Forest Avenue Library—engage December 2025/January 2026

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Decemb er/ January Events Forest Avenue Library

Children

ASAP Mondays: Watercolor Painting

Monday, December 1, 8, & 15, 4–5 PM

Splash into watercolor with ASAP! Sharpen skills, try new techniques, and paint alongside others with guidance from an ASAP teaching artist. All supplies are provided, and snacks are included, so you can relax, experiment, and enjoy a creative, supportive class.

Movie Watch Party

Tuesday, December 2 and January 6, 3–5 PM

Settle in for a monthly movie watch party with snacks, activities, and more. In December, we’re watching Lilo & Stitch. January’s movie will be announced soon; check the calendar for details. All ages are welcome.

Storytimes

Family Storytime

Pajama Storytime

Wednesdays, December 3, 10, 17, and January 7, 14, & 21, 10:15–10:45 AM

Join Miss Emily for Family Storytime every Wednesday at 10:15 AM. Enjoy silly stories, songs, music, dancing, and art in a fun and welcoming environment. This program is designed for children ages 0–5, but all ages are welcome to join in the fun.

Thursday, December 18, 6:30–7:30 PM

Join us for Pajama Storytime! Enjoy stories, a warm beverage, and a fun craft. Wear your coziest pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal to snuggle along.

Cuentacuentos: Bilingual Storytime

Thursday, January 22, 6:15–7 PM

Join us at Forest Avenue Library for Bilingual Story Hour. Enjoy children’s stories, rhymes, and arts and crafts presented in both English and Spanish. This program is fun and engaging for all ages and is designed especially for young children and their families.

Art Club: Joan Mitchell

Thursday, December 4, 6:30–7:30 PM

Art Club features picture books paired with a related art project. Children will learn about artists and art concepts to inspire their own creations. December’s featured artist is Joan Mitchell.

Play and Learn Group

Friday, December 5 and January 9 & 23, 10–12 PM

Bring your little ones to our Play and Learn Group, designed for children ages 0–5. Explore a variety of play equipment, toys, and sensory activities that support early learning through discovery and play. Caregivers and children can enjoy a fun, engaging environment together.

Chess Club

Tuesday, December 9 and January 13 & 27, 4–5 PM

Join us for Chess Club, a drop-in program for youth to learn the game or sharpen their skills. Chess boards are provided, or you may bring your own. While the program is designed for kids, caregivers are welcome to play along.

Noche de Juegos | Game Night

Tuesday, December 9 and January 13, 6–7 PM

Join Forest Avenue Library for Noche de Juegos, a monthly game night for ages 6 and up. Play board games in Spanish and English to build literacy, practice language skills, and have fun. This welcoming program is perfect for bilingual kids and language learners.

Únete a Noche de Juegos en la Biblioteca Forest Avenue, una noche mensual de juegos para niños de 6 años en adelante. Juega juegos de mesa en español e inglés para practicar idiomas, fomentar la alfabetización y divertirte en un espacio acogedor para bilingües y aprendices de idiomas.

Tax Scams & How to Avoid Them

Monday, December 1, 2–3 PM

Book Club Pizza Party

Join IRS liaison Dan Arnell Belarmino to learn how to recognize and avoid ID theft and tax-related scams. Participants will explore the IRS’s “Dirty Dozen” scams, how to report fraud, and strategies to protect themselves. Attend in person at Forest Avenue Library or virtually via Zoom.

Book Club Pizza Party

Thursday, December 11 and January 8, 6:15–7 PM

Grab a slice and a story! Join Forest Avenue Library’s tween book club and pizza party. Each month features a new book across genres and topics. Pick up a copy beforehand, then discuss the book, enjoy an activity, make friends, and eat pizza. For ages 8–13. Registration Required.

LEGO Open Play

Friday, December 12 and January 2, 12–5 PM

Join us in the Forest Meeting Room for open building block play! Use your imagination or follow STEM challenge prompts and building guides to bring ideas to life. Drop in anytime between 12–5 PM. Duplos are available for younger children.

Drop-In STEM Challenge

Tuesday, December 16 and January 20, 2–5 PM

Get hands-on with STEM at Forest Avenue Library! This drop-in program offers fun challenges each month. In December, make Binary Code Ornaments to take home. In January, build Marshmallow Towers, applying geometry skills to create sturdy structures using marshmallows and spaghetti. All materials are provided.

Board Game Open Play

Friday, December 19 and January 16, 12–5 PM

Join us for a drop-in event for all ages. Come in, get cozy, and choose from a variety of games or puzzles to play with friends!

ASAP Mondays : Now We’re Cooking!

Monday, January 5, 12, & 26, 4–5 PM

Aprons on, culinary kids! Join ASAP to learn a new, delicious recipe each day. All supplies and snacks are provided, giving participants everything they need to enjoy a fun and hands-on cooking experience.

Adult

Women’s English Language Practice

Wednesdays, 2–3 PM (no meeting on December 24)

Join other women in this casual English conversation group at Forest Avenue Library. Chat, share coffee, and learn together with guidance from a library staff member. This group welcomes women of any language background who want to improve their English skills and connect with fellow ELL community members.

Card Club

Wednesday, December 3 & January 7, 6–7 PM

Join us at Forest Avenue Library for Card Club! Play trick-taking card games like 500, Euchre, Hearts, Spades, Tiến lên, and more. All skill levels are welcome to enjoy friendly competition and a relaxed, social atmosphere.

Chair Yoga

Thursday, December 4, 12–12:30 PM

Join Lily Allen-Duenas for chair yoga at Forest Avenue Library. No experience, mats, or props are needed—just bring yourself. Lily, founder of the Wild Yoga Tribe, teaches yoga and meditation worldwide and locally, helping participants reduce stress, find balance, and create space for self-care and well-being.

Study Break with the ARL

Friday, December 5, 1–4 PM

Take a study break at Forest Avenue Library with TheraPets from the Animal Rescue League! As finals approach, recharge and manage stress by petting friendly service animals, enjoying a snack, and doing crafts. Stop by for a quick visit or stay awhile to boost your mood during finals week.

New Tax Law Deductions for Working Americans & Seniors

Monday, December 8, 2–3 PM

Join IRS liaison Dan Arnell Belarmino to learn about tax deductions for working Americans and seniors under the One Big Beautiful Bill. Share feedback on IRS education and outreach efforts to help improve communication. Attend in person at Forest Avenue Library or virtually via Zoom.

Board Game Open Play

Friday, December 19 and January 16, 12–5 PM

Join us for a drop-in event for all ages. Come in, get cozy, and choose from a variety of games or puzzles to play with friends!

Sew Social

Sew Social

Saturday, December 13, 2–4 PM

Join us at Forest Avenue Library for Sew Social! Learn sewing basics, mending, and quick gift ideas with instructor Kaitlyn. Bring your own project or use one of three library machines. You’re also welcome to bring your own machine or sewing kit. This is a relaxed, creative space to sew. All ages.

Craft Night

Wednesday, December 17 & January 21, 6–7 PM

Craft Night at Forest Avenue Library features a new project each month. In December, make a frosted luminary. In January, create upcycled snowflakes from paper rolls. All supplies are provided while they last. Enjoy a creative evening with others in a fun and welcoming space.

Forest Avenue Library

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration

Monday, January 19, 4–5 PM

Join us for our annual celebration in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Our keynote speaker is Bo James, founder and CEO of the Des Moines-based non-profit, Hip-Hope Inc. Refreshments will be provided. All six DMPL locations will be closed in recognition of the holiday. Forest Avenue Library will only be open during the MLK Day Program. Doors open at 3:30PM.

Forest Avenue Library Book Discussion

Monday, January 26, 6–7 PM

Join the Forest Avenue Library Book Discussion! Stop by the library to pick up a copy of this month’s title, Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma by Claire Dederer, and get ready to explore thought-provoking themes and engage in lively conversation with fellow readers.

Tiny Art Show

• December 27-January 3: Materials pickup at all DMPL locations*

• Saturday, January 31, 2–4 PM: Reception at Central Library

Create a mini-masterpiece for the Des Moines Public Library’s second annual Tiny Art Show! Kits will include a miniature easel, canvas, paint and a brush. You must register with your email and your library card number to get your free kit. Limit one kit per registrant. Artwork must be submitted by Wednesday, January 7. Then you can stop back and see an art show gallery of all the artwork from January 12-31!

*Kits will be available while supplies last

Seed Swap and Giveaway

Saturday, January 31, 12–2 PM

Plan your perfect garden at the Seed Swap and Giveaway! Choose from vegetables, herbs, flowers, and native prairie seeds. Gardeners of all ages and experience levels are welcome. Each attendee may take up to five free seed packets, with up to two additional packets for each non-perishable food donation.

Seed Swap and Giveaway

FreeAcces s

with Your Library Card

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