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!
Juneteenth Closure
All DMPLlocations will be closed on Thursday, June 19 for the Juneteenth holiday.
IowaAdventure Pass is back!
Exciting news—the IowaAdventure Pass is back! Starting today, you can now check out passes to visit the Blank Park Zoo, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Science Center of Iowa, and the Des Moines Children Museum!
Learn more and reserve a pass
*Must be a resident of Des Moines, Windsor Heights, or Saylor Township to check out anAdventure Pass at DMPL.
June 2-14
Celebrate Pride Month by creating your own mini parade float! Use your own craft materials from home or pick up a materials kit at any DMPLlocation beginning Monday, June 2 (while supplies last), and design your float however you like.
When you're finished, take a photo and submit it to the library by 5 PM on Saturday, June 14. We will be posting a virtual Pride float parade on our Facebook page with all of your creations.
Learn more
Final twoAViD events of 2025
Kevin Wilson Nikki Erlick
Tuesday, June 3
Central Library
Doors open 6 PM Program begins 7 PM
Kevin Wilson is the NewYork Timesbest-selling author of five novels, including NowisNotthe TimetoPanic,NothingtoSee
Monday, June 23
Central Library
Doors open 6 PM Program begins 7 PM
Nikki Erlick’s debut novel, The Measure,was a massive bestseller that catapulted her to literary stardom. Her follow-up novel, The
Here,andTheFamilyFang,as well as two short story collections.
His new book,RunfortheHills,is being released on May 13. It was named a MostAnticipated Book of 2025 by Time,People,BookRiot, and others.The novel tells a raucous and moving story of an unexpected road trip across America that brings a family together
This program will be moderated by Charity Nebbe from Iowa Public Radio.
PoppyFields(June 17), pays some homage to TheWizardofOz.
The book follows four people and a dog seeking a treatment center that has provided cures for grief and loss. But as the story progresses, the question arises— how far are we truly willing to go in order to be healed?
This program will be moderated by Megan Reuther, the host of Hello Iowa
Learn more
Learn more
Summer Reading Kickoff Celebration
Event Details
Central Library Saturday, June 7 10AM-12 PM
Ring in the start of the DMPLSummer Reading Challenge at our kickoff celebration! Make plans to join us for an afternoon of fun for youth of all ages.
Register for Summer Reading and take part in fun activities to celebrate the start of summer
Add the event to your calendar
Meet LatinThunder and see if you have what it takes to be a luchador
Face painting
Air-brush tattoos
Balloon artists
Snap a picture with Rosie Reader
Create mini-comics & book hedgehogs!
Design your own fandom bookmarks & buttons!
Play Switch games!
Featured Events at Franklin Kids
Awesome Reptiles with Spock's Sanctuary Save theAfrican Rhinos with Author Kelly Crull
Tuesday, June 17 4-5 PM
Visit the library to meet the animal ambassadors from Spock's Sanctuary –Des Moines' own reptile and amphibian pet rescue. Families can take part in hands-on activities and crafts, learn about fascinating animals, and see them up close. Add the event to your calendar.
Wednesday, June 11 4-5 PM
Join us on safari at the Franklin Library to celebrate the launch of the acclaimed new children’s book, The BlackMambas:The World’sFirstAllWomanAntiPoachingUnit, by local author Kelly Crull!
Join us for an exciting, hands-on experience with activities and crafts that teach the importance of wildlife conservation while having a blast. Add the event to your calendar.
Teens
Lego Challenge Camping Adventure
Tuesday, June 24 4-5 PM
Gather your supplies for this campingthemed LEGO challenge. Bring your family and a sense of fun as you create your very own campground! However, be cautious; disaster may strike at any moment!Ages 3 and up are welcome. Add the event to your calendar.
Teen Chef Taco Bites
Monday, June 9 3-4 PM
Sharpen your kitchen knowledge and learn how to make mini taco bites and enjoy them with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. Register to attend.
TheArt of Expression: RainbowYarn Painting
Monday, June 16 3-5 PM
Join guest artists fromArt is Rad to celebrate Pride Month and create rainbow yarn paintings. Register to attend.
Nintendo Switch Party!
Monday, June 23 3-4 PM
Join us for a Nintendo Switch Party at the library! Play games like Mario Kart 8 & Super Mario Bros. Ultimate. Add the event to your calendar.
Bring your own Switch or share the library’s controllers.
Adults
History of Juneteenth
Thursday, June 5 6:30-8 PM
Monday, June 9
6:30-8 PM
Join DMPLand Beaverdale Books for an evening with the authors of Seaof Grass:The Conquest,Ruin,and Redemptionof Natureonthe AmericanPrairie,
Saturday, June 14 2-3 PM
Des Moines Metro Opera Preview Lecturer Joshua Borths returns for an in-depth preview of the final two operas of the opera’s 2024 season: Janacek’s vivid and playful
Juneteenth is more than a celebration; it is a pivotal chapter in American history. Join Iowa Juneteenth for a presentation about the historical significance of Juneteenth, the lessons it holds for today, and how we can collectively build a future that provides
David Hage and Josephine Marcotty
share a vivid portrait of theAmerican prairie, which rivals the rainforest in its biological diversity and, with little notice, is disappearing even faster. Add the event to your calendar.
opera,TheCunning LittleVixen, and Stravinsky’s cheeky and profound homage to Mozart, TheRake’s Progress Add the event to your calendar
liberty and justice for all.
This program is happening at multiple DMPLlocations and online over the next few weeks see the schedule.
More June Events
Get rewarded for reading this summer
Adults
Camp Read S'more
Beginning Saturday, May 31, head back to the days of summer camp with the DMPLAdult Summer Reading Challenge.
Read 30 days between May 31 andAugust 2 to earn prizes and be entered into the grand prize drawing.
Learn more
Kids and Teens
Summer Reading Challenge
The Des Moines Public Library's Summer Reading Challenge starts Saturday, June 7!
Work your 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.
Learn more
Summer Reading Program Guide
Summer is jam packed with fun for kids, teens, and families at the Des Moines Public Library! Pick up the summer reading program guide at all DMPLlocations, or download the digital version on our website.
Download the guide
Des Moines Public Library reference@dmpl.org (515) 283-4152 www.dmpl.org