South Side Library—engage December 2025/January 2026

Page 1


Decemb er/ January Events South Side Library

Children

GrowPlay Learn

Play, Grow, Learn!

Tuesdays, 10–11:30 AM

Children ages 0–5 and their caregivers are invited to Play, Grow, Learn at South Side Library. Enjoy open play and come-and-go activities that encourage learning through the five Simple Steps: Read, Write, Sing, Play, and Talk. A variety of toys promoting early development will be available.

ASAP Thursdays: Creative Movement

Thursday, December 4, 11, & 18, 4–5 PM

Get moving with an ASAP teaching artist! Enjoy fun dance and movement games, learn new choreography, and stay active. All participants will receive a snack to enjoy while they dance and play.

ASAP Thursdays: Art Adventures

Thursday, January 8, 15, 22, & 29, 4–5 PM

This class focuses on the joy of creating, emphasizing the art-making process as much as the finished piece. Each week features different techniques and mediums, offering a new artistic adventure. All participants will receive a snack to enjoy while exploring their creativity.

Storytimes

Family Storytime

Mondays, 6:30-7 PM. No storytime December 22 or 29. Join us for Family Storytime at 6:30 PM! Children and caregivers can enjoy songs, stories, and activities together. Pajamas are welcome for a cozy evening of fun. This program is best for ages 6 and under, but all families are invited to attend.

Preschool Storytime

Thursdays, 10-10:30 AM

Children ages 3–5 and their caregivers can join us Thursdays at 10 AM for a 30-minute storytime filled with engaging stories, music, and fun activities.

Festive Lights Garland Take-and-Makes!

Monday, December 15

Stop by South Side Library to pick up a Festive Lights Garland Take-and-Make bag filled with fun crafts and activities. Supplies are available while they last.

Sensory Play Hour

Tuesday, December 16 and January 20, 4–5 PM

Children and their families can enjoy an hour of sensory exploration at South Side! Move through activity stations or gather at the story rug with books, scarves, and interactive tools. Sensory-friendly items like wobble cushions, noise-reduction headphones, weighted blankets, and fidgets are available. This free, drop-in program requires no registration.

VolunTeen Drop-In Hour

Wednesday, December 3, 10, 17, and January 14, 21, and 28, 4–5 PM

Teens ages 12–18 can earn volunteer hours by helping with library programs and projects. Drop in any open Wednesday to volunteer for one hour. A completed volunteer application and parent/guardian-signed waiver are required to participate at South Side Library.

ClubsBook

Holiday Puzzle Exchange!

Saturday, December 20, 2–3 PM

Puzzle lovers, rejoice! Bring your completed holiday-themed puzzles to the South Side Library Meeting Room and exchange them for new ones. Join us for a festive puzzle swap and discover fresh challenges while sharing your favorites with other puzzle enthusiasts. All ages are welcome to participate.

Welcome the New Year Take-and-Makes!

Monday, December 22

Pick up a Welcome the New Year Takeand-Make bag at South Side Library! Each bag is filled with fun activities and crafts to enjoy at home. Available while supplies last.

DIY Cookie Decorating

Tuesday, December 23, 4–5 PM

Visit South Side Library to decorate your own sugar cookies! Use colorful frosting and fun toppings to create unique, delicious treats. All supplies are provided for a sweet and creative experience.

Teen Adult

Wednesday, January 21, 3:30–5 PM

Create glowing artwork at South Side Library using copper tape, LEDs, and batteries. Learn simple principles of electricity while exploring your creativity. All materials are provided— just bring your imagination! Available while supplies last.

South Side Evening Book Discussion

Thursday, December 4, 6:30–7:30 PM

Celebrate the season with a Winter Reads Book Discussion! Choose a book that feels like winter—cozy mysteries, romances, holiday tales, or anything with “winter” in the title. Come ready to share your thoughts and enjoy cozy drinks and snacks as we discuss all things winter reading.

South Side Book Discussion

Thursday, December 18 and January 15, 2–3 PM

Join South Side’s Book Discussion! In December, we’ll read Clean by Alia Trabucco Zeran. In January, celebrate your favorite 2025 reads with a potluck! Books are available on a first-come, first-served basis during the discussion. All are welcome to join for conversation, community, and good food.

Tiny Art Show

• December 27-January 3: Materials pickup at all DMPL locations*

• Saturday, January 31, 2–4 PM: Reception at Central Library

Create a mini-masterpiece for the Des Moines Public Library’s second annual Tiny Art Show! Kits will include a miniature easel, canvas, paint and a brush. You must register with your email and your library card number to get your free kit. Limit one kit per registrant. Artwork must be submitted by Wednesday, January 7. Then you can stop back and see an art show gallery of all the artwork from January 12-31!

*Kits will be available while supplies last

Paper Circuit Art

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
South Side Library—engage December 2025/January 2026 by tjpaluch - Issuu