Decemb er/ January Events Franklin Avenue Library
Little Explorers
Monday, December 1 and January 5, 10–11 AM
Children
Bring your little ones to Little Explorers, designed for children ages 0–5. Discover, learn, and play through hands-on sensory activities. Please wear play clothes, as some activities may be messy.
Frozen Sneak Preview
Saturday, December 6, 10:30–11 AM
Visit the library for a special sneak preview of Frozen: The Broadway Musical, presented by the Des Moines Community Playhouse and based on the hit Disney movie. Enjoy a live performance and enter for a chance to win free tickets to the full production. All ages are welcome!
Park-N-Play
Thursdays, December 11 and 18, 10 AM-12 PM
Park-N-Play brings the fun to Des Moines communities with a van filled with toys, games, crafts, and activities for families to drop in and enjoy at no cost. All ages welcome!
Storytimes
Baby Rhyme Time
Tuesday, December 2, 9, 16, and January 6, 13, and 20, 10:15–11 AM
Babies and their caregivers are invited to join Miss Jennifer on Tuesdays for a fun and engaging storytime. Enjoy rhymes, songs, bounces, and a story, followed by a short playtime. This program supports early learning and connection in a warm, welcoming environment.
Toddler Stories, Songs, and Movement
Wednesday, December 3, 10, 17, and January 7, 14, and 21, 10:15–10:45 AM
Join Miss Donna for a fun-filled storytime designed for active toddlers. Enjoy stories, songs, and more, all carefully selected to engage children ages 18 months to 3 years. This interactive program encourages early learning in a playful and welcoming environment.
Creative Readers: Cocoa, Cookies and Canvas
Tuesday, December 16, 4–4:45 PM
Celebrate the season with cookies and hot chocolate while enjoying a story and creating a festive craft! This program is held in the Meeting Room and is designed for children ages 3 and up.
Kids Pokémon Card Swap
Thursday, December 18 and January 22, 4-5 PM
Join us for the Kids Pokémon Card Swap! Children ages 6–18 are invited to bring their cards and trade with friends in a fun, welcoming environment. This monthly program is a great way to connect with other collectors and grow your Pokémon card collection.
Ugly Sweater Art Cart
Saturday, December 20, 10–3 PM
It’s sweater weather! Use the materials on our art cart to color and design a one-of-a-kind sweater. Uglier is better! This creative activity is open to all ages and takes place in the Children’s Area.
Favorite Character Bingo
Monday, December 22, 3–4:30 PM
Join us for BINGO at Franklin Library! This round features cards filled with popular characters. Mark your spots and try to complete a row to win a prize. All ages are welcome.
Creative Readers Special: Dog Man: The Musical Ticket Giveaway
Tuesday, January 6, 4–4:45 PM
Celebrate Dog Man: The Musical coming to the Civic Center with a reading of Dog Breath by Dav Pilkey. Enjoy themed crafts and activities in the children’s area. All ages are welcome. Attendees can enter for a chance to win tickets to the show. You must be present to win.
Science Wednesdays: LEGO Race Cars
Wednesday, January 7, 4–4:45 PM
Join Science Wednesdays at Franklin Library and use your engineering skills to design and build a LEGO car to test on our racetrack. This program is for kids ages 6–12 and explores science, technology, engineering, and math. Registration Required.
Red Riding Hood Sneak Preview
Saturday, January 10, 10:30–11 AM
Visit the library for a special sneak preview of Red Riding Hood: Both Sides of the Story, a Des Moines Community Playhouse production based on the classic fairy tale. Enjoy the live performance and enter for a chance to win tickets to the show. All ages are welcome to attend.
EPIC Graphic Novel Book Club
Thursday, January 15, 4–5 PM
Join us for the EPIC Graphic Novel Book Club for kids ages 7–11! Enjoy a brief discussion of this month’s book, followed by fun activities and crafts. Reading the book beforehand is encouraged but not required. Check the calendar for this month’s title and reserve a copy from the catalog. Registration required.
Creative Readers
Creative Creative Readers
Tuesday, January 20, 4–4:45 PM
Teen
Franklin VolunTeens
Monday, December 1 and January 5, 4–5 PM
Become a Volunteen and support your library by helping with programs and projects. Teens ages 12–18 can gain experience, build skills, and make a difference in their community. Applications are required and must be approved before volunteering.
Celebrate reading and art with hands-on STEM activities inspired by a picture book. This program is designed for children ages 3 and up to explore materials, create, and have fun while learning.
The Art of Expression: Mystery Box
Wednesday, December 10, 4–5 PM
Nintendo Switch Party!
Monday, December 29, 3–4 PM
The Art of Expression is a creative program for teens to explore different types of art in a relaxed, welcoming space. On December 10, participants will create a unique piece using surprise materials from a mystery box. Registration Required.
Join us for a Nintendo Switch Party! Play games like Mario Kart 8 and Super Mario Bros. Ultimate. Bring your own Switch or use the library’s controllers. This fun, social gaming event is open to all ages and skill levels.
