Engage 2.7: September 2021

engage September 2021

vol 2 • issue 7

CLASSES • ACTIVITIES • EVENTS

Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month at DMPL Luchadores, inspiring stories, family parties, and more!

NEA Big Read: Des Moines PAGE 3

Find dozens of free events, programs, and more!

IN THIS ISSUE

kids

Library programs are made possible with support from the Des Moines Public Library Foundation and its FOUNDATION generous donors. The Foundation Opening Doors. Books. Minds. 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.

4 5 For Adults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 For Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For Teens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ON THE COVER Artist and photographer Miriam Alarcón Avila’s Little Luchadores collection is part of her Luchadores Immigrants in Iowa photo documentary. This exhibit at Central Library (beginning September 12) explores the creativity and contributions of the Latino community in Iowa. You can also stop by any DMPL location September 1-3 to pick up your own DIY Little Luchadores kit, then bring your homemade mask to a special family celebration at Central Library at 3:30 PM Sunday, September 12.

Photo courtesy of Miriam Alarcón Avila

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 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 - 7 PM Monday-Thursday 9 AM - 6 PM Friday 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday 1-5 PM Sunday Pickup Window: Available during open hours, except Sunday

10 AM - 7 PM Monday-Thursday 10 AM - 6 PM Friday 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday

10 AM - 7 PM Monday-Thursday 10 AM - 6 PM Friday 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday

Franklin Avenue Library

South Side Library

5000 Franklin Avenue

East Side Library

1111 Porter Avenue

10 AM - 7 PM Monday-Thursday 10 AM - 6 PM Friday 10 AM- 5 PM Saturday 1-5 PM Sunday Pickup Window: Opens Monday, September 13

2559 Hubbell Avenue 10 AM - 7 PM Monday-Thursday 10 AM - 6 PM Friday 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday

10 AM - 7 PM Monday-Thursday 10 AM - 6 PM Friday 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday

reference@dmpl.org | 515.283.4152 *Hours are subject to change due to COVID-19. Please visit dmpl.org for up-to-date hours and information on available library services.

what’s

popular

?

2 engage • September 2021

Our new Popular page is the place to go for new and talked-about books and DVDs! On the page you’ll find: • New Releases • Most Requested Books • Best Sellers • Always Available Audiobooks • Available Now eBooks • DVDs

Learn what books everyone’s talking about at:

dmpl.org/popular Register at dmpl.org/events

NEA BIG READ: DES MOINES

STARTS THIS MONTH for the

NATIONAL ENDOWMENT

ARTS

BIG READ Managed by Arts Midwest

arts.gov/neabigread

Last spring, the Des Moines Public Library was one of 84 nonprofits, public libraries, and community organizations nationwide to receive a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read grant.

The NEA Big Read program, managed by Arts Midwest, aims to inspire conversation and discovery through conversation and programming about a common book. The Des Moines Public Library selected Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, for discussion in our community.

After a significant delay as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the library is pleased to announce Big Read: Des Moines events will take place starting this month.

the Des Moines community through a community reading program. Some of the library events that will be part of Big Read: Des Moines: • A series of library and community book clubs and film discussions • Writing workshops with Des Moines high schools • Keynote speakers, including Sam Weller, a Ray Bradbury biographer and historian • And much more

“The Des Moines Public Library is thrilled to be a recipient of this prestigious grant and are excited to finally get to bring these programs and events to our communities after a delay,” Susan A. Woody, DMPL Director, said. Several weeks of programs will “engage the community in dialogue and conversation around this important, timeless work of literature,” Woody said.

The Des Moines Public Library chose Fahrenheit 451 for a number of reasons, including: to encourage the reading of classic works of literature; and to explore themes in the novel still relevant today on the conflict between free expression and censorship, the value of authentic human interaction, the role technology plays in people’s lives, and more. Programs and discussions will also explore how the themes of the book can and should be updated and modernized to include more inclusive viewpoints and characters.

With the grant, the library, in partnership with the Des Moines Public Library Foundation and various community collaborators, will guide

Go to dmpl.org/big-read for a full schedule of events and more information about Big Read: Des Moines.

Author Sam Weller will be one of the keynote speakers as part of the library’s NEA Big Read: Des Moines program.

September 2021 • engage 3

kids Maker Day Challenge Fridays in September | Forest Avenue Library Calling all makers! Join us each Friday to complete our weekly challenge to build, play, and create. Each week we will have a different activity set up in the children’s area, and finishers will all get a prize.

Sept 3: Card Castles Sept 10: Mousetraps Sept 17: Popsicle Clothespins Sept 24: Timed Puzzles

Epic Graphic Novel Club: The Lunch Lady Friday, September 10, 4:30 PM | East Side Library lawn This month, we’ll be talking about The Lunch Lady by Jarrett J. Krosoczka. The club will chat about the book, work on a fun craft, play games, and then hand out the book for next month’s discussion.

Registration required.

Amazing Reptiles Friday, September 10, 4:30 PM | McHenry Park, 1012 Oak Park Ave. Join Polk County Conservation to discuss the fears and myths about these scaly critters people love to hate. Find out how reptiles smell, see, and move. A live animal will join us if one is available.

Luchadores Celebration Sunday, September 12, 3:30 PM | Central Library Join us for a Luchadores Celebration! Learn about latinx Luchadores, and meet Miriam Alarcón Avila, the artist stories behind Little Luchadores, an art exhibit at the Central Library opening on September 12. Kids can make their own mask and even get their photo taken by Avila! (Pick up a luchadores kit at any location starting September 1.) past | present | future

4 engage • September 2021

Jovenes Embajadores

latinx

stories past | present | future

Monday, September 13, 6 PM | South Side Library Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month by watching a performance by Los Jovenes Embajadores (The Young Ambassadors). Participants can enjoy music, watch the group perform traditional Folkloric dances and kids and families can learn different dances from the performers!

Tween Writing Club Tuesday, September 14, 4 PM | Zoom Do you love writing, coming up with awesome characters, and telling great stories? Then join us at our Tween Writing Club and meet other kids who love writing like you! Registration required. After registering, stop by Central Library beginning Sept. 7 to pick up your welcome bag for the Zoom event.

Loteria & Piñata Party

latinx

stories past | present | future

Thursday, September 16, 4:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month with us by playing Loteria and enjoy breaking a piñata together. We will play Loteria for 30 minutes and at the end of our program we will go outside to the Library’s lawn space to take turns breaking a piñata.

ISU Insect Zoo Saturday, September 18 South Side Library: 10 AM-12 PM East Side Library: 1:30-3:30 PM You have two chances to see (and touch) creepy crawly bugs and insects from Iowa State University’s Insect Zoo live and in person!

Register at dmpl.org/events

Latinx Heritage Celebration

latinx

stories past | present | future

Saturday, September 25 | East Side Library Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month on the first day of the Des Moines Latino Heritage Festival! Enjoy crafts, bag toss games, and music in our meeting room. Drop in anytime and check out our fabulous bilingual and Spanish collections while you visit.

Monarch Butterfly Tagging with Des Moines Parks and Recreation Monday, September 27, 6 PM | South Side Library Kids and families can learn about monarch butterflies in this special program featuring Des Moines Parks and Recreation Supervisor Joel Van Roekel. Afterwards, kids can participate in a butterfly obstacle course, learn how butterflies consume nectar, view how butterflies are tagged, and watch as they are released.

Luchadores Mask Take & Make

latinx

Take & Makes

stories past | present | future

September 1-3 | All locations Grab everything you need to make your own luchadores mask at home, then wear the mask to our special luchadores event at Central Library on September 12. While supplies last

Magnetic Slime Take & Make September 11 | Central Library Pick up a kit from inside the children’s section or via pickup window to make your own magnetic slime at home! While supplies last.

Skittles Watercolor Painter Pack September 27-October 2 | Forest Avenue Library Grab the supplies you need to paint a masterpiece!

While supplies last

Banned Books Week Take & Make September 30 | All locations Celebrate Banned Books Week with a special take & make supply kit from our partners at ASAP! For ages 5-18. While supplies last.

teens Level Up!

VolunTeens

Tuesday, September 7, 14, 21, & 28, 3:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library Level Up your gaming skills! Use our tablets and Nintendo Switch to play Among Us, Minecraft, Roblox, and more. Ages 8+.

Franklin Avenue Library: Monday, September 13, 4 PM South Side Library: Wednesday, September 22, 4 PM Are you looking for a great place to volunteer? Become a DMPL VolunTeen and help us with library projects and programs! Teens age 12-18 must pick up a teen volunteer application and return it signed before attending one of our events:

Anime Clubs East Side Library: Monday, September 20, 5:30 PM South Side Library: Thursday, September 30, 4 PM Discuss all things anime and manga, do crafts, play games, watch anime, and more!

September 2021 • engage 5

adults The Outreach Project Mondays and Fridays, 1-3 PM | Central Library Get help finding community resources like meal sites and shelters, or support and referrals for matters like scheduling a medical or mental health appointment or applying for an ID. Community advocates from Primary Health Care, Central Iowa Shelter & Services, and Hope Ministries will offer help and support to those in need at Central Library.

Democracy Wall All month, Franklin Avenue Library The Democracy Wall Project provides an outlet for community members to interact and engage in civil discourse on topics that can be difficult to talk about. Each month we will post a question and we hope you will share your thoughts with us. Our September question is: What is the most important thing you are learning during the pandemic?

Free Friday Flicks at Franklin Friday, September 3, 2 PM | Franklin Avenue Library The extensive cast of the hit British television series came back together for the 2019 film Downton Abbey. The continuing story of the Crawley family, wealthy owners of a large estate in the English countryside, picks up in 1927 amid a changing cultural landscape and on the verge of worldwide depression.

Learn to Play the Ukulele Tuesday, September 7, 14, 21, & 28, 6:30 PM | Zoom Get started on the ukulele and quickly learn to play familiar tunes while having fun! Play your own ukulele or borrow one of North Side Library’s soprano ukuleles with your library card. Natalie Steenson will facilitate this 4-week class, teaching ukulele basics, chords and strumming patterns for teens and adults. Registration required.

Spark Stories: Zuli Garcia Wednesday, September 8, 6:30 PM | Facebook, YouTube Zuli Garcia founded Knock and Drop Iowa in 2020 to stories provide food and essential items to the Latinx community.

The organization is helping families across Iowa connect to local resources. You’ll hear Zuli’s “spark story”—what motivates her to strengthen the community and what she reads to get inspired.

latinx past | present | future

Conversations and Coffee Tuesday, September 7, 14, 21, & 28, 12:30 PM | Evelyn K. Davis Park Join community members and English language learners at Forest Avenue Library for chats and snacks! Activities are provided to prompt and encourage conversation. This program is open to all Englishspeaking skill levels.

6 engage • September 2021

Discovering Iowa’s History: The Migration is Beautiful Project Thursday, September 9, 6 PM | Zoom latinx Latinx immigrants have been an integral part of Iowa’s stories history since the early 1900’s and their contributions to civil rights, the military, and communities helped shape the state. The Migration is Beautiful Project shares their stories-drawing from interviews, oral histories, photographs, and historical documents. Learn how the project took shape and hear one family’s story. past | present | future

EXHIBIT: The Migration is Beautiful exhibit will be available to view at the Central Library beginning on Monday, September 13, through the end of September, and at East Side Library October 1-15. More information can be found at dmpl.org. Registration required.

Fresh Conversations Friday, September 10, 10:30 AM | North Side Library People aged 60 and older are invited to discuss current nutrition and health topics, learn low-cost healthy recipes, and discover new ways to stay active and independent. Join us for a fun conversation that will help you learn how to maintain your health and independence during our monthly meetups.

Typing Club Monday, September 13, 20, & 27, 3 PM | North Side Library Would you like to learn how to type or improve your keyboarding skills at your own pace? The library can help! Visit the North Side Library every Monday to practice and get one on one assistance. Laptops will be provided. All skill levels welcome.

Writers’ Workshop Monday, September 13, 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 Elizabeth (EAHooverdeGalvez@ dmpl.org) so that copies can printed prior to the event.

BIG Book Sale September 13-18 | Central Library Join us for our biggest library book sale ever! This book sale will take place in Central’s meeting rooms with items from all of our branches.

Items include: books, CDs, DVDs, shelving, tables and more!

All the Feels: Reading Recommendations for Every Emotion Wednesday, September 15, 6:30 PM | Zoom Ready to meet your next favorite book? Whether you love to laugh, cry, or scare yourself silly, we’ve got the recommendations to connect you to your next favorite read. At Book Chat’s All the Feels, we’ll be recommending books based on the emotions they inspire. Join us for Register at dmpl.org/events

adults an hour-long program featuring our favorite recommendations and a chance to compare your favorites with fellow readers. Registration required.

Historic Neighborhood Walking Tour Saturday, September 18, 11 AM and 1 PM | North Side Library The Des Moines Historical Society and the North Side Library are offering walking tours of this historic neighborhood. Tours begin in the North Side meeting room and will take approximately 90 minutes.

Space is limited. Registration required.

CROSSROADS: A Journey with the Blues featuring Heath Alan Saturday, September 18, 2 PM | Ashby Park, 3200 38th St. Local blues musician and Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Heath Alan will perform a concert outside at Ashby Park. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy an afternoon of live music!

Merengue Party

latinx

stories past | present | future

Wednesday, September 15, 6:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library Join the Forest Avenue Library and Wanda Meia from Gateway Dance Theatre to learn some Latin American social dance.

Franklin Cinema Club Mondays, September 20, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Hash out critically acclaimed and noteworthy films at the Franklin Cinema Club, a discussion series held on the third Monday of each month. Participants should view the film prior to arriving for the discussion. Each film is available to view for free through the Kanopy app with your library card. This month, we’ll be discussing Columbus.

fascinating details and images related to the 1953 Bradbury masterwork, Fahrenheit 451. Along the way, Weller will tell the captivating story of his own tender relationship with Bradbury, and examine why the book continues to endure with its prescient predictions of an anti-intellectual, media addicted world. Registration required.

Debra Landwehr Engle: Iowa Author, Writing Mentor, and Spiritual Teacher Thursday, September 30, 6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Iowa author Deb Engle will talk about her background, her life as a writer, and her books. This is the first in a series of author events.

Future sessions will include: information about writing and publishing, including how to get started, how the publishing industry works and what it takes to get your writing published; and mindfulness, including guided meditation and journaling.

East Side Puzzle Challenge Thursday, September 30, 5:30 PM | East Side Library Join us for a spirited evening of puzzle piecing at the second annual East Side Puzzle Challenge! Ten teams will work the same 150-piece puzzle, competing against a 60-minute clock. The top three teams will receive prizes. Teams may have up to four people. Registration required.

September Book Clubs DMPL Virtual Genre Voyager Book Club Wednesday, September 1 | Zoom This month, we’ll be reading American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson.

Registration required.

COVID Vaccine Clinic

Franklin Afternoon Book Discussion

Tuesday, September 21, 3:30-6:30 PM | Franklin Avenue Library DMPL is partnering with Primary Healthcare, Polk County Health Department, Monsoon Asians and Pacific Islanders in Solidarity, and NISAA African Family to offer free COVID-19 vaccine shots for anyone 12 and over. No reservation required.

Monday, September 13, 1 PM | Franklin Avenue Library This month, we’ll be reading This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger.

Social Security and Retirement Planning Basics Wednesday, September 22, 6 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Learn what factors to consider when determining what age to file for Social Security, ways to avoid higher taxation of your Social Security benefits, retirement threats and how to avoid them, thought processes relating to income creation in retirement, and wealth-eroding factors and how to avoid them. Registration required.

Take & Make: Rustic Apple Tarts Thursday, September 23, 6 PM | Zoom Pick up a kit containing almost everything you need to make your own apple tart at home, then tune in on Zoom to follow the steps.

Registration required.

Ray Bradbury and Fahrenheit 451: A Retrospective Wednesday, September 29, 7 PM | Zoom The kickoff to our NEA Big Read: Des Moines series of programs features Sam Weller, the authorized biographer of the late Ray Bradbury. Weller will share never-before seen stories, insights,

Virtual YA for Adults Book Club Thursday, September 16, 6 PM | Zoom This month, we’ll be reading Color Outside the Lines by Sangu Manderna. Registration required.

East Side Book Discussion Monday, September 20, 2 PM | East Side Library This month, we’ll be reading The Confession Club by Elizabeth Berg.

North Side Book Discussion Tuesday, September 21, 1:30 PM | North Side Library This month, we’ll be reading Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.

Forest Book Discussion Monday, September 27, 6 PM | Forest Avenue Library This month, we’ll be reading Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.

DMPL Virtual Book Club Tuesday, September 28, 6 PM | Zoom This month, we’ll be reading Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.

Registration required.

September 2021 • engage 7

Storytimes!

EAST SIDE LIBRARY

NORTH SIDE LIBRARY

Sept. 7 – Mother Goose on the Loose | 10 AM Sept. 14 – Mother Goose on the Loose | 10 AM Sept. 21 - Sunshine Storytime | 10 AM Sept. 28 - Sunshine Storytime | 10 AM

Sept. 1 – Family Storytime | 6 PM, McHenry Park Sept. 2 – Preschool Storytime | 10:30 AM, McHenry Park Sept. 8 – Family Storytime | 6 PM, McHenry Park Sept. 9 – Preschool Storytime | 10:30 AM, McHenry Park Sept. 15 – Family Storytime | 6 PM, McHenry Park Sept. 16 – Preschool Storytime | 10:30 AM, McHenry Park Sept. 22 – Family Storytime | 6 PM, McHenry Park Sept. 23 – Preschool Storytime | 10:30 AM, McHenry Park Sept. 29 – Family Storytime at the Heritage Carousel | 6 PM, Union Park Sept. 30 – Preschool Storytime | 10 AM, McHenry Park

FOREST AVENUE LIBRARY Sept. 1 – Family Storytime | 10:15 AM Sept. 8 – Family Storytime | 10:15 AM Sept. 15 – Family Storytime | 10:15 AM Sept. 18 – Bilingual Storytime with Viet Advocacy | 10 AM Sept. 22 – Family Storytime | 10:15 AM Sept. 29 – Family Storytime | 10:15 AM

FRANKLIN AVENUE LIBRARY Sept. 7 – Baby Rhyme Time | 10:15 AM, Tower Park Sept. 8 – Toddler Storytime, Songs, and Movements | 10:15 AM, Tower Park Sept. 13 – Preschool Storytime | 10:15 AM, Tower Park Sept. 14 – Baby Rhyme Time | 10:15 AM, Tower Park Sept. 15 – Toddler Storytime, Songs, and Movements | 10:15 AM, Tower Park Sept. 16 – Creative Readers | 4 PM, Tower Park Sept. 20 – Preschool Storytime | 10:15 AM, Tower Park Sept. 21 – Baby Rhyme Time | 10:15 AM, Tower Park Sept. 21 – Family Storytime | 6:15 PM, Tower Park Sept. 22 – Toddler Storytime, Songs, and Movements | 10:15 AM, Tower Park Sept. 23 – Creative Readers | 4 PM, Tower Park Sept. 27 – Preschool Storytime | 10:15 AM, Tower Park Sept. 28 – Baby Rhyme Time | 10:15 AM, Tower Park Sept. 29 – Toddler Storytime, Songs, and Movements | 10:15 AM, Tower Park Sept. 30 – Creative Readers | 4 PM, Tower Park

SOUTH SIDE LIBRARY Sept. 1 – Toddler Storytime | 10 AM Sept. 2 – Preschool Storytime | 10 AM Sept. 8 – Toddler Storytime | 10 AM Sept. 9 – Preschool Storytime | 10 AM Sept. 15 – Toddler Storytime | 10 AM Sept. 16 – Preschool Storytime | 10 AM Sept. 20 – Family Storytime | 6:15 PM Sept. 22 – Toddler Storytime | 10 AM Sept. 23 – Preschool Storytime | 10 AM Sept. 29 – Toddler Bubble Party! | 10 AM Sept. 30 – Preschool Storytime | 10 AM

SPECIAL VIRTUAL PROGRAM Sept. 10 – American Sign Language Storytime | 10:15 AM, Facebook