Forest July 2025

Welcome to Next Month at Forest! This is a newsletter for those who use the Forest Avenue Library to make sure you know all the latest library events and updates happening at your neighborhood library.

Here you will find updates about new additions, staff introductions, and featured programs for kids, teens, and adults happening at your library!

Independence Day Closure All DMPL locations will be closed on Friday, July 4 for the Independence Day Holiday. Normal hours will resume on Saturday, July 5.

Summer Reading at the Forest Avenue Library The Des Moines Public Library's Summer Reading Challenge is in full swing!

Kids work their way through our challenge program by reading for 20 minutes or completing various learning activities. Once the challenge is complete, turn in your worksheet and you'll get a small prize and be eligible for the big prizes in our end-of-summer drawing.

The challenge goes through August 2, so there is still time to register and get started!

Learn more

Featured Events at Forest Kids and Teens

Instrument Petting Zoo Wednesday, July 9 4-5 PM The Instrument Petting Zoo is visiting the library! Children as young as 3 can learn about and practice playing string instruments with Des Moines Symphony's Michele Senger. Add the event to your calendar.

This event is happening at multiple DMPL locations. See all upcoming events.

Pollination Celebration with Polk County Conservation Wednesday, July 23 3:30-4:30 PM Join an educator from Polk County Conservation to learn what type of animals are pollinators and why they are so important. Attendees will develop a simple model that mimics the function of an animal that pollinates plants.

Add the event to your calendar.

Pajama Storytime: Outer Space Thursday, July 17 6:30-7:30 PM Join us for a special Pajama Storytime all about Outer Space.

We will read stories about the wonders of the cosmos, have a warm beverage, and make a craft. Wear your coziest pjs and bring a stuffie to snuggle! Add the event to your calendar.

ASAP Mondays: Polymer Clay Mondays 4-5 PM Join ASAP teaching artist Amanda Rhoads and have fun sculpting a different project each week using polymer clay, a soft, non-toxic moldable clay that hardens as it air dries and eliminates the need for a kiln. Learn more.

Snack provided for all participants.

Adults & All Ages

Blues with Storytelling with Tina HaaseFindlay and Rob Lumbard

Craft Night: Pressed Flower Votive Wednesday, July 16 6-7 PM

Sew Social Tuesday, July 8 6-7 PM Meet other sewing hobbyists and work

Saturday, July 19 2-3 PM Join us at Forest Avenue Library for an unforgettable blues performance with Tina Haase-Findlay and Rob Lumbard.

Tina’s powerful vocals and Rob’s guitar will bring Blues storytelling to life.

Seating is limited, so arrive early! Add the event to your calendar.

Make a pressed flower votive at our monthly adult craft night meet up! Add the event to your calendar.

Space limited by supplies.

on your current projects at the Forest Avenue Library.

Kaitlyn, our Sewing for Beginners series instructor, will be on hand to help answer any questions you may have while working on your projects.

Please bring any tools or materials you need to work on your project. Add the event to your calendar.

All July events

Adults get rewarded for reading this summer Camp Read S'more It is not too late to head back to the days of summer camp and join the DMPL Adult Summer Reading Challenge.

Read 30 days between May 31 and August 2 to earn prizes and be entered into the grand prize drawing.

Learn more

Summer Reading Program Guide

Summer is jam packed with fun for kids, teens, and families at the Des Moines Public Library! View the summer reading program guide on our website.

View the guide

Des Moines Public Library reference@dmpl.org (515) 283-4152 www.dmpl.org