WHAT’S HAPPENING
@ the Des Moines Public Library
APRIL 2015
For library hours, locations, or to preregister for programs, visit our virtual library at www.dmpl.org
AViD Author Series Kicks Off April 1
Rebecca Skloot
Wednesday, April 1
Hoyt Sherman
Place Theater
1501 Woodland Ave.
©Fred Milkie Jr.
©Manda Townsend
Des Moines Public Library presents the 2015 AViD (Authors Visiting in Des Moines) Author Series:
Bill Cotton
Steve Berry
Robin Oliveira
Tuesday, April 7
Central Library
1000 Grand Ave.
Friday, April 10
Central Campus
School Aud. DMPS
1800 Grand Ave.
Monday, April 20
Central Library
1000 Grand Ave. The AViD Author Series is sponsored
by the Des Moines Public Library
Foundation with financial support
from these generous donors:
Nationwide Insurance Foundation,
Des Moines University, Douglas &
Deborah West, Wells Fargo, Drake
University, Downtown Events Group,
Humanities Iowa and the National
Endowment for the Humanities,
Ellen Hubbell, Dr. Richard Deming,
Principal Financial Group Foundation,
Kelly & Brad Edmister, and
Rusty Hubbell.
All programs will begin at 7:00 PM. All programs are free and open to the public, seating is first come, first served. Books will be available for sale and signing.
How Iowa Met Baseball –
The Myths, the History,
the Players
Tuesday, April 14, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Central Library
John Liepa
has gathered
baseball cards for
over fifty years.
His extensive
collection includes
photographs,
autographs, books,
and memorabilia
for most of Iowa’s approximately 214 baseball
players who have made it to the major leagues.
As a teacher of history and political science
for more than forty years, John combines his
passion for Iowa history and baseball. He is a
member of the Society for American Baseball
Research, the State Historical Society of Iowa
Board of Directors, co-director of the Iowa
Studies Center at DMACC, and serves as
program chair for the Des Moines Civil
War Roundtable.
Boost your
financial
IQ with fun,
informative
programs at
April 18 – 25
the Des Moines
Public Library
during Money Smart Week, April 18-25, 2015.
Check our online events calendar for more
information: www.dmpl.org/events.
What’s Your Favorite Genre?
If you love to read romances and inspirational fiction, you may
soon notice that it’s easier than ever to browse for them at the Des
Moines Public Library. Our librarians suggest titles daily, for all
types of readers, but recently they noticed more and more readers
asking for romance and inspirational (sometimes called faith-based)
fiction. This led them to propose a pilot project to pull all those titles
off the shelf, affix identifying stickers, and re-shelve them grouped
together—all in an effort of making it easier for library users to find
good books to read. Do you have a favorite genre? Genre refers to a category of literature with identifiable elements.
Currently, the library uses stickers to identify several other genres, which are also shelved
separately. Included are: Graphic Novels, Mystery, Science Fiction, Urban Fiction, and Westerns. Categorizing fiction in this way helps readers find books quickly and easily, but it’s also helpful to
the librarians who continue working their way through the shelves, selecting and placing stickers as
they go. Soon they’ll watch to see if the stickers contribute to an increase in the circulation of these
titles, which in turn will help the library offer more of the books that you, our customers, desire. In addition to literary genres, the librarians also make use of musical genres, like Rock, Country,
and Blues. Recently the library has started using stickers to identify Rap music as well. On your
next library visit, check to see if there’s a sticker for your favorite genre!
Remembering Riverview Park
Saturday, April 18, 2:00 - 3:30 PM, North Side Library
Stroll through Riverview Park as Bill Kooker shares pictures and video
clips. Bill’s grandfather was one of the original owners, and members
of his family were involved with the park for almost fifty years.
Trout Fishing 101
Saturday, April 18, 1:30 - 3:00 PM, Franklin Avenue Library
David Wright and fellow members of the North Bear Chapter of Trout
Unlimited, will present an introductory program on fly fishing for trout
in Iowa streams. Trout Unlimited is a national non-profit organization
with 147,000 members dedicated to conserving, protecting and
restoring North America’s cold water fisheries and their watersheds.
KIDS
Readers Enjoy a Family-Friendly Movie
Calling all crafty kids! Head to the library to
enjoy a story and make a related craft:
This month’s movie is about a young
man who follows his heart and faces his fears. Gather your entire family and bring your
popcorn, blankets, and pillows to the East Side Library on Saturday, April 18 at 1:00 PM.
Early Out at Central Pick up the kids
and head to the Central Library for some quality family time
on the following early out Wednesdays at 2:00 PM.
Central Library | Tuesdays, 4:15 PM:
Ages 3-8
Tuesday, April 7: Ninja Red Riding Hood,
by Corey Rosen Schwartz.
Tuesday, April 14: The Carrot Seed,
by Ruth Krauss.
Tuesday, April 21: The Earth Book,
by Todd Parr.
Tuesday, April 28: The Nuts: Bedtime at
Nut House, by Eric Litwin.
Franklin Avenue Library | Tuesdays,
4:00 PM: Ages 3-8
April 7: Step Gently Out, by Helen Frost
and Rick Lieder.
April 14: Sebastian and the Balloon,
by Phillip C. Stead.
April 21: Peggy, by Anna Walker.
April 28: Mr. Wuffles!, by David Wiesner.
Storytimes
Baby Rhyme Time [ages 0 - 18 mo.]
Tuesdays, 10:15 AM | Franklin Avenue Library
Wednesdays, 10:15 AM | Central Library
Family Storytime [entire family]
Mondays, 6:30 PM | South Side Library
Toddler Storytime
[ages 18 mo. - 3 years]
Tuesdays, 10:30 & 11:00 AM | East Side Library
Wednesdays, 10:00 AM | South Side Library
Wednesdays, 10:15 AM and 10:50 AM |
Franklin Avenue Library
Thursdays, 10:30 AM | North Side Library
Fridays, 10:15 AM | Central Library
Preschool Storytime
[ages 3 - 6 years]
Mondays, 10:15 AM | Franklin Avenue Library
Tuesdays, 10:30 AM | North Side Library
Wednesdays, 10:15 AM | Forest Avenue Library
Thursdays, 10:00 AM | South Side Library
Thursdays, 10:15 AM | Central Library
Thursdays, 10:30 AM | East Side Library
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April 1: April Fools’ Day Craft
April 8: Art Cart
April 15: Gaming Unplugged
April 22: Art Cart
Lego Fridays at Franklin
Know anyone who likes to build
things? Try out the library’s Legos, Duplos, and other building blocks, available
all day on Fridays at the Franklin Avenue Library. All ages are welcome.
Duplo Days All Month at South Side Library
DUPLO blocks are twice the size of regular Legos—just perfect for small hands
learning fine motor skills. Bring your kids to the Children’s Area and let their
imaginations soar!
Art Cart
Come to the Franklin Avenue Library and let your imagination go wild on
Saturdays, April 4 and 11. Art supplies will be available all day in the children’s area. You supply the
creativity and we supply the materials.
Sunday Funday Come to the Children’s Area at Central Library on Sunday, April 12 from
1:00 to 5:00 PM to make a tie dye umbrella using coffee filters and markers. Supplies provided!
Furry Tales Sign up to read a favorite story to a therapy dog. Sharing stories is a
wonderful way for children to practice reading skills, build confidence, and make a furry
friend. For children ages three to twelve.
Percy will be at the Forest Avenue Library on Saturday, April 4, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM.
Percy will be at the Central Library on Tuesday, April 7 at 6:00 PM.
Caper will be at the South Side Library on Saturday, April 11 at 11:00 AM.
Scout will be at the Franklin Avenue Library on Saturday, April 18 at 11:00 AM.
GRADES 3-8
Pointillism Art for Artsy Kids Visit the Franklin Avenue Library on
Wednesday, April 22 at 4:00 PM and try out the painting technique created by 19th century artist
Georges Seurat. Grades three to eight. Preregister.
GRADES 3-12
Pokemon Club Stop by the East Side Library on Tuesday, April 14 at
4:00 PM for the monthly Pokemon Club! Bring your playing cards and Nintendo DS
to battle other Pokemon fans.
East Side Mash-Up
Learn how to make a paper mache project, do window
drawings, and enjoy a snack at the East Side Library on Tuesday, April 28 at 4:00 PM. Grades
three to twelve.
AGES 8-12
Kids Book Club
Join us after school for a fun book discussion at the East Side Library
on Thursday, April 2 at 4:00 PM. Children, ages eight to twelve, are invited to read Liar, Liar, by
Gary Paulsen. Borrow a copy of the book at the Information Desk.
tweens & teens
Grades 6-12
April is National Poetry Month!
The South Side Library will host a special VolunTEENS Poetry Edition
in honor of National Poetry Month on Wednesday, April 8 at 1:30 PM.
Participants will create book spine poetry, then photograph and print
their designs to decorate the library. No walk-ins, please. All teens
MUST submit their volunteer application form, signed by a parent
or guardian, and receive approval prior to the meeting. Applications
available until all positions are filled.
Teens at the Central Library can celebrate their inner poets at a Blackout Poetry event on Wednesday,
April 8 at 2:00 PM. Enjoy a snack while you use recycled books and Sharpie markers to create your
own blackout poems.
Crafts and
Cooking
Groovy Tie-Dye Fun
Decorate t-shirts, bags, or bandanas with a
Sharpie Tie-Dye kit at the North Side Library
on Wednesday, April 1 at 3:00 PM.
Create Your Own
Lollipops Make yummy Jolly
Make Mom a Gift
Rancher lollipops at the South Side Library
on Wednesday, April 1 at 1:30 PM.
Celebrate National Library Week
Make Your Own Magnetic
Poetry! Celebrate National Poetry
Mad for Manga? Join the Manga Club at the Forest Avenue Library on Tuesday, April 7 at
Month at the Central Library on Wednesday,
April 15 at 2:00 PM. Create your own
magnetic poetry kit using printed
words, markers, magnets, and glue.
Snacks provided!
Learn how to color, scent, and mold your own soap, just in time for a
great Mother’s Day gift. Join in the fun at 4:00 PM on Monday, April 6 at the South Side Library.
Find out what the Forest Avenue Library is
all about! Join us on Tuesday, April 14 to learn about the hottest books for teens and tweens, plus all
the other great resources available at the library.
4:00 PM. Talk about the action, draw your favorite characters, and watch your favorite episodes!
Teen Advisory Club
Students in middle through high school are welcome to join the
East Side Library Teen Advisory Club. Join in the fun on Tuesday, April 7 at 4:00 PM. Members will
work on teen displays, do book reviews, and enjoy snacks.
Celebrate Earth Day:
Feed a Bird Make your very own
Teen Lab Rats
Experiment with spinners, tops, and other flying objects at the North Side
Library on Wednesday, April 8 at 3:00 PM.
bird feeder at the Forest Avenue Library on
Tuesday, April 21 at 4:00 PM.
VolunTEENS
Flip Flop Weather Will
Soon Be Here Get ready for
Studying For a Test? Try the Homework Hideout!
summer and decorate a pair of flip-flops at
the South Side Library on Wednesday, April
22 at 1:00 PM. Grades four to twelve. All
materials, including flip-flops, are provided.
Volunteer your time to help with various library projects on Wednesday,
April 1 at 2:00 PM at the Central Library Imagination Station.
If you need
a place to study, consider a trip to the Forest Avenue Library. The Homework Hideout is available for
students in grades four to twelve. It is open Mondays through Thursdays from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. This
quiet space has been outfitted with Internet access, limited free color printing, and some commonlyneeded school supplies. Community mentors are on hand to encourage and inspire students.
Teen Internet Café
• V isit the South Side Library on Wednesday, April 15 at 1:30 PM to surf the Internet on laptops. No
library card is needed. Enjoy board games and a snack, too!
• B ring your friends to the North Side Library on Wednesday, April 22 at 3:00 PM to enjoy snacks
while playing Wii games, internet games, and board games.
Teen Book Clubs
North Side Library teens can discuss Cinder, by Marissa Meyer,
then enjoy snacks and other fun activities on Wednesday, April
15 at 3:00 PM.
Join us at the East Side Library on Tuesday, April 21 at 4:00 PM
to discuss The Scorpio Races, by Maggie Stiefvater. This book
choice is geared for teens in grades six to eight. Snacks provided.
Enjoy delicious pizza as we discuss Wonder, by R. J. Palacio at the Franklin Avenue Library at 4:00
PM on Monday, April 27. Teens can find copies of the book and sign up for the program at the
Information Desk.
Learn How to Print with
Styrofoam Use the library’s
Styrofoam and paints to make original prints
at the Central Library on Wednesday, April 22
at 4:00 PM.
Recycled Fun Use various
recycled materials at the Forest Avenue
Library to create something unique. Stop in
anytime during regular hours on Saturday,
April 25.
Take the Smoothie
Challenge Learn how to
make scrumptious fruit smoothies
at the Forest Avenue Library on
Tuesday, April 28 at 4:00 PM.
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April Writers’ Workshops
Central Library The Central Library meeting will be on Monday, April 6 at 5:00 PM.
Participants will share samples of their work and receive feedback from others in the group.
Meeting Room One. Preregister.
South Side Library Receive feedback on your own writing while helping others improve
their own work on Friday, April 10 from 4:00-6:00 PM in the South Side Library Meeting Room.
Bring an open mind and share anything from family stories or essays to children’s stories,
poetry, or genre fiction. If you have questions, email Sandy at [email protected].
Hours and Locations
library closure
All six locations of the Des Moines Public
Library will be closed on Sunday, April 5.
Central Library
1000 Grand Avenue
Mon - Wed: 9 AM - 8 PM | Thu - Fri: 9 AM - 6 PM
Sat: CLOSED | Sun: 1 PM - 5 PM {Sept. - May}
Pick Up Window: Mon - Fri: 4 PM - 6 PM
East Side Library
2559 Hubbell Avenue
Mon - Tues: 10 AM - 8 PM | Wed: CLOSED
Thur - Fri: 10 AM - 6 PM | Sat: 10 AM - 5 PM
Forest Avenue Library
1326 Forest Avenue
Mon: 10 AM - 8 PM | Tues - Wed: 10 AM - 6 PM
Thur: 10 AM - 8 PM | Fri: CLOSED
Sat: 10 AM - 5 PM
Franklin Avenue Library
5000 Franklin Avenue
Mon - Tues: 10 AM - 8 PM | Wed 10 AM - 6 PM
Thu: CLOSED | Fri: 10 AM - 6 PM | Sat: 10 AM - 5 PM
North Side Library
3516 Fifth Avenue
Practice English with
Make a Friend at
Conversations (and Coffee) the Library
The library offers two
weekly opportunities
for English Language
Learners (ELL) to enjoy
a cup of coffee while
practicing their new
language! Each week,
adult ELL students and
community members
wishing to share their
local knowledge are invited to come together for
English conversation and light refreshments.
The programs will be offered at the Forest
Avenue Library on Tuesdays at 12:30 PM, (April
7,14, 21, and 28), and at the North Side Library
on Thursdays at 2:00 PM, (April 2, 9, 16, 23,
and 30). Both programs are open to all levels
of English speakers. Various activities will be
provided to prompt and encourage conversation.
For further information, please contact Ashley
Molzen at [email protected] at Forest Avenue
Library and Jon Hobbs at [email protected] at
the North Side Library.
The Friends of the Forest
Avenue Library will hold their
meeting on Wednesday, April
15 from 4:30 to 6:00 PM.
DMPL
Iowa International Center Dialogue Series
Tapping Into the Untapped
Workforce: How Companies and
Communities Can Work with Immigrant and
Refugee Populations for Success.
Tuesday, April 7, 12:00 PM, Central Library
Karen Miller, Executive Vice President with
Manpower, will lead a panel of employers of
immigrant and refugee workers.
Free Advice for
Your Device
Bring your gadget or mobile
device and attend a free class at
the Franklin Avenue Library on
Saturday, April 25 at 10:00 AM. You can also find
helpful tutorials online at our Virtual Library at
www.dmpl.org.
Mon: CLOSED | Tues - Wed: 10 AM - 8 PM
Thur - Fri: 10 AM - 6 PM
Sat: 10 AM - 5 PM
South Side Library
1111 Porter Avenue
Mon: 10 AM - 8 PM | Tues: CLOSED
Wed: 10 AM - 8 PM | Thur - Fri: 10 AM - 6 PM
Sat: 10 AM - 5 PM
Connect with Us!
Read a Book and Share Your Thoughts
Join one of the library’s monthly book discussions. Here are the upcoming titles for April:
Phone: 515.283.4152
Thursday, April 2, 1:00 PM, South Side Library: Me Before You, by Jojo Moyes.
Email: [email protected]
Monday, April 6, 1:00 PM, Franklin Avenue Library: Somebody Else’s Love Story,
by Joshilyn Jackson.
Text: 515.512.4444 Chat: www.dmpl.org
Tuesday, April 14, 6:30 PM, Franklin Avenue Library: Kindred, by Octavia Butler.
Monday, April 20, 2:00 PM, East Side Library: Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail,
by Cheryl Strayed. Treats provided.
Monday, April 20, 7:00 PM, Forest Avenue Library: The Lowland, by Jhumpa Lahiri.
Tuesday, April 21, 2:00 PM, North Side Library: A Land More Kind than Home, by Wiley Cash.