabletop games. Feel free to bring beverages, snacks, and even games you’d like to share with others.

This event is being co-sponsored by The Rook Room.

Celebrate Juneteenth with Iowa Juneteenth!

Join the library and Iowa Juneteenth for a series of programs that celebrate Juneteenth here in Iowa!

Dwana Bradley of Iowa Juneteenth will join us for special storytimes for kids and families, as well as leading educational evening programs on the history – and future – of Juneteenth in Iowa.

STORYTIMES: June 8, 10 AM | Forest Avenue Library June 9, 10 AM | South Side Library ADULT PROGRAMS: June 8, 6:30 PM | South Side Library June 9, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library June/July 2022 • engage 11

adults kids Introduction to Electronic Resources at DMPL

Ongoing Events Job Seekers Help with The Financial Empowerment Center Wednesdays through July 13, 10 AM-2 PM | North Side Library Staff from the Financial Empowerment Center and Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families are ready to provide one-on-one job search and resume assistance to job seekers. Services include: writing and printing a resume, locating online job applications, contacting employers, mock interviews, and more.

Drop-In Computer Help Wednesdays, 2 PM | Central Library Every Wednesday, staff will answer your questions about computer basics like using a mouse, typing, email, document creation and more.

Reading Help for Adults Wednesdays (except June 29), 3 PM | North Side Library DMACC’s Adult Literacy Center will be at North Side Library each week for free help learning to read. For more information, call 515-248-7517.

Glowforge Training 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. You can also make an acrylic keychain to keep using either your own design or one of ours. Registration required.

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.

Typing Club Mondays, 3 PM | North Side Library Learn how to type or improve your keyboarding skills at your own pace, with 1-on-1 assistance. Laptops will be provided. All skill levels welcome. Registration required.

12 engage • June/July 2022

Thursday, June 9, 23 and July 7, 21, 2 PM | Central Library Learn how to get started using the library’s collection of digital resources.

Retro Craft Night: Macramé Keychains Thursday, June 9, 6:30 PM | South Side Library Revisit the crafts you loved doing at summer camp or during afterschool programs but with a grown-up twist! This month we will be creating macramé keychains while grooving to some oldies.

Reading Challenge Movie Club Watch movies at Central Library each month that ties into one of the Reading Challenge categories.

Thursday, June 9, 5 PM: King Richard Thursday, July 14, 5 PM: Spider-Man: No Way Home

Fresh Conversations Friday, June 10, 10:30 AM | North Side Library Iowans aged 60 and older are invited to discuss current nutrition and health topics, taste low-cost healthy recipes, and discover new ways to stay active and independent.

Tech Central Open House Saturday, June 11 and July 16, 10 AM-12 PM | Central Library Stop by Tech Central to learn about the creative technologies available with your library card! Learn about using our green screen, audio equipment, and laser engraver, and discover how to convert old home videos to digital files.

Speaking of Work: The Making of an Iowa Working Class Saturday, June 11, 12-4 PM | Central Library Drawing on oral histories, photographs, and documents collected over almost half a century, Speaking of Work: The Making of an Iowa Working Class introduces visitors to the voices and struggles of workers from across the state. Registration encouraged.

Knit in Public Day Craftapalooza Saturday, June 11, 1-4 PM | North Side Library Celebrate Knit in Public Day at the library, with crafting events, activity stations, and more.

The Empowerment Project: Central Iowa Trauma Recovery Center Monday, June 13, July 11, and July 18, 1:30 PM | Central Library The Empowerment Project was created to support people facing housing insecurity by providing a safe space to share personal experiences, coping strategies, and information to help each other.

Williametta Jacques-Asor, Clinical Care Coordinator from Central Iowa Trauma Recovery Center, leads this discussion.

Register at dmpl.org/events

adults Art 101 DMPL staffer and artist Fueche Vang leads a monthly art class for all skill ranges. Basic materials such as paper, paints, brushes, and drawing boards will be provided. Attendees are welcome to bring their own materials.

Pet Portraits: Monday, June 13, 5:30 PM | Central Library Comic Book Basics: Monday, July 18, 5:30 PM | Central Library

DocuWatch + DocuTalk: Last Chance: LGBT Refugees Seeking Asylum DocuWatch: Tuesday, June 21, 6 PM | North Side Library DocuTalk: Tuesday, June 28, 6 PM | Zoom Join us for a DocuWatch screening of Last Chance: LGBT Refugees Seeking Asylum (2012). Then join us on Zoom a week later for a DocuTalk discussion all about the film!

Modern Pop Art Experience with Michael Albert

Fraud Fighters Tuesday, June 14, 11 AM | Central Library Tuesday, June 21, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library Thursday, June 23, 2:30 PM | South Side Library Tuesday, July 12, 6:00 PM | East Side Library Saturday, July 23, 2:00 PM | North Side Library Thursday, July 28, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library United Way of Central Iowa’s AmeriCorps Seniors program has Fraud Fighters volunteers who are trained by the Iowa Insurance Division to give presentations on common scams, such as fraudulent investments, consumer and Medicare insurance schemes, pyramid schemes and more.

Meet Cute: Reading Romance with Denise and Elisa Wednesday, June 15, 6 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Book Chat presents a night of conversation with romance author Denise Williams and local Bookstagrammer @LovinglyRead (Elisa).

Trans Rights with Iowa ACLU Wednesday, June 15, 6 PM | South Side Library Join us for an overview of transgender Iowans’ rights under state and federal law, along with strategies to advocate for transgender rights in the state legislature and your community.

Behind the Mic: A Beginner’s Guide to Podcasting Thursday, June 16, 23, 30, 6:30 PM | Central Library Tech Central Start a podcast from the mic up in this 3-week series with ChimaeraCast podcast member Ryan Knott. We’ll cover the basics like how to structure your podcast and scripts, plus topics like Patreon, creating merchandise, and handling collaborations. Registration required.

Discovering Des Moines History Tuesday, June 21 and July 19, 5:30 PM | Central Library Discover the resources the library offers on the history of your city, neighborhood, or house.

Iowa’s Native Plants Tuesday, June 21, 6 PM | East Side Library Iowa Native Plant Society presenters will discuss Iowa’s native plants and how to grow them. Participants will receive a free sample of seeds!

Thursday, June 23, 5:30 PM | North Side Library Friday, July 22, 1 PM | East Side Library Artist Michael Albert will present a hands-on collage workshop.

Participants will create their own collages using the same materials he uses to create his serious works of art. The program includes a free poster and signing. Registration required.

Franklin Cinema Club Monday, June 27 and July 18, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Watch the movie in advance, then join us for a discussion. Titles are available through Kanopy (the library’s free streaming service) and our DVD collection.

June 27 – Dial M for Murder July 18 – The Great Dictator

Book Binding: Open Spine Binding with Book Tape Tuesday, June 28, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library Learn how to bind a book using non-adhesive book tape and stitching.

Yarn Weaving Wednesday, July 6, 2 PM | East Side Library Our librarian Haley will help walk you through the steps to create your own coaster or coffee cup sleeve.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Comics Thursday, July 7, 6 PM | Zoom Scott “Diablo” Marcano is a comic book publisher and filmmaker. In this Zoom program, he will be showing the history of comics, how they’re made and give participants insight on how to get started in the industry. Registration required.

Bluebirds in Des Moines Monday, July 11, 6:45 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Take a closer look at an overlooked aviary star and learn what we can do to make Des Moines a better place for the bluebird to live.

We’ll look at some history, actions taken, and what we are doing to help bluebirds in Des Moines. Presented by Des Moines Parks and Recreation.

Ukulele Jam Tuesday, July 12, 6:30 PM | North Side Library Join Natalie Steenson for a ukulele sing-a-long jam! Borrow a soprano ukulele from the North Side Library or bring your own. We will have fun strumming familiar tunes and might learn a few things too.

Registration required.

June/July 2022 • engage 13

adults Spark Stories: Emily Osweiler Wednesday, July 13, 6:30 PM | Facebook/YouTube Emily Osweiler is the CEO of a new nonprofit, Greater Des Moines Supportive Housing, that plans to build a 100-150 unit supportive housing campus in Polk County for people coming out of homelessness. Hear the “spark” that gave Emily the desire to create change in the community.

What Does Google Know About You? Tuesday, July 19, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library Bring your own device and we will help you find out what Google knows about you, talk about why it matters, and consider whether it’s worth it. Plus, learn how to stay a little more private. Must have a Google account.

DocuWatch + DocuTalk: Recovering Paradise (Reuperano el Paraiso) DocuWatch: Tuesday, July 19, 6 PM | North Side Library DocuTalk: Tuesday, July 26, 6 PM | Zoom Join us for a DocuWatch screening of Recovering Paradise (Reuperano el Paraiso). Then join us on Zoom a week later for a DocuTalk discussion all about the film!

Mindful Solar Prints Wednesday, July 20, 5:30 PM | South Side Library Join us for an early evening of harnessing the power of the sun to create beautiful artwork while creating a mindful space for yourself with gentle meditations and creativity.

Local Author Spotlight: Beth Hoffman Thursday, July 21, 5:30 PM | Central Library Beth Hoffman is the co-owner of Whippoorwill Creek Farm in south central Iowa and author of Bet the Farm: The Dollars and Sense of Growing Food in America. Learn about her experience in agriculture during this program.

Crossroads: Bob Pace Saturday, July 23, 2 PM | Franklin Avenue Library The Crossroads: A Journey with the Blues series is back. Kicking off the series is local guitar legend Bob Pace.

Interactive Dyslexia Experience Monday, July 25, 6 PM | Franklin Avenue Library We will explore myths and facts about dyslexia and participate in several dyslexia simulation activities designed to increase empathy and understanding.

Learn to Sculpt Butter Thursday, July 28, 5:15 PM and 6:30 PM | East Side Library Sarah Pratt, the Iowa State Fair’s butter sculptor, will talk all about her job. Each participant will receive their own stick of butter to sculpt. You can take your masterpiece home or give it to Sarah to mix in with her butter for this year’s sculpture.

14 engage • June/July 2022

Book Discussions Reading on the Margins Book Discussion • Thursday, June 9, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library A Little Devil in America, by Hanif Abdurraqib

• Thursday, July 14, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library The House in the Cerulean Sea, by TJ Klune

Franklin Afternoon Book Discussion • Monday, June 13, 1 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Washington Black, by Esi Edugyan • Friday, July 11, 1 PM | Franklin Avenue Library The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, by Abbi Waxman

South Side Book Discussion • Thursday, June 16, 2 PM | South Side Library Salt Houses, by Hala Alyan

• Thursday, July 21, 2 PM | South Side Library Arsenic and Adobo, by Mia Manansela

YA For Adults Book Club • Thursday, June 16, 6 PM | Central Library The Darkest Part of the Forest, by Holly Black

• Thursday, July 21, 6 PM | Central Library Renegades, by Marissa Meyer

North Side Book Discussion • Tuesday, June 21, 1 PM | North Side Library Exit West, by Mohsin Hamid

• Tuesday, July 19, 1 PM | North Side Library Finlay Donovan is Killing It, by Elle Cosimano

Books & Bites • Tuesday, June 21, 6:30 PM | The Walnut (1417 Walnut •

Street) We Ride Upon Sticks, by Quan Barry Tuesday, July 26, 6:30 PM | The Walnut (1417 Walnut Street) Last Summer at the Golden Hotel, by Elyssa Friedland

East Side Book Discussion Group • Monday, June 27, 2 PM | East Side Library Truly Devious, by Maureen Johnson

• Monday, July 18, 2 PM | East Side Library The Midnight Library, by Matt Haig

Forest Avenue Library Book Discussion • Monday, June 27, 6 PM | Forest Avenue Library The Yellow House, by Sarah M. Broom

• Monday, July 25, 6 PM | Forest Avenue Library The Turnout, by Megan Abbott

Register at dmpl.org/events

Make Every Night a Movie Night

Starting July 1: No more dvd rental fees!*

Check out our extensive collection at your local library or at dmpl.org *late fees still apply.