Welcome to Next Month at Franklin! This is a newsletter for those who use the FranklinAvenue 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!
Thanksgiving Holiday Closure
All DMPLlocations will be closed on Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Normal hours will resume on Saturday, November 29.
Support our Community Fridge
This time of year can be tight for a lot of families. At DMPL, we have community fridges at four of our library locations open to all library patrons in need of assistance.
The FranklinAvenue Library fridge is located in the breezeway of the east entrance. It is open to the public for donations and pickups MondaySunday during the library's open hours.
Donation guidelines for the FranklinAvenue Library fridge:
Perishables: fresh produce, eggs, meat, prepacked meals, and dairy products
Non-perishables: bread, grains, dry beans, canned goods, cereal & oatmeal, pasta, flour, and other standard pantry items
Sign-in is not required to donate or pick up food
No frozen items
Learn more
Books and Ballet: The Nutcracker
Visit the Hoyt Sherman Place Box Office or fill out a form online to reserve a free ticket to The Nutcracker These tickets are available to library cardholders as a part of the Ballet Des Moines CommunityTicketing program.
You will be able to reserve a free ticket toThe Nutcracker in person or online through December 5.
TheNutcrackerperformances will be held December 11-14.
Free tickets are available while supplies last.
Read Books, Win Pizza
Register now for the 30x30 Challenge
Reading for pizza is not just for kids! This month, read 30 minutes per day for all 30 days of November and be entered into a drawing to win a gift card to Dough Co. Pizza.
CookingAround the World with CultureAll: Aloo Gobi
Monday, November 3 6-7:30 PM
FranklinAvenue Library
Learn how to cook different cuisines from around the world with CultureALLambassadors!This month, Mamta will teach us how to makeAloo Gobi, a vegetarian dish made with potatoes, cauliflower, and a variety of spices.
Register to attend
Mindfulness Day at the Library
Saturday, November 22
10:30AM-4:30 PM
FranklinAvenue Library
Get ready for the craziness of the holiday season at our 2025 Mindfulness Day event! Spend a day engaging in a variety of contemplative practices that will give you the opportunity for peaceful space to get centered.
10:30AM: Mindful Cooking with Steve Bryce
12:30 PM: Mandalas with Paul Witmer
2:15 PM:Yoga withAnna Mullen
3:30 PM: Sound Healing with Safiyah Grace
Learn more
Sneak Previews with the Des Moines Playhouse
RoaldDahl'sWilly WonkaJr.
Saturday, November 1 10:30-11AM
FranklinAvenue Library
Visit the library for a special sneak preview of the Des Moines Young Artists'Theatre production of Roald Dahl'sWillyWonkaJr Learn about the show and get a chance to meet the cast!
Learn more
Saturday, November 8 10:30-11AM
FranklinAvenue Library
Visit the library for a special sneak preview of the Des Moines Community Playhouse production ofTheBestChristmasPageant Ever,based on the classic book by Barbara Robinson.
Enjoy the performance and enter to win free tickets to the play!
Learn more
Featured Events at Franklin
Creative Readers with Children's Author Victor
D.O. Santos
Tuesday, November 18 4-4:45 PM
Join acclaimed children's author Victor D.O. Santos for a reading of his fun new book,People AreWeird,followed by a craft related to the book.Add this event to your calendar. Copies will be available for purchase at the event.
Wednesday, November 19 4-5 PM
Sharpen your kitchen knowledge and learn how to make mini pies for the holidays. Register to attend.
*This program is intended for youth in grades 6-12
Saturday, November 29 10AM-4 PM
Drop by the Franklin Avenue Library Children's area to roll the dice and create charming, cheerful, friendly, or goofy monsters using the provided art materials. Add this event to your calendar.
Teen Chef: Mini Pies Roll a Monster Craft Game
Celebrate Día de Muertos at Central Library
Sunday, November 2
4-6:30 PM
Bring the whole family to Celebrate Día de Muertos with the Des Moines Public Library and Latinx Immigrants of Iowa!
See the ofrenda and Catrinas created by Latinx Immigrants of Iowa and participate in a costume contest for the best Catrina and Catrin. The winners will receive to four tickets toSugarSkull! ADíadeMuertosMusicalAdventureat the Civic Center
Try tamales, pan de muerto, and Mexican hot chocolate, watch traditional dance performances, check out a resource fair, get a flu shot, enjoy the movie Coco(2017), experience a storytime with a Luchador, and so much more!
Central Library
Saturday, December 6
12-4 PM
Exciting news!The Grown-Up Book Fair is back for a special holiday edition at Central Library on Saturday, December 6, from 12-4 PM.
Shop books, stickers, gifts, and more from local independent bookstores and vendors. Vendors will be stationed throughout the entire library to make for a smooth shopping experience.
Get your holiday shopping done while supporting your community. 10% of all proceeds will be donated to the Des Moines Public Library!
The vendors include: Annies Foundation Beaverdale Books Bing's The Glitter Factory
The Little Book
Little G's Treats
Lunita Planners Nos Books
Reading in Public
The Rook Room Shelf Love DSM Storyhouse Bookpub Wandering Raccoon Books
Warren Hill Farm Zellaphant Books Des Moines Public Library reference@dmpl.org (515) 283-4152 www.dmpl.org
