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Family Night logo

Family Night at the Library! - Valentine Cards!

Monday, February 2, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Community Room at Main Branch
Age Group:
Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age Children, Teens, Adults

Join Nate for a fun family activity! This month, we’ll get out lots of paper, stamps and other craft materials to make some amazing valentines for all the lovely people in your lives!  For all ages.

Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Main Branch
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age Children, Teens, Adults
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join Nate for a fun family activity! This month, we’ll get out lots of paper, stamps and other craft materials to make some amazing valentines for all the lovely people in your lives!  For all ages.

cover for "Dungeon Club: Roll Call" graphic novel

Tween Club Read - Dungeon Club

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 4:15pm - 5:00pm
Community Room at Main Branch
Program Type:
Book Club
Age Group:
School-Age Children, Teens

If you like to read and talk about books (but you’re getting too old for our other book clubs), this club is for you. Join us for discussion and activities related to this month’s book Dungeon Club: Roll Call by Molly Knox Ostertag!

Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Main Branch
Room: Community Room
Age Group: School-Age Children, Teens
Program Type: Book Club
Registration Required
Event Details:

If you like to read and talk about books (but you’re getting too old for our other book clubs), this club is for you. Join us for discussion and activities related to this month’s book Dungeon Club: Roll Call by Molly Knox Ostertag!

Teen Nintendo Switch Afternoon

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Teen Center at Main Branch
Program Type:
Program
Age Group:
Teens

Join us in the Teen Center to relax after school and play on our Nintendo Switch! We will have a selection of games for participants to play, including Mario Kart 8, Overcooked, Mario Party Superstars, and Super Smash Bros.

Library Branch: Main Branch
Room: Teen Center
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Program
Event Details:

Join us in the Teen Center to relax after school and play on our Nintendo Switch! We will have a selection of games for participants to play, including Mario Kart 8, Overcooked, Mario Party Superstars, and Super Smash Bros.

Sensory Spaces w/ ARL TheraPets

Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Community Room at Main Branch
Program Type:
Program
Age Group:
Babies, Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age Children, Teens, Adults

Sensory Spaces are Metro area libraries offering special activities and spaces for members of the public who appreciate a sensory friendly environment.

Library Branch: Main Branch
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age Children, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Program
Event Details:

Sensory Spaces are Metro area libraries offering special activities and spaces for members of the public who appreciate a sensory friendly environment.

Group Service Project (GSP)

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 3:00pm - 5:00pm
StoryRoom at Main Branch
Program Type:
Program
Age Group:
Teens

Are you looking for a few Silver Cord, Community Service, or other volunteer hours? The Library is looking for volunteers to help with a monthly group service project. We will perform a variety of tasks.

Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Main Branch
Room: StoryRoom
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Program
Registration Required
Event Details:

Are you looking for a few Silver Cord, Community Service, or other volunteer hours? The Library is looking for volunteers to help with a monthly group service project. We will perform a variety of tasks.

Family Night logo

Family Night at the Library! - Interactive Movie Night!

Monday, March 2, 2026 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Community Room at Main Branch
Age Group:
Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age Children, Teens, Adults

March usually has some pretty crazy weather, but it’s nothing compared to what the town of Swallow Falls experiences when Flint Lockwood’s FLDSMDFR goes on the fritz!

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Main Branch
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age Children, Teens, Adults
Registration Required
Event Details:

March usually has some pretty crazy weather, but it’s nothing compared to what the town of Swallow Falls experiences when Flint Lockwood’s FLDSMDFR goes on the fritz!

cover for "The Immortal Games"

Tween Club Read - The Immortal Games

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 4:15pm - 5:00pm
Community Room at Main Branch
Program Type:
Book Club
Age Group:
School-Age Children, Teens

If you like to read and talk about books (but you’re getting too old for our other book clubs), this club is for you. Join us for discussion and activities related to this month’s book The Immortal Games by Annaliese Avery!

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Main Branch
Room: Community Room
Age Group: School-Age Children, Teens
Program Type: Book Club
Registration Required
Event Details:

If you like to read and talk about books (but you’re getting too old for our other book clubs), this club is for you. Join us for discussion and activities related to this month’s book The Immortal Games by Annaliese Avery!

graphic of mah jong tiles around edge; date/time of program

Learn to Play Mah Jong

Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 9:30am - 12:30pm
Community Room at Main Branch
Program Type:
Program
Age Group:
Teens, Adults

Program description:  Curious about Mah Jong? Join us for a hands-on introduction to this classic tile-based game of strategy, skill, and a little bit of luck!

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Main Branch
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Program
Registration Required
Event Details:

Program description:  Curious about Mah Jong? Join us for a hands-on introduction to this classic tile-based game of strategy, skill, and a little bit of luck!

Teen Nintendo Switch Afternoon

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Teen Center at Main Branch
Program Type:
Program
Age Group:
Teens

Join us in the Teen Center to relax after school and play on our Nintendo Switch! We will have a selection of games for participants to play, including Mario Kart 8, Overcooked, Mario Party Superstars, and Super Smash Bros.

Library Branch: Main Branch
Room: Teen Center
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Program
Event Details:

Join us in the Teen Center to relax after school and play on our Nintendo Switch! We will have a selection of games for participants to play, including Mario Kart 8, Overcooked, Mario Party Superstars, and Super Smash Bros.

illustration of baseball stitching on edges; date/time of program

How Iowa Met Baseball: the Myths, the History, the Players

Monday, March 23, 2026 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Community Room at Main Branch
Program Type:
Program
Age Group:
Teens, Adults

Opening Day for Major League Baseball is March 26th, so what better time to learn about Iowa's rich baseball history? Please join us for How Iowa Met Baseball: the Myths, the History, the Players presented by John Liepa.

Library Branch: Main Branch
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Program
Event Details:

Opening Day for Major League Baseball is March 26th, so what better time to learn about Iowa's rich baseball history? Please join us for How Iowa Met Baseball: the Myths, the History, the Players presented by John Liepa.

Group Service Project (GSP)

Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 3:00pm - 5:00pm
StoryRoom at Main Branch
Program Type:
Program
Age Group:
Teens

Are you looking for a few Silver Cord, Community Service, or other volunteer hours? The Library is looking for volunteers to help with a monthly group service project. We will perform a variety of tasks.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Main Branch
Room: StoryRoom
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Program
Registration Required
Event Details:

Are you looking for a few Silver Cord, Community Service, or other volunteer hours? The Library is looking for volunteers to help with a monthly group service project. We will perform a variety of tasks.

cover for "As Brave As You"

Tween Club Read - As Brave As You

Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 4:15pm - 5:00pm
Community Room at Main Branch
Program Type:
Book Club
Age Group:
School-Age Children, Teens

If you like to read and talk about books (but you’re getting too old for our other book clubs), this club is for you. Join us for discussion and activities related to this month’s book As Brave As You by Jason Reynolds!

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Main Branch
Room: Community Room
Age Group: School-Age Children, Teens
Program Type: Book Club
Registration Required
Event Details:

If you like to read and talk about books (but you’re getting too old for our other book clubs), this club is for you. Join us for discussion and activities related to this month’s book As Brave As You by Jason Reynolds!

Teen Nintendo Switch Afternoon

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Teen Center at Main Branch
Program Type:
Program
Age Group:
Teens

Join us in the Teen Center to relax after school and play on our Nintendo Switch! We will have a selection of games for participants to play, including Mario Kart 8, Overcooked, Mario Party Superstars, and Super Smash Bros.

Library Branch: Main Branch
Room: Teen Center
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Program
Event Details:

Join us in the Teen Center to relax after school and play on our Nintendo Switch! We will have a selection of games for participants to play, including Mario Kart 8, Overcooked, Mario Party Superstars, and Super Smash Bros.

Group Service Project (GSP)

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 3:00pm - 5:00pm
StoryRoom at Main Branch
Program Type:
Program
Age Group:
Teens

Are you looking for a few Silver Cord, Community Service, or other volunteer hours? The Library is looking for volunteers to help with a monthly group service project. We will perform a variety of tasks.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Main Branch
Room: StoryRoom
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Program
Registration Required
Event Details:

Are you looking for a few Silver Cord, Community Service, or other volunteer hours? The Library is looking for volunteers to help with a monthly group service project. We will perform a variety of tasks.

photo of bat; date/time of program

Discover the Night Flyers of Iowa

Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Community Room at Main Branch
Program Type:
Program
Age Group:
Teens, Adults

Join us for a fascinating journey into the world of bats! Learn about these mysterious and misunderstood creatures—their unique adaptations, vital role in ecosystems, and the myths that surround them. 

Library Branch: Main Branch
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Program
Event Details:

Join us for a fascinating journey into the world of bats! Learn about these mysterious and misunderstood creatures—their unique adaptations, vital role in ecosystems, and the myths that surround them. 

Family Night logo

Family Night at the Library! - May Baskets!

Monday, April 27, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Community Room at Main Branch
Age Group:
Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age Children, Teens, Adults

Join Nate for a fun family activity! We'll be doing something different each month. Celebrate spring as we make our own paper May baskets!

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Main Branch
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age Children, Teens, Adults
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join Nate for a fun family activity! We'll be doing something different each month. Celebrate spring as we make our own paper May baskets!

Sensory Spaces w/ ARL TheraPets

Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Community Room at Main Branch
Program Type:
Program
Age Group:
Babies, Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age Children, Teens, Adults

Sensory Spaces are Metro area libraries offering special activities and spaces for members of the public who appreciate a sensory friendly environment.

Library Branch: Main Branch
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age Children, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Program
Event Details:

Sensory Spaces are Metro area libraries offering special activities and spaces for members of the public who appreciate a sensory friendly environment.

Outreach: Nature Storytime in the Park

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:15am
Outreach
Program Type:
Outreach
Age Group:
Babies, Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age Children, Teens, Adults

Spend some time with the Naturalist at Raccoon River Park's Biddle Shelter! We'll enjoy nature stories and a kid-friendly craft of activity. Bring a blanket and dress for the weather.

Offsite Event
Library Branch: Outreach
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age Children, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Outreach
Event Details:

Spend some time with the Naturalist at Raccoon River Park's Biddle Shelter! We'll enjoy nature stories and a kid-friendly craft of activity. Bring a blanket and dress for the weather.

cover for "The Secret Letters"

Tween Club Read - The Secret Letters

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 4:15pm - 5:00pm
Community Room at Main Branch
Program Type:
Book Club
Age Group:
School-Age Children, Teens

If you like to read and talk about books (but you’re getting too old for our other book clubs), this club is for you. Join us for discussion and activities related to this month’s book The Secret Letters by Margaret Peterson Haddix!

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Main Branch
Room: Community Room
Age Group: School-Age Children, Teens
Program Type: Book Club
Registration Required
Event Details:

If you like to read and talk about books (but you’re getting too old for our other book clubs), this club is for you. Join us for discussion and activities related to this month’s book The Secret Letters by Margaret Peterson Haddix!

Outreach: Nature Storytime in the Park

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:15am
Outreach
Program Type:
Outreach
Age Group:
Babies, Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age Children, Teens, Adults

Spend some time with the Naturalist at Raccoon River Park's Biddle Shelter! We'll enjoy nature stories and a kid-friendly craft of activity. Bring a blanket and dress for the weather.

Offsite Event
Library Branch: Outreach
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age Children, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Outreach
Event Details:

Spend some time with the Naturalist at Raccoon River Park's Biddle Shelter! We'll enjoy nature stories and a kid-friendly craft of activity. Bring a blanket and dress for the weather.

First day of Summer Escape @ West Des Moines Library!

All Day
Main Branch
Program Type:
Program
Age Group:
All Ages, Babies, Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age Children, Teens, Adults

Registration begins May 18 for our 2026 Summer Escape at the library!

Library Branch: Main Branch
Age Group: All Ages, Babies, Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age Children, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Program
Event Details:

Registration begins May 18 for our 2026 Summer Escape at the library!

Outreach: Nature Storytime in the Park

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:15am
Outreach
Program Type:
Outreach
Age Group:
Babies, Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age Children, Teens, Adults

Spend some time with the Naturalist at Raccoon River Park's Biddle Shelter! We'll enjoy nature stories and a kid-friendly craft of activity. Bring a blanket and dress for the weather.

Offsite Event
Library Branch: Outreach
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age Children, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Outreach
Event Details:

Spend some time with the Naturalist at Raccoon River Park's Biddle Shelter! We'll enjoy nature stories and a kid-friendly craft of activity. Bring a blanket and dress for the weather.

Outreach: Nature Storytime in the Park

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:15am
Outreach
Program Type:
Outreach
Age Group:
Babies, Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age Children, Teens, Adults

Spend some time with the Naturalist at Raccoon River Park's Biddle Shelter! We'll enjoy nature stories and a kid-friendly craft of activity. Bring a blanket and dress for the weather.

Offsite Event
Library Branch: Outreach
Age Group: Babies, Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age Children, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Outreach
Event Details:

Spend some time with the Naturalist at Raccoon River Park's Biddle Shelter! We'll enjoy nature stories and a kid-friendly craft of activity. Bring a blanket and dress for the weather.

Photo of musician Dave Martin; date/time of program

Miscellany and Mirth of the Midwest

Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Community Room at Main Branch
Program Type:
Performer
Age Group:
Teens, Adults

Award-winning musician and storyteller, Dave Martin, takes us on a good-natured romp through the Midwest which explores the culture and storied history of the region, performing original songs while infusing quixotic anecdotes about his family’s p

Library Branch: Main Branch
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Performer
Event Details:

Award-winning musician and storyteller, Dave Martin, takes us on a good-natured romp through the Midwest which explores the culture and storied history of the region, performing original songs while infusing quixotic anecdotes about his family’s p