Welcome to Next Month at South! This is a newsletter for those who use the South 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.
South Side Summer Reading Celebration
Event Details
Wednesday, June 11 4-5 PM
Celebrate the start of summer and summer reading at South Side Library! Enjoy a train ride with our friends from Choo Choo Rides 4 U and be amazed by the balloon art stylings of Professor VonAir.
Add the event to your calendar
Featured Events at South Kids and Teens
Monday, June 30
6:30-7:15 PM
The Instrument Petting Zoo is visiting Central Library!
Children as young as 3 can learn about and practice playing string instruments with Des Moines Symphony's Michele Senger Add
Thursday, June 12 11AM-12 PM
Youth and their families are invited to South Side Library to help plant a small garden for the summer. Watch it grow and change with each visit! Make plans to attend.
Wednesday, June 25 4-5 PM
Make terrific tie-dye totes at South Side Library. If you don’t need a tote, feel free to bring something from home, like a tshirt! Cotton fabric works best. Add this event to your calendar.
the event to your calendar.
This event is happening at multiple DMPLlocations. See all upcoming events Totesavailable
Adults
Integrated Pest Management
Thursday, June 12 6-7 PM
Protect your beautiful garden from critters without using harsh pesticides. Join the Polk County Master Gardeners to learn about integrated pest management, a natural approach to keeping your garden safe until it is ready for you to enjoy Add the event to your calendar.
Numerology
Saturday, June 28 2-3:30 PM
JoinAshley McGrath to explore the origins of numerology, uncover the energy associated with each number, and discover practical ways to use numerology to interpret and find meaning in everyday life. Add the event to your calendar.
Renovate with Confidence with NFC
Wednesday, June 4 6-7 PM
The price tag of a renovation can be daunting, but there are ways to make it easier on your wallet. Learn about homeowner programs and forgivable loans that can help you get started on your dream renovation. Add the event to your calendar.
More June Events
ASAPThursdays: STEAM
Thursdays 4-5 PM
Turn STEM into STEAM this month withASAP teaching artistAmyTingstrom. Each week, explore a new project that combines science, technology, engineering, and math with the arts. Projects encourage creativity, hands-on learning,
and fun for all participants. View upcoming events.
*No class onThursday, June 19
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
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!
Final twoAViD events of 2025
Kevin Wilson Nikki Erlick
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.
Learn More
