engage June-July 2023

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

ON THE COVER

HOURS AND LOCATIONS

CHALLENGE CHALLENGE

Take the Summer Reading Challenge!

The Des Moines Public Library’s Summer Reading Challenge kicks off June 5! The library’s annual summer reading program gives participants of all ages a chance to earn prizes just for reading and doing fun learning activities.

Children on average lose about two months of reading skills over the summer months if they stop reading regularly while school is out. The library’s Summer Reading Challenge is so important because it’s a way to keep kids engaged with books and learning to help stop the “summer slide.”

Signing up for the Summer Reading Challenge is free, and kids get a free book just by registering at any DMPL location or online at dmpl.org/summer-reading. Registration starts Monday, June 5. After that, completing the challenge is easy: Just read, do fun learning activities, and attend library programs like storytimes, science demonstrations, art activities, and more! These programs are designed to captivate children while also stimulate their mind. There will also be various passive programs, such as scavenger hunts and take-home projects. Once they complete the challenge, kids receive another small prize, and they’re eligible for our grand prize drawings in August.

HOW: Sign up for our annual summer reading program at any DMPL location or online starting Monday, June 5. Get a free book just for registering!

PRIZES: Once you complete your game sheet, return it to any location (or track and complete online), and you’ll receive a small prize and be entered into our grand prize drawings!

PROGRAMS: The library is home to hundreds of free programs all summer long. Go to dmpl.org/events and start planning your summer of fun and learning at the library!

MORE INFO: Go to dmpl.org/summer-reading

Free meal site at Forest Avenue Library

CHECKOUT CHALLENGE:

Adults can take part too! We’ll also launch the 2023 Summer Checkout Challenge, where reading books and completing literacy activities enter you into a drawing for prizes. Head to any DMPL location beginning June 5 to get started.

DMPL Summer Checkout Challenge

June 5-August 5, 2023

June 5-August 5, 2023

The Forest Avenue Library is partnering with Central Iowa Shelter & Services (CISS) to be a free meal site all summer long. Meals will be served 4-8 PM Monday through Thursday, 4-6 PM Friday, and 4-5 PM Saturday. There is no registration required.

SUMMER READING CHALLENGE KICKOFF PARTY AT VARSITY CINEMA!

Saturday, June 3, 12 PM Varsity Cinema,1207 25th St.

Join us at Varsity Cinema for a party to kick off the 2023 Summer Reading Challenge and the launch of our Summer Reading Cinema Clubhouse film series! Rosie and a few of her librarian friends will be signing kids up for summer reading (get a free book!), plus contests, and much more fun.

After the party, head into the theater to watch the film, The Bad Guys. Admission to the party is free, and tickets to the movie are $9 for kids, $12 for adults, and every child gets free popcorn!

DMPL SUMMER READING CINEMA CLUBHOUSE

DMPL librarians picked four book-to-film adaptations, one for each weekend in June, as part of the Varsity’s Cinema Clubhouse series.

1 PM Saturday and Sunday, June 3-4: The Bad Guys

*Stop by at 12 PM Saturday for a special Summer Reading Challenge kickoff party, featuring Rosie, free popcorn, contests, and more!

1 PM Saturday and Sunday, June 10-11: Fantastic Mr. Fox

1 PM Saturday and Sunday, June 17-18: The Lorax

1 PM Saturday and Sunday, June 24-25: Where the Wild Things Are

GET TICKETS: $9 for kids, $12 for adults. Go to varsitydesmoines.com or stop at the box office, 1207 25th St.

varsitycinema.com and dmpl.org/summer-reading

kids

Dinosaur Day with Elizabeth Gilbert Bedia

Thursday, June 1, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Celebrate Dinosaur Day with special guest and author Elizabeth Gilbert Bedia. There will be a prehistoric journey of fun stories, activities, and crafts related to all things dinosaurs. Beaverdale Books will be selling books at the event.

Polk County Conservation: Bug Me

Thursday, June 1, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Polk County Conservation will teach us to explore the fascinating world of insects and their bizarre ways of life. Attendees will go on an insect safari with nets. Live insects will be used if available. Best for ages 6+, but all ages are welcome.

Little Explorers

Friday, June 2 and July 7, 10 AM | Franklin Avenue Library

Bring your young ones (0-5) to discover, learn, and play with different sensory activities. Please wear play clothes as some activities may be messy.

Touch a Truck: Garbage & Recycling Trucks

Tuesday, June 6, 12 PM | South Side Library

Tuesday, July 11, 3 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Visitors can learn from a community helper from the Public Works Department about how they use their trucks daily for their job!

Touch a Truck: Library Delivery Van

Tuesday, June 6, 2 PM | North Side Library

Wednesday, June 28, 2 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Tuesday, July 11, 2 PM | South Side Library

Learn all about how library books get from place to place with Doug, the library’s delivery driver! We will start in our meeting room to hear about how Doug uses the delivery van for his job. Afterwards, you will get to see the van up close and enjoy a craft.

Summer Reading Beach Party

Tuesday, June 6, 3 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Grab your sunglasses and join us for some indoor fun in the sun! Enjoy beach-themed crafts, games, and activities, and sign up for summer reading.

Plant, Grow, Fly, with Des Moines Parks & Recreation

Tuesday, June 6, 5:30 PM | East Side Library

Wednesday, June 14, 3 PM | North Side Library

Learn about butterflies and plants with Joel from Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. We’ll discuss what pollinators need to survive and why they’re important. You’ll help plant native plants in our butterfly gardens and take home your own filled flowerpot to support pollinators.

Science Wednesdays

Wednesday, June 7 and July 12, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

In June, we’ll make s’mores using solar ovens. In July, we’ll try our hand at creating a picture that jumps off the page when you put on 3-D glasses. Registration required.

Wiggles and Giggles with Iowa Total Care

Thursday, June 8, 10:15 AM | Central Library

Join us at the Central Library for a fun storytime featuring movement, music, and rhyming with special guest Iowa Total Care Literacy Program. They will provide a free book for each child in attendance to take home.

Bus Ride Storytime with DART

Thursday, June 8, 10:30 AM | North Side Library

Wednesday, June 14, 10 AM | Forest Avenue Library

Tuesday, June 27, 10:30 AM | Central Library

Friday, June 30, 10 AM | East Side Library

Thursday, July 13, 10 AM | South Side Library

Monday, July 17, 10:15 AM | Franklin Avenue Library

Join us for a special storytime with a reader from Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART). Afterwards, we will go for a short ride on one of the DART buses.

Fun with Bubbles

Thursday, June 8, 3:30 PM | South Side Library

Stop by South Side to blow some bubbles in the fresh air and celebrate summer!

Best Friend Day at the Library

Thursday, June 8, 5-8 PM | East Side Library

Bring your best friend to the library to make Best Friend Buttons and friendship bracelets, grab a book for you and your BFF to read together, and take a photo in our Best Buds photo booth!

Roller Rink Storytime at Skate South

Monday, June 12 and July 10, 10:30 AM | Skate South, 10494 County Line Road

Families can come to the roller rink starting at 10 AM to get their wheels and start skating. Strollers welcome! From 10:30-11 AM, we’ll have a special storytime, and afterward families can continue to have fun at the rink from 11-Noon. Best for ages 2 to 8. Admission not included.

Jester Puppets Fairytales

Monday, June 12, 10:30 AM | Forest Avenue Library

Monday, June 12, 6:30 PM | South Side Library

Friday, June 23, 10:30 AM | East Side Library

Get ready for hilarity and downright silliness as Jesper Puppets retells your kids’ favorite fables. Young imaginations will soar to new heights on the sounds of treasured laughter.

Touch a Truck: Street Sweeper Truck

Tuesday, June 13, 12 PM | South Side Library

Come to the South Side Library’s parking lot to see and touch a street sweeper truck. Visitors can learn from a community helper from the Public Works Department about how they use their truck daily for their job.

Proud Pins

Tuesday, June 13, 1-3 PM | East Side Library

Celebrate Flag Day and what flag represents you! We will have beads and safety pins to create a mini flags that represent you and what you are proud of.

Nature BINGO

Tuesday, June 13, 3 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Bring the whole family for several games of BINGO, where your cards will be filled with plants and animals native to Iowa.

The Buzz About Bees

Tuesday, June 13, 6 PM | Central Library

Bethany Kelly, the Central Iowa Bee Queen, will teach us all about these incredible insects. We’ll even have a honey taste test!

Fun with Food

Wednesday, June 14, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Join a special guest from ISU Extension and Outreach as they share information about healthy snacks. Registration required.

Touch a Truck: Dump Truck

Tuesday, June 20, 12 PM | South Side Library

Wednesday, July 12, 10 AM | Forest Avenue Library

Visitors can learn from a community helper from the Public Works Department about how they use their truck daily for their job.

Wildlife of Iowa Celebration

Tuesday, June 20, 3 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Join our special guests from the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge for games, crafts, hands-on learning activities, and a scavenger hunt as we celebrate all the plants and cuddly critters that are native to Iowa.

Science with Iowa State’s Women in Science and Engineering

Thursday, June 22 and July 20, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Join us at the Forest Avenue library for a visit from the Iowa State University Women in Science and Engineering (WISE). In June, we’ll create fudge. In July, we’ll test the powers of surface tension by creating bubbles.

Discover, Explore, Create: Iowa’s Native Prairie

Thursday, June 22, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Be the first to pick up the Franklin Avenue Library’s Native Prairie Passport! Bring the whole family to discover native tall-grass prairie locations around the metro with an interactive presentation and oneof-a-kind nature craft.

Iowa Animal Tracks

Monday, June 26, 11 AM | Forest Avenue Library

Tuesday, July 18, 11 AM | South Side Library

Discover what mammals call Iowa home and learn more about them from pelts, footprints, and bones.

Find Your Roar with the Blank Park Zoo

Tuesday, June 27, 2 PM | South Side Library

Tuesday, June 27, 3:30 PM | North Side Library

Visit with our friends at the Blank Park Zoo to explore the impact that humans have on nature and learn about the hard work that goes into conservation.

Mo Willems Party

Tuesday, June 27, 3 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

We’re celebrating some of our favorite Mo Willems characters. Join us for crafts, games, and activities.

LEGO Challenge – Build a Secret Island

Wednesday, June 28, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Build a secret getaway island with LEGO but watch out: You never know when a disaster might happen. Registration required.

Finding Piper’s Voice

Thursday, June 29, 6 PM | East Side Library

Learn from members of the Central Iowa chapter of the American Guild of Organists about the “Piper,” a small pipe organ with a mighty voice.

Movie Watch Party

Friday, June 30, 3:30 PM and Monday, July 3, 4 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Join us for crafts and fun while we watch Sonic the Hedgehog 2 in June, and the live-action Aladdin in July.

Tippi Toes Dance Class

Saturday, July 1 and July 22, 10:15 AM | Central Library

Tippi Toes Dance Company’s high energy dance classes are the perfect opportunity for kids to try something new this summer. They’ll have a blast and burn some energy! For ages 2-10.

Family Hula Hoopin’ Fun with Sparkle Hoop Dance

Friday, July 7, 10:30 AM | North Side Library

Get moving outside the North Side Library with hula hooping for the whole family.

Water Battle

Friday, July 14, 2 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Prepare to battle it out in a series of water-based challenges. You will get soaked, so be sure to bring a towel and shoes if you plan to come in the library after. Popsicles provided afterward. For ages 8+.

Science Center of Iowa’s BOOM

Tuesday, July 18, 10:30 AM | Forest Avenue Library

Tuesday, July 18, 3:30 PM | North Side Library

Tuesday, July 25, 6:30 PM | Central Library

Explore the interactions of pressure, temperature, and states of matter with an educator from 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!

Ice Cream in a Bag

Tuesday, July 18, 2 PM | East Side Library

Celebrate National Ice Cream Day at the library! We will have a storytime focused on our favorite summertime snack and learn how to make your very own ice cream in a bag.

Pokémon BINGO

Tuesday, July 18, 3 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

This time your BINGO card will be filled with Pokémon! Can you catch them all in a row to win a prize?

Reading Buddies with ARL TheraPets

Thursday, July 20, 4 PM | Central Library

Engaging with animals is a great way to boost confidence and reduce anxiety around learning to read. Children under 10 must have a caregiver with them while attending the program.

Bike Helmet Safety & Decoration

Monday, July 24, 4 PM | East Side Library

Learn basic bicycle safety and get properly fitted for a helmet. You can use our craft supplies to decorate your bicycle helmet. You may bring your own helmet to decorate.

Simply Electrifying with the Science Center of Iowa

Tuesday, July 25, 2 PM | South Side Library

Join a Science Center program presenter for hair-raising demonstrations that illustrate what electricity is and how it moves.

Summer Reading Party

Tuesday, July 25, 3 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Celebrate the end of summer reading with games, STEM activities, a scavenger hunt, and craft.

Endangered Species with Polk County Conservation

Tuesday, July 25, 3:30 PM | North Side Library

Learn all about endangered species from Polk County Conservation. We will learn to identify the factors that cause animals to become an endangered species. A live animal will be used if available. This program is geared towards kids in 3rd-8th grade.

What is a Pupusa?

Thursday, July 27, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Stop by the meeting room to learn what a Pupusa is, where they come from, and how to make one.

Pase por la sala de reuniones para aprender qué es una Pupusa, de dónde vienen y cómo hacer una. Hasta agotar existencias, se requiere supervisión para niños menores de 10 años.

teens

The Art of Expression

Monday, June 5 and July 10, 3 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 June, we’ll tie dye t-shirts to celebrate Pride month. In July, we’ll create apocalypse Barbie dolls. Registration required.

Level Up!

Tuesdays, 4 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Use our tablets and Nintendo Switch to play Among Us, Minecraft, Roblox, and more.

Learn to Slay: Intro to Dungeons & Dragons

Tuesday, June 6, 13, and 20, 6 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Join us as we learn the basics of how to get started at D&D with The Rook Room. We will learn character creation, combat, the basics of storytelling, and more. This is a three-part program. Please register for the first session to participate.

Pride Dance Party

Friday, June 9, 10 AM | Central Library

It’s Pride Month, and we’re celebrating with a dance party! Wear your colors and bring the kids for snacks, rainbow crafts, and of course, dancing!

Wednesday Addams Escape Room

Friday, June 9, 4 and 5 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Wednesday has been sent to Nevermore Academy for some harmless pranks, and all she can think about is escaping. Can you make your way through the mysterious clues from her present and past memories to find the way out? Best for those ages 8-16. Registration Required

Love Your Amazing Self: Affirmation Mirrors

Friday, June 9, 2 PM | East Side Library

We will read the book Love your Amazing Self: Joyful Verses for Young Voices, by Ofosu Jones-Quartey, then create our own affirmation mirror to remind us of the wonderful things about ourselves!

Teen Tech Mondays

Monday, June 12 and July 10, 6 PM | Forest Avenue Library

We will have iPads with Procreate, a green screen, 3-D pens, and more! Ages 12+.

Show Your Pride

Wednesday, June 14, 4 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Teens, display your pride this month! We will use cardboard looms to weave colorful Pride flags. Then we will create our own buttons and perler bead designs, all wearable for Pride Month!

Totally Terrific Tie Dye Tote Bags

Thursday, June 15, 5:30 PM | East Side Library

Join us at the library to create your own crazy and colorful tie-dye tote bag! The library will provide a canvas tote bag and all other materials needed to make a tie dye tote bag. Registration required

School of Beats

Friday, June 16 and July 21, 4 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Learn the skills needed to become a DJ. We provide the equipment, you bring the creativity.

Dungeons & Dragons

Thursday, June 22, 5 PM and July 20, 6 PM | East Side Library

Our June program has a special perk: You can make your very own DMPL & Dragons t-shirt! Registration required to get a t-shirt. Dropins welcome for open play.

Nintendo Switch Party

Monday, June 26 and July 17, 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.

Weave Your Pride

Wednesday, June 28, 3:30 PM | South Side Library

Learn how to weave a beautiful Pride flag tapestry. You’ll choose your colors and learn the basics of weaving on a small, beginner’s notch loom!

Thrifting Teens: Upcycled T-Shirt Bags

Thursday, July 6, 6:30 PM | East Side Library

Join the library in making reusable bags out of thrifted t-shirts. No sewing skills needed. We will learn a couple quick methods that require little to no sewing to create a strong and study bag for you to take home.

Bubble Tea Party

Wednesday, July 12, 4 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Teens, are you a fan of bubble tea? Join us for a tea party! We will make our own bubble tea in a variety of flavors and enjoy other fun boba-related activities.

adults

DIY Mini Pride Floats

June 1-16 | All Locations

Celebrate Pride Month by making your own mini parade float! Starting Thursday, June 1, stop by any DMPL location to pick up a materials kit. Once you finish your float, snap a picture of it and email it to LIB-Marketing@dmpl.org by 5 PM on Friday, June 16, to have your name entered into a drawing for a prize bag and your float featured on our social media photo parade!

Glowforge Training

Thursdays, 10 AM | Central Library

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.

Lawyers in Libraries

Thursday, June 1, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Learn about legal documents and powers such as financial power of attorney, health care power of attorney, living wills and the Final Disposition Act. Lawyers in Libraries provides free legal information to Iowans across the state.

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 needed. No registration required.

Soul Food Festival

Saturday, June 3, 11 AM-2 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Join us for the Friends of the Forest Avenue Library’s annual Soul Food Festival! Meals will be served 11 AM-2 PM. A la carte and dessert items are also available.

Sit n’ Stitch

Saturday, June 3, 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.

The Des Moines Opera Discusses Carmen

Saturday, June 3, 2 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Carmen is one of the most famous and fascinating characters in opera, and it’s not hard to see why. Prepare for performances of Carmen this summer by joining Des Moines Metro Opera Preview Lecturer, Joshua Borths, for an in-depth look at the history of this incredible character and opera.

Hunt-a-Killer: Body on the Boardwalk

Saturday, June 3, 2 PM, and Wednesday, July 19, 6 PM | South Side Library

Do you love solving mysteries in your spare time, but your family/ friends don’t necessarily want to play with you? Join like-minded individuals to solve the case of Body on the Boardwalk! Uncover the motives of each suspect through clues and puzzles to reach the thrilling conclusion. Registration required.

Game Day @ Central

Sunday, June 4 and July 9, 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. This event is co-sponsored by The Rook Room.

Writers’ Workshop

Monday, June 5 and July 3, 5:30 PM | Central Library

Share samples of work and receive feedback from other writers in the group. Email your submission to Julia at jmdunt@dmpl.org by 12 PM the Tuesday before the program. Please include your name on the file and at the top of the submitted document. No registration required.

Home Music Production 101: Producing in the Box on a Shoestring Budget

Monday, June 5, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Have you ever wanted to create or record music? Whether you’ve never touched a musical instrument before or are a trained musician, learn how you can do it at home with a computer and on a budget.

Information Security for Trans Iowans

Tuesday, June 6, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Consider how you can protect your safety and information and those of the people around you. Learn about threat modeling and how to apply it to your own life or that of a friend you’re assisting. For trans Iowans and/or trusted friends and allies.

AViD Presents:

Paul Kix

Tuesday, June 6, 7 PM | Central Library

Author and journalist Paul Kix’s newest book, You Have to Be Prepared to Die Before You Can Begin to Live, takes readers behind the scenes of the momentous

1963 Birmingham Campaign – 10 weeks that shaped the course of the Civil Rights Movement and the future of America.

adults

Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K. Davis Center

Wednesdays, 10 AM-2 PM | South Side Library

Staff from the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families will 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.

Journey to Homeownership

Wednesday, June 7, 6 PM | Central Library

Wednesday, July 12, 6 PM | South Side Library

Join Bridgett Robinson, with the Neighborhood Finance Corporation, 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.

How to Transfer Degrees, with USCRI

Wednesday, June 7, 6:30 PM | South Side Library

Have a degree from another country? Learn about the process to make your degree valid in the United States. This program is presented by the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants.

Native Gardening Enthusiast Meet-Up

Thursday, June 8 and July 13, 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!

DMPL & Dragons

Thursday, June 8 and July 20, 5:30 PM | Central Library

Play Dungeons & Dragons, a role-playing game set in worlds of swords and sorcery where players use their imaginations to tell a story and create an adventure together. New players are welcome, and we’re also accepting volunteers to be Dungeon Masters. Registration required

Date Night at the Library: Couples Massage Class

Thursday, June 8, 6 PM | Central Library

Celebrate a night out with your partner. Licensed massage therapist Zachary Flick, LMT, and ayurvedic-touch therapist Olive O’Connell will demonstrate and provide guidance to help you learn how to give your partner the best massage of their life! Registration required.

Vegetarian Mexican Cuisine

Saturday, June 10, July 15, and August 12, 11 AM | Central Library

Broaden your recipe repertoire with foods that are good for you and the planet! In this hands-on series, you’ll get to know the “three sisters”—corn, beans, and squash— three staples in Mexican cuisine which grow well right here in Iowa. Registration required for each event.

Trees as Herbs

Saturday, June 10, 2 PM | South Side Library

Join The Brenton Arboretum Executive Director Melissa Burdick to learn the many benefits of trees and how they can be used in a variety of ways to benefit your life.

Art 101

Monday, June 12, and July 10, 6 PM | Central Library

Join artist and library staff member Fueche Vang as he introduces participants to drawing from a live clothed model in June, and gives lessons on Norman Rockwell in July. No experience needed. Registration required.

Watercolor Art Classes

Monday, June 12 and July 10, 6 PM | East Side Library

Build watercolor skills in this program led by Library Assistant and artist Ben Hatcher. June’s program will focus on portraits, and July’s program will be focused on landscapes, with an emphasis on landscapes in Iowa. For beginner and intermediate artists. Registration is required.

Living with Alzheimer’s for Caregivers: Early Stage

Tuesday, June 13, 2 PM | South Side Library

In the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease, families face new questions as they adjust. This first program of a three-part series provides practical answers to the questions that arise in that early stage.

Renewable Energy with Dr. Knotts

Tuesday, June 13, 6:30 PM | East Side Library

Join Grand View physics professor Grant Knotts for a discussion on Renewable Energy. This is an exploration of how we get our electricity and how the production of energy is likely to change in the next few decades. Discussion includes hydroelectric, wind, solar, and fusion.

Craft, Snack, & Learn with AmeriCorps Seniors Volunteers

Wednesday, June 14, 5:30 PM | South Side Library

Join South Side Library and AmeriCorps Seniors for an evening of fun and laughter while creating gorgeous faux stained art pieces! You’ll learn more about the AmeriCorps Senior Volunteer opportunities throughout the event. For ages 55+.

AViD Presents: Taylor Harris

Thursday, June 15, 7 PM | Central Library

Virginia-based writer Taylor Harris’s 2022 debut memoir, This Boy We Made, received critical acclaim. The book explores the bond between mother and child, the frustrations Black mothers can experience when navigating the health and education systems, and how her faith guided her through the journey.

Medicare BINGO

Friday, June 16 and July 21, 11 AM | Central Library

Join Rosario Manzano as she does a presentation on Medicare. After the presentation, she will host a game of BINGO.

Adult Read Aloud

Friday, June 16, 1 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Read aloud from a selected book.

Fairytales from the Fringe

Saturday, June 17, 2 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Since opera began, it has told stories of magic, myth, and the world beyond. Join Des Moines Metro Opera Preview Lecturer, Joshua Borths, for an zany exploration of several lesser-known opera fairytales, like Bluebeard’s Castle, and how these stories reflect our reality today.

Iowa History 101

Tuesday, June 20 and July 18, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Join the Forest Avenue Library for a film presentation from the State Historical Society of Iowa. In June, we’ll hear about the history of Juneteenth and Emancipation in Iowa from State Curator Leo Landis. In July, ISU history professor Jeff Bremer will talk about historical immigration patterns in Iowa.

From Lawn to Butterfly Habitat

Thursday, June 22, 5:30 PM | North Side Library

Are you considering a more earth-friendly alternative for your yard? In this talk, you will hear about the experience of a local gardener that transformed her lawn into an oasis for butterflies, native bees, birds, and more.

Franklin Cinema Club

Monday, June 26 and July 17, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Discuss noteworthy films at the Franklin Cinema Club, a discussion series held the third Monday each month. June’s film is The Little Shop of Horrors (1960), and July’s film is The Etruscan Smile (2018). Please watch the selected film prior to attending the discussion. You can use Kanopy or our DVD collection.

You, Me, & Nature

Wednesday, June 21, 6 PM | South Side Library

Thursday, June 29, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library (More geared toward adults, all ages welcome)

Friday, July 21, 10 AM | East Side Library (Specifically geared toward kids and families)

Learn about urban wildlife in Central Iowa and the best ways to coexist with coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and more. The program will be presented by Kelly Borgmann, Programs and Outreach Manager for Heartland Rewilding, a regional conservation organization.

Writers’ Workshop: Poetry, Short Stories, & Essays

Friday, June 30 and July 28, 10 AM | Central Library

This new writers’ workshop focuses on poetry, short stories, & essays. Email Julia at jmdunt@dmpl.org your submissions and questions. This group will read and discuss works out loud. Seating is limited. Registration is required.

Community Health Education

Friday, June 30 and July 28, 1:30 PM | Central Library

The social work team from Unity Point will be presenting on the importance of having a Medical Power of Attorney. You’ll be able to complete the documents during the program. Presented by PHC Supportive Services for Veteran Families, Health Care Navigation in partnership with the library.

Managing Money for Others

Tuesday, July 11, 2 PM | South Side Library

This program will feature tips for managing someone else’s finances, how to prepare for future care costs and the benefits of early planning. This program is being presented by the Alzheimer’s Association of Iowa.

Plant-Based Cooking Demo for Families

Tuesday, July 11, 3:30 PM | North Side Library

Des Moines-area native Robin Coarts, co-founder of Plant-Based Point, will share Plant-Based Parenting tips. As we learn more about the why behind our food choices, some simple, affordable food that is kid-friendly can be sampled. Intended for adults. Kids 10+ welcome. Registration required

Garden Coach Q&A

Wednesday, July 12, 6 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Share the bounty of your garden while asking Garden Coach Steve Riggio from the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and Polk County Master Gardeners any questions you have about your gardening experience so far. Bring your fresh salsa to share.

Introduction to Nature Journaling Workshop

Saturday, July 15, 2 PM | Adults and Teens

Nature journal entries include words, pictures, and numbers that record accurate information. This workshop will introduce participants lessons first introduced by naturalist John Muir, teaching us to look closer at nature and care for our special places.

Quilting: English Paper Piecing

Saturday, July 22, 2 PM | East Side Library

Quilted stars are visually and technically stunning, but piecing can be demanding, especially for newcomers. Join us as we explore English paper piecing, a traditional British technique that’s easy and rewarding. All materials will be supplied. For new and intermediate quilters. Registration required.

Learn to Sculpt Butter with Sarah Pratt

Monday, July 24, 5:15 and 6:30 PM | Central Library

Join special guest Sarah Pratt, the Iowa State Fair’s butter sculptor, to talk about this fun job and how she does it. 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. Registration required.

Board Games 101

Monday, July 24, 6 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Come join The Dealt Hand for Board Game 101, an introduction to modern board game concepts! They’ll walk you through a high-level overview of how different types of board games are designed, provide a little bit of historical context, and give some pointers on how best to play these games.

Introduction to Beekeeping

Wednesday, July 26, 6:30 PM | East Side Library

Join us for an introduction to beekeeping! Beekeeping can become an interesting and rewarding hobby, and some people even make it into a business. In this short course, attendees will learn all about managed honeybees and what they need for year-round success –equipment, food, shelter, and more.

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