Welcome to Next Month at North! This is a newsletter for those who use the North Side 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.
Model Train Display with DesMoiNTrak
June 13-14
DesMoiNTrak is coming to the North Side Library with their huge model train set up!The N scale model railroads will be featured in the meeting room for train lovers of all ages to drop in and enjoy on June 13 and 14 during open hours.
Learn More
Summer Reading Kickoff Celebration
Event Details
Central Library Saturday, May 31
12-4 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 North
Ukulele Camps ASAP
Beginner
June 10-12
1:30-2:30 PM
Intermediate June 24-26
1:30-2:30 PM
Natalie Steenson is back at the North Side Library this summer! She will be teaching both a beginner and intermediate ukulele camp.
Space is limited. Attendees will be able to check out a ukulele from the library or bring their own. Register to attend.
Community Craft Night: Friendship Bracelets
Tuesday, June 17 6:30-7:30 PM
Meet new friends and make something new at our monthly adult community craft night!
This month we are channeling summer camp and using a basic macrame knot and embroidery floss to make a colorful striped friendship bracelet. Add event to your calendar.
Wednesdays: Cookie and Cupcake Decorating
Wednesdays 3:30-4:30 PM
Get creative in the kitchen with a professional baker! Over four weeks, turn cookies and cupcakes into edible art while practicing patience, focus, and fun decorating techniques.All supplies provided. Just bring your imagination and sweet tooth! View upcoming events.
10:15-11:15AM
Join Ms.Alicia at the Heritage Carousel for a special storytime for the whole family! After storytime we will do a craft, and everyone will receive a FREE carousel ride. Add the event to your calendar.
Wednesday, June 18 11:30AM-12:15 PM
Learn about our closest star, the Sun, with NASASolar SystemAmbassador Dan Hoy! Plus create your own take-home constellation, make a model of the Sun, or do both! Add the event to your calendar.
More June Events
Monday, June 30 10:30-11AM
The train is coming to the North Side Library! Meet us in our parking lot to listen to train stories, train rides from Choo Choo Rides 4U, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and popsicles! Add the event to your calendar.
DIYMini-Pride Floats
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 DMPL location 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
twoAViD events of 2025
Central Library
Tuesday, June 3
Doors open 6 PM Program begins 7 PM
Kevin Wilson is the NewYork Timesbest-selling author of five novels, including NowisNotthe TimetoPanic,NothingtoSee 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.
Central Library
Monday, June 23
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 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.
and Teens
Kevin Wilson Nikki Erlick
Camp Read S'more Summer Reading Challenge
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
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.
