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.