Check out our event calendar for more details and to see our special events for all ages.
Join us for the following special events: No registration needed!
Summer Kickoff Party
Saturday, June 1st, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
We’re celebrating the start of summer at the library! Free family fun includes bounce houses, foam machine, a craft, special teen activities, and more. There will also be tasty treats available for purchase from D Ice Cream Man & Tropical Sno food trucks. And be sure to pick up your summer reading challenge materials for all ages!
Summer Lego Club
Wednesdays, June 5th – July 17th, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Use your imagination to build with LEGO bricks! Each week will feature special challenges as well as opportunities for free building. Recommended for K-5, no registration required. Not held Wed. June 19th due to Blank Park Zoo program.
Register for these special events coming soon:
Instrument Petting Zoo
Wednesday, June 5th, 6:00 to 7:00 pm
Learn about and try out string instruments with an educator from the Des Moines Symphony Academy! Each participant will have an opportunity to try out a violin and cello! We will also learn about the parts of string instruments and hear the differences between them. Recommended for ages 4-8. Registration required.
Library STEM Lab
Saturdays, June 29th & July 27th, 10-11am
Explore STEM concepts with these special storytime sessions for ages 4-7. We’ll read a book and do a STEM activity inspired by the book. Registration required.
June 29th: Register Here
July 27th: Register Here
Family Craft Night: Tie Dye
Monday, June 24th, 5:00 pm or 6:30 pm session
Tie and dye your own colorful creation! We’ll provide 1 bandana, you may bring one other item, details provided upon registration. Recommended for ages 5 and up, all ages welcome to participate. Registration required, opens 5/27.
Check out our ongoing programs:
No registration required, and newcomers always welcome!
Storytime
Tuesdays at 10:30 am
Join us for songs, stories, and rhymes! We’ll have a fun, interactive 25 minute storytime followed by an optional playtime or craft. Geared toward children ages 2-4, though children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome!
July 16, Dinosaur Meet and Greet with Feller Express at 10am will be held in place of regular Storytime.
Storytime takes a break in May and in August.
Babytime
Thursdays at 9:30 am
We’ll share bounces, rhymes, songs, and stories with you and baby at this short storytime, followed by playtime. Recommended for birth to about 24 months. Older kids are welcome to attend with you and baby.
Babytime takes a break in May and August.
Music and Movement
Thursdays at 10:30 am
Dance, stretch, move, sing, and play! This active, 25-minute program encourages early literacy skills through songs, movement, and play with rhythm instruments and props. Geared toward ages 2-5; children of all ages & their caregivers are welcome.
Music & Movement takes a break in May and in August.
Play Café
Fridays, June 21st and July 19th, 9:00 – 10:30am
Connect and play at this monthly playgroup! We will provide coffee and tea for parents and caregivers, and activities recommended for children 5 & under. Please note earlier time for June and July: 9-10:30am.
Bilingual Storytime/Cuenta cuentos Bilingüe
Saturdays, June 8th and 22nd, and July 13th and 20th
Join us for exciting stories, songs, & activities at this bilingual storytime
in Spanish and English! Recommended for children 5 & under and their caregivers.
Nuestra Biblioteca se complace en ofrecer cuentacuentos bilingüe en Español e Inglés. Por favor acompáñenos a escuchar historias emocionantes, cantos y actividades. Recomendado para niños de 5 años y menores acompañados de un adulto.