engage Oct-Nov 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

HOURS AND LOCATIONS

Saturday, October 14, 2023

10:30 AM-6:30 PM

Franklin Avenue Library, 5000 Franklin Ave.

Join us for the second annual Community Table: Storytelling & Local Food Festival in and outside Franklin Avenue Library! Experience the oral tradition of storytelling all day long, featuring Midwestern storytellers sharing legends, myths, folk tales, and more. Plus, find children’s activities, lots of local food for sale, and more! A full schedule is below. For more details, go to dmpl.org/community-table

2023 Schedule

Franklin Avenue Library Meeting Room

10:30 AM | JOURNEY THROUGH LATIN AMERICA

Presented by: Calle Sur

Audience: Children and Families

12:30 PM | AROUND THE TABLE: FOLK AND PERSONAL FOOD TALES

Presented by: Darrin Crow, Toni Simmons, and Nothando Zulu

Audience: Adults and Teens

2:30 PM | FOLK AND FAIRYTALES RETOLD

Presented by: Darrin Crow, Janice Del Negro, and Nothando Zulu

Audience: Adults and Teens

3:30 PM | STORIES ALIVE!

Presented by: Toni Simmons

Audience: Families/All Ages

Outdoors at Franklin Field

11:30-1:30 PM | CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

Carnival games and Simple Steps Early Literacy Activities, face painting with Queen Bee, and more!

12-1 PM: BILINGUAL STORYTIME WITH ROSIE!

Inclement Weather Location: Northwest Community Center Bring your own blankets and chairs!

5:30 PM | SPOOKY STORIES

Presented by: Janice Del Negro, with an introduction by Maureen Korte

Audience: Kids and families 5:30-6 PM; adults and teens 6-6:30 PM

Inclement Weather Location: Franklin Ave. Library meeting room Bring your own blankets and chairs!

Featured Storytellers

janice del negro calle sur darrin crow nothando zulu toni simmons

kids

Movie Watch Party: Coco (PG)

Monday, October 2, 4 PM | Forest Avenue Library

We will eat popcorn and do a small activity while we watch Coco

Family Storytime: Healthy Teeth

Monday, October 2, 6:30 PM | South Side Library

Thursday, October 19, 6:30 PM | East Side Library

EveryStep will join us for a special program involving a story, plus they’ll talk with us about healthy teeth, hand out goodies, and do free screening and fluoride treatments for those who want them.

3-D Printing Basics

Tuesday, October 3, 4 PM | North Side Library

Make your own bubble wand! Tweens and teens ages 10-18 can learn 3-D printing basics at North Side.

Science Wednesdays

• Wednesday, October 4, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library:

Water Experiments

• Wednesday, November 1, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library:

LEGO Challenge - Tree Forts

Channel your inner scientist and join us for several fun science experiments involving water. For ages 6-12. Registration required.

Little Explorers

Friday, October 6 and November 3, 10 AM | Franklin Avenue 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.

Storytime Fire Safety

Trace and Paint Classic Artwork + Bilingual Story

Thursday, October 12, 6:30 PM | East Side Library

Trace and paint classic artwork while enjoying a bilingual story. Traza y pinta unas obras de arte clásicas mientras disfrutas un cuento bilingüe.

Doc and Rosie Reading Party

Monday, October 16, 10:15 AM | Franklin Avenue Library

Join Rosie and her good friend Doc for a Reading Party! Guests from Iowa Total Care will visit us at storytime for a celebration all about the joy of reading. Come and say hi to Rosie and Doc and join us for this special event.

Glow in the Dark Slime

Tuesday, October 17, 2 PM | East Side Library

Come to the library and make some oooey gooey glow-in-the-dark slime! Registration required.

All Aboard the Pumpkin Train!

Tuesday, October 17, 2 PM | South Side Library

Choo Choo Rides will be outside the library with their mini train offering free train rides to kids! You can also enjoy a fall beverage and paint pumpkins. Registration required.

ISU Insect Zoo

Tuesday, October 17, 3:30 PM | North Side Library (registration required)

Saturday, November 4, 10 AM | East Side Library

Monday, November 6, 2:30 PM | Central Library

Enjoy learning about bugs and seeing them up close with the ISU Insect Zoo!

Fire Safety Storytimes

Monday, October 9, 10:15 AM | Franklin Avenue Library

Monday, October 9, 6:30 PM | South Side Library

Wednesday, October 11, 10 AM | Forest Avenue Library

Wednesday, October 11, 10 AM | East Side Library

Thursday, October 12, 10:30 AM | North Side Library

Thursday, October 12, 10:30 AM | Central Library

The Des Moines Fire Department is joining us for special storytimes at all locations during Fire Prevention Week! Hear stories, learn more about fire safety, and see a fire truck up close.

ARL TheraPets

Tuesday, October 17 and November 14, 4 PM | Central Library

Tuesday, October 17 and November 7, 4:30 PM | North Side Library

Visit the library and read to a furry friend from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa’s TheraPets program.

Train Ride Festival

Tuesday, October 17, 10:15 AM | Forest Avenue Library

Join us for a morning of fun with autumn-themed train rides, face painting, children’s activities, and a costume exchange. Enjoy themed treats and take a ride on a mini train. In the event of rain or poor weather, the program will continue indoors.

Art in the Library

• Wednesday, October 18, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library: 3D Tissue Paper Art

• Wednesday, November 15, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library:

Itty Bitty Yarn Turtles

Take part in this fun monthly art program at the Franklin Avenue Library. For ages 6-12. Registration required.

EPIC Graphic Novel Book Club

Thursday, October 19 and November 16, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Are you a graphic novel fan? Join us for our EPIC Graphic Novel book club. We will chat about a book and work on a fun activity or craft related to the book! Registration Required. For ages 7-11.

Hocus Pocus Escape Room

Friday, October 20, 4 PM and 5 PM | Forest Avenue Library

You must find the book, destroy the potion, and stop the witches from sucking the lives out of the children of Salem before sunrise. Also, you’ll have to solve many puzzles along the way. Otherwise, it’s curtains. Dost thou comprehend? Registration required. Ages 6+.

Kids Pokémon Card Swap

Thursday, October 26 and November 30, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Bring your friends and come to this monthly program with any cards you want to trade. For ages 7-18.

Scar-rariums

Thursday, October 26, 4 PM | Central Library and South Side Library

Make your very own eerie terrarium fairy garden. We’ll provide all the supplies for you to create your very own miniature garden with a spooky-season twist! Feel free to come in costume. Ages 5+.

Day of the Dead Tin Skulls

Thursday, October 26, 6 PM | East Side Library

Day of the Dead, or El Día de los Muertos, is a traditional Latin American holiday celebrating the lives of loved ones who have passed away. Tin has been used for traditional Mexican handicrafts and art forms for many centuries. Come to the library and make a traditional sugar skull out of tin!

Family Storytime: Zombie Stuffies

Thursday, October 26, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Build your own zombie pillow stuffie (with some adult assistance if you’re under 10). Family Storytimes happen each Thursday night at Forest Avenue Library, with a different theme.

Seussical the Musical Sneak Preview

Saturday, October 28, 10:30 AM | Franklin Avenue Library

Visit the library for a special sneak preview of the Des Moines Community Playhouse production of Seussical the Musical: The Theatre for Young Audiences Version which combines several favorite Dr. Seuss characters with wonderful songs. Enjoy the performance and enter to win free tickets to the play!

Family Storytime: Costume Parade

Monday, October 30, 6:30 PM | South Side Library

Wear a costume and be ready to show it off in a parade through the library!

Painted Pumpkins

Monday, November 6, 2 PM | East Side Library

Stop in and get creative! We will be learning about pumpkins with a story and songs. Then decorate a mini pumpkin using paint and cotton swabs!

Movie Watch Party: Inside Out (PG)

Monday, November 6, 4 PM | Forest Avenue Library

We will eat popcorn and do a small craft while watching Inside Out.

Medieval Times Party

Tuesday, November 7, 3:30 PM | North Side Library

Head back to the medieval times at North Side. Enjoy knight, dragon, and royalty-themed crafts, games, and STEM activities for the whole family!

Night in the Forest with the Blank Park Zoo

Thursday, November 9, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Join us for some special guests with the Blank Park Zoo as they present “Night in the Forest”. Learn how animals sleep at night and how some stay awake with the moon. Best for ages 6+

Sensory Play Hour

Tuesday, November 14, 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!

Dino-vember Celebration

Wednesday, November 15, 4:30 PM | Central Library

Don’t be a fossil – come to the Central Library and celebrate Dinovember with us! We’ll have a Tyrannosau-rockin’ good time with a variety of activities, crafts, and snacks that will have kids of all ages roaring with delight!

PAWS and Read with Therapy Dogs

Thursday, November 30, 6 PM | East Side Library

Come read with therapy dogs from Dog Training Elite! We will also have supplies to make a DIY braided dog toy.

Find even more kids programs – from make-and-takes to scavenger hunts to daily storytimes – at dmpl.org/events!

teens

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.

VolunTeens

• Wednesday, October 4 and 18, November 1 and 15, 4 PM | South Side Library

• Monday, October 9 and November 13, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

• Wednesday, October 11 and November 8, 4 PM | Central Library

Students ages 12-18 can earn volunteer hours by helping DMPL. All students must submit a VolunTeens Application and waiver and have it signed by a parent/guardian before attending.

Teen Tech Mondays

Monday, October 9 and November 13, 6 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Come to the Forest Avenue Library the second Monday each month to check out our tech center. We will have iPads with Procreate, a green screen, 3-D pens, and more!

TeenTober: Frankenstuffies Creature Lab

Monday, October 9, 6 PM | Central Library

Visit Central to take apart stuffies and reassemble them however you want! We’ve got the supplies; you just bring your creativity and your best Dr. Frankenstein laugh. Registration required.

After-School Club

Tuesday, October 10 and 24, and November 14 and 28, 4:30 PM | North Side Library

Stop by after school for games and other activities in our meeting room.

Game On! Kickoff Party

Tuesday, October 10, 4:30 PM | Central Library

Teens and tweens are invited to meet monthly to play games and make friends! Choose from a variety of board games, card games, and Nintendo Switch games. For our kickoff party we will provide pizza and drinks. Registration required.

Anime/Manga Meetup

Wednesday, October 11 and November 8, 4 PM | South Side Library

We’ll get together and discuss all things Anime and Manga! Teens can draw and make their own customizable stickers to take home.

School of Beats

Friday, October 13 and November 10, 4 PM | Forest Avenue Library

At this hands-on class we will learn the skills needed to become a DJ. We provide the equipment, you bring the creativity.

Dungeons & Dragons

Sunday, October 15 and November 19, 2-4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Thursday, November 2, 6 PM | East Side Library

This program is for teens and tweens who know how to play D&D and are ready to take on a campaign! All gaming supplies and characters will be provided by The Rook Room. Registration required.

TeenTober Laser Tag Party

Saturday, October 21, 6 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Celebrate TeenTober! Join us for an after-hours party with laser tag, Nintendo Switch games, food, prizes, and more! For grades 6-12. Registration required.

Daebak, It’s K-Pop

Tuesday, October 24, 5:30 PM | Central Library

Invite your friends to enjoy K-Pop trivia, photocard trading and photo booth, Korean snack taste testing, and a toploader deco station! Participate in a K-Pop look-a-like contest and random play dance to win prizes like official photocards and albums! Other fun freebies will be distributed while supplies last.

Five Nights at Freddy’s Escape Room

Wednesday, October 25, 4 PM | Forest Avenue Library

You are the newest employee at Freddy Fazbear’s. Can you avoid the creepy animatronics and survive the night? This program is intended for ages 12-18. Registration required.

The Art of Expression

• Wednesday, October 25, 4:45 PM | Franklin Avenue Library: Monster Cookies

• Wednesday, November 29, 5 PM | Franklin Avenue Library: Embossed Foil Art

The Art of Expression is a monthly program for teens to learn and create different types of art in a relaxed atmosphere. For grades 6-12.

Nintendo Switch Party

Monday, November 6, 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.

Teen Take & Make: Gratitude Journal

November 15-17 | East Side Library

Stop by the library and pick up a kit to make your own Gratitude Journal.

Bubble Tea Party

Wednesday, November 29, 4 PM | Forest Avenue Library

We will make our own bubble tea in a variety of flavors and enjoy other fun boba related activities!

adults Week

DMPL is celebr ating your Freedom to Read dur ing Ba nned Books Week, October 1 - 7

BANNED BOOKS 101: Who, What, & Why?

Saturday, October 7, 11 AM | Franklin Junior High, 4801 Franklin Ave.

Join us for a special panel discussion on the importance of supporting your freedom to read at the Banned Books Festival, co-hosted by Beaverdale Books. Attendees will connect with organizations fighting censorship, get equipped with tools and resources to defend their rights as citizens and as parents, and learn how to combat book banning.

Books That Opened Your Mind

At each branch, library users will be able to share a book that opened their mind as part of Banned Books Week. Books like these, which provide people with new and different perspectives, show the importance of protecting the freedom to read materials of all kinds for all library users.

DMPL & Dragons

• Sunday, October 1 and November 5, 1:30 PM | Central Library

• Thursday, October 19 and November 16, 5:30 PM | Central Library

These groups play Dungeons & Dragons once a month, and new players are always welcome! For adults and teens.

Registration required.

Game Day @ Central

Sunday, October 1 and November 5, 1:30-4:30 PM | Central Library

Try new board games and make some new friends. This event is cosponsored by The Rook Room.

The panelists are:

• Jackie Biger, University of Iowa professor

• Dr. Austin Baeth, Iowa State Representative

• Soneeta Mangra-Dutcher, Johnston School Board

• Daniel Gutmann, Urbandale School Board

• Kaycee Schippers, Annie’s Foundation

Banned Books Library Cards

New cardholders will again be able to receive a special “I Read Banned Books” library card. These cards will be available for a limited time.

The Outreach Project

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. They may also offer support for matters like scheduling a health appointment and more.

Technology Basics

Monday, October 2 and November 6, 3 PM | North Side Library

Join us for a computer basics class and increase your skills. In October, we will learn how to navigate, find and manage files and folders, save and delete files, and more. In November, we’ll focus on the basics of internet browsers, search engines, and websites.

Writers’ Workshop

Monday, October 2 and November 6, 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.

Home Music Production 102 – Going Deeper with Producing Your Own Music

Monday, October 2, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Carl Dietz returns to demonstrate more home audio production techniques. Learn how to use automation lanes, and we’ll plug in a guitar and record analog sound.

Beyond Birth: Baby’s First Year

Tuesdays, 9-11 AM | Central Library

This weekly postpartum support group for parents and their babies is facilitated by Blank Children’s Hospital. Each week will feature a different topic and speaker.

Manualidades para adultos: Animales de cuentas | Crafting for Adults: Beaded Animal Keychain

Tuesday, October 3, 3:30 PM | Central Library

Make a beaded animal keychain inspired by the Latin American Huichol Art or bring your current project and make some progress!

¡Ven a hacer un animal de cuentas entre otros artesanos o trae tu proyecto actual y progresa!

Drake Architecture Tour with the Iowa Architectural Foundation

Tuesday, October 3, 5 PM | Harkin Institute at Drake University (2800 University Avenue)

Join the library and the Iowa Architectural Foundation for a walking tour of the Drake University campus led by local architects.

Job Seekers Help with the Evelyn K. Davis Center

Wednesdays, 10 AM-12 PM | North Side Library

Wednesdays, 10 AM-2 PM | South Side Library

Staff from the Evelyn K Davis Center for Working Families are ready to provide one-on-one job search and resume assistance to job seekers. A career coach can guide you through resume building, applying for jobs, referrals to employers and other resources. Walk-ins welcome.

Mindfulness Meditation

Wednesday, October 4, 1:30 PM | Central Library

Learn about mindfulness meditation and take time to practice. Guests can bring a cushion or blanket to sit on. This program is presented by Supportive Services for Veteran Families.

Journey to Homeownership

Wednesday, October 4, 6 PM | East Side Library

Join community panelists to navigate what Black/African American homeownership looks like today, and what is being learned from the past. The Journey to Homeownership (J2H) Program is an affirmative asset initiative for eligible homebuyers in the NFC lending areas.

Screening: Censorship in Prisons Panel

Wednesday, October 4, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Join us for a screening of a panel discussion from San Francisco Public Library in 2021 on how librarians, community-based groups, and people who are incarcerated navigate the many kinds of censorship that take place inside of jails and prisons.

Fire Safety & Fire Extinguisher Training

Thursday, October 5, 5:30 PM | South Side Library

Join DMPL and the Des Moines Fire Department for some tips on fire safety for your home and learn to use a fire extinguisher in a hands-on demonstration. Then honor your inner child and explore a fire truck!

Sit n’ Stitch

Saturday, October 7 and November 4, 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.

Watercolor Art: Fall Colors

Monday, October 9, 6 PM | East Side Library

This hands-on program will focus on using watercolor techniques to capture the essence of Fall in Iowa. Beginning and intermediate artists are invited to learn the basics or refresh their skills. All materials are provided, but attendees are welcome to bring their own art supplies. Registration required.

Learn About T-A-L-L Prairie Plants

Monday, October 9, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

You will take part in a guided imagery activity, learn how the library’s Prairie Roots display was created, and take a closer look at some of the incredible prairie plants in Iowa.

Living with Alzheimer’s

Tuesday, October 10, 2 PM | South Side Library

Being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease is life-changing and leads to many questions. Hear from others who have been where you are and learn what you need to know to navigate this chapter of your life.

Movie Night: Practical Magic

Tuesday, October 10, 6 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Hang out at the library for a screening of the classic 90s film.

Compre. Coma. Viva Saludable.

Wednesdays, October 11-December 6, 11 AM | Central Library

Aprenda a hacer recetas fáciles, nutritivas y baratas con una instructora de Iowa State University - Extension. Durante esta clase de 8 semanas, aprenderá a: Ahorrar dinero: comprar y gastar menos en sus alimentos; Ahorrar tiempo: en el supermercado y en la cocina.; Aprender: a hacer comidas fáciles.

Opt-Out Party

Wednesday, October 11, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Bring your friends and your devices, eat snacks, and improve your cybersecurity on your devices.

Native Plant Gardening Enthusiast Meet-Up

Tuesday, October 12 and November 9, 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.

Art 101

Monday, October 16 and November 20, 6-7:30 PM | Central Library

Join DMPL staffer and local artist Fueche Vang as he leads art classes. All materials provided. October’s theme will be Fairytales; November’s will be Expressive Painting.

Franklin Cinema Club

Monday, October 16 and November 20, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Discuss noteworthy films at the Franklin Cinema Club. Participants view the selected film prior to attending through Kanopy or the library’s DVD selection. October’s selection is The Best Years of Our Lives (1946); November’s is Arrival (2016).

Iowa History 101

Tuesday, October 17, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Learn about historical and ethnographic research on meatpacking, migration, and religious faith in the state of Iowa during a film presentation from Kristy Nabhan-Warren, a University of Iowa professor.

Paper Leaves Wreath Making

Wednesday, October 18, 6 PM | East Side Library

All supplies will be provided for participants including paper leaves and foam wreath. If you have small decorations from home you’d like to add, feel free to bring them.

Snippets: A Writers’ Workshop for Short Works

Friday, October 20 and November 17, 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. Registration required

Adult Read Aloud

Friday, October 20, 1 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Join us to listen to stories being read with a lively discussion to follow.

Trans Storytime for Adults with Transgender Action Group

Saturday, October 21, 2 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Join the library and the Transgender Action Group of First Unitarian Church (TAG) for trans book readings for teens and adults, featuring trans authors. Snacks, tea, and time to chat will also be available to everyone.

Be SMART about Gun Storage

Saturday, October 21, 1 PM | Central Library

Be SMART is a program to bring together parents and all adults concerned about kids, guns, and safety. It’s a heartbreaking fact that in the U.S., firearms are the leading cause of death for children. Whether you’re a gun owner, or you know someone who owns a gun, there is a role for everyone in the conversation around secure gun storage. You can also learn how to get a free gun lock from the library.

Protecting and Restoring Iowa’s Native Prairies

Monday, October 23, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Tylar Samuels and Ryan Schmidt with Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) will share information about the organization and the prairies they have helped protect across Iowa. They’ll also provide info on converting a portion of your yard to native landscaping.

Medicare Presentation with BINGO

Tuesday, October 24, 5:30 PM and and November 28, 2 PM | East Side Library

Please join us for a Medicare educational workshop, where you can learn to evaluate benefits and costs and choose the plan that’s right for you.

Protect Your Rights on an IEP

Tuesday, October 24, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Disability Rights Iowa attorney Stephanie Smith will discuss IEPs (Individualized Education Program).

Atlas of Surveillance: Des Moines

Wednesday, October 25, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Learn more about the surveillance tools the government uses and the reasons for – and risks of – collecting that information. The information we’ll look at is provided by the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s Atlas of Surveillance.

Iowa Author Spotlight: Nina Wilson

Thursday, October 26, 6 PM | Central Library

Nina will be discussing her horror novel set in a hundred-year-old summer camp in the hills of Iowa along with a mysterious house with a long history of murder and strange events.

• Wednesday, October 25, 8:30 PM | Varsity Cinema (1207 25th Street): Rosemary’s Baby

• Wednesday, November 29, 8:30 PM | Varsity Cinema (1207 25th Street): Interview with a Vampire

Read the book. Watch the movie. Then discuss them both at these events. (See Varsity for showtimes.)

Community Health Education

Friday, October 27 and November 17, 1:30 PM | Central Library

Come to the Central Library on the last Friday of each month to learn about health and wellness. Presented by PHC Supportive Services for Veteran Families, Health Care Navigation in partnership with DMPL.

Seasonal Garden Talk: Gardening with Native Prairie Plants

Saturday, October 28, 10:30 AM | North Side Library

Learn about the benefits of gardening with native plants with Kelly Jacobs, from the Iowa Prairie Network and Pocket Prairies of Des Moines. After the talk, the library will provide an assortment of native seeds that attendees can choose from to take home.

Scary Game Night

Monday, October 30, 6 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Come join The Dealt Hand to learn about scary games. Then you’ll have a chance to jump into some of their favorite ones.

The Varsity Cinema Book Club

EL DÍA DE LOS MU ERTOS DAY OF THE DEAD

Central Library

Day of the Dead Ofrenda Crafting Session

Wednesday, October 4, 6 PM | Central Library

Join DMPL staff and Latinx Immigrants of Iowa to make paper flowers and other decorations for a Day of the Dead ofrenda. Únete y colabora con la Biblioteca Pública de Des Moines y Latinx Immigrants of Iowa para hacer flores de papel y otras decoraciones para una ofrenda del Día de Muertos.

Day of the Dead Exhibit

October 27-November 3 | Central Library

Come to the Central Library to see a Day of the Dead ofrenda built by Latinx Immigrants of Iowa in partnership with the Des Moines Public Library. The exhibit includes flowers created by Library visitors throughout October in memory of loved ones who have been lost.

Day of the Dead Celebration

Thursday, November 2, 5 PM | Central Library

Celebrate Day of the Dead at the Central Library! Enjoy delicious tamales, pan de muerto, champurrado, and face painting for kids. All attendees are invited to participate in our Catrina costume contest that take place at 7 PM. This event, suitable for all ages, is held in partnership with Latinx Immigrants of Iowa, with collaboration of Knock and Drop Iowa, and the participation of Al Éxito and Mi Salud Iowa.

Make an Apple Pie with Pie Bird Pies

Wednesday, November 1, 6 PM | East Side Library

Learn how to make Pie Bird Pies’ allbutter pie dough, roll a crust, make a classic apple filling, and put together a pie. Watch the pie-making process from start to finish and leave with a recipe for apple pie — just in time for the holidays! Registration required.

Other locations

Day of the Dead Tin Skulls

Thursday, October 26, 6 PM | East Side Library

Day of the Dead, or El Día de los Muertos, is a traditional Latin American holiday celebrating the lives of loved ones who have passed away. Tin has been used for traditional Mexican handicrafts and art forms for many centuries. Come to the library and make a traditional sugar skull out of tin.

Drop-In Crafternoon: Day of the Dead Crafts

Wednesday, November 1, 2-7 PM | North Side Library

Learn about Day of the Dead and enjoy making your own paper sugar skull and papel picado!

Día de los Muertos Mask Craft

Thursday, November 2 | Franklin Avenue Library

Celebrate Día de los Muertos by creating your own Day of the Dead skull mask. Craft will be available while supplies last.

DMPL Fall Author Series

Margaret Renkl

Thursday, November 2, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Margaret Renkl is the author of The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year, released on October 24. Hear here discuss this book and her work as a contributing opinion writer for The New York Times. Beaverdale Books will have copies of her books available for sale and signing.

Puzzle Exchange

Saturday, November 4, 2 PM | South Side Library

Exchange your beloved used puzzles for new-to-you ones!

Tending Iowa’s Land: A Discussion of Moving Our State Toward Environmental Sustainability

Monday, November 6, 6 PM | Franklin Avenue Library

Tending Iowa’s Land is a new book that considers challenges to Iowa’s soils, flowing water, climate, and native biodiversity as an interacting whole. This program features nine contributing authors who will describe their chapters and dig into questions posed by our search for environmental sustainability.

Papercraft: Birds

Monday, November 6, 6 PM | East Side Library

This hands-on program will focus on assembling simple paper models of common birds. Beginning and intermediate crafters are invited to learn the basics or test their skills. All materials provided. Registration required

Make a Pop-Up Card

Wednesday, November 8, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library

Come learn some pop-up techniques and make a fun pop-up card of your own design.

Embroidered Corner Bookmarks

Saturday, November 11, 10:15 AM | East Side Library

Join the Valley Junction Chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America to make embroidered corner bookmarks! Participants can follow along with a pattern or create their own design. Registration required.

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)

Write-In

Saturdays in November | Central Library

Skip the scramble for outlets at coffee bars and come to the library to connect with your fellow writers or to write individually! Black coffee will be provided at a first come first serve basis. You may also bring your own drinks and snacks.

Living with Alzheimer’s: for Younger-Onset Alzheimer’s

Tuesday, November 14, 2 PM | South Side Library

This program offers answers to questions about younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Hear from those directly affected and learn how to ease the impact throughout the course of the disease.

Neighborhood Finance Corporation

Tuesday, November 14, 6 PM | East Side Library

Join Bridgett Robinson, Neighborhood Finance Corporation’s Diversity and Inclusion Mortgage Loan Originator and Outreach Coordinator, to learn about NFC’s unique lending programs and other services to facilitate neighborhood revitalization in Polk County.

Social Security and Retirement Planning Basics

Tuesday, November 14 and Wednesday, November 15, 6:30 PM |

Forest Avenue Library

Join the library and the Society for Financial Awareness to learn about planning for retirement.

Wastewater Management: What is it? Why is it important?

Wednesday, November 15, 5:30 PM | South Side Library

Join Tim Runde, a wastewater training specialist, and learn how wastewater was historically treated, how clean water is important to healthy communities, and how the Des Moines Wastewater Reclamation Authority does its part to keep water in our state clean.

Discovering Des Moines History

Tuesday, November 21, 5:30 PM | Central Library

Stop by our monthly presentation on Des Moines’ fascinating past. You’ll also learn about the resources the library offers to explore the history of your city, neighborhood, or house.

Degree Transfers How-To with USCRI

Wednesday, November 29, 6:30 PM | South Side Library

Have a degree from another country? Join USCRI (U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants) and the library to learn about the process to make your degree valid in the United States.

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