PROGRAMS
Listed below are some of our special programs for the summer. Please check our online calendar
for a detailed listing of these programs, crafts, movies, and more. You may also pick up a copy of our handy Summer Reading 2009 calendar at any library.
FRANKLIN AVENUE PROGRAMS:
The Franklin Avenue Library will be temporarily CLOSED at its current location starting Friday,
June 19 at 6:00 PM and will REOPEN Monday, July 6 at 10:00 AM in the south wing of Merle Hay Mall near Target. Please check below for program locations. Storytimes will resume the week of July 6.
PRINT A COPY OF ALL OUR SUMMER READING EVENTS
CREATIONS WITH A TWIST
There's a new "twist" in the 2009 Summer Reading Program: “Be Creative at Your Library!” Favorite children's books will come to life right before your eyes! Wearing balloon masks and costumes created by storyteller and balloon artist Daniel Poe, over twenty-five volunteers from the audience will become the characters in the stories that are shared! This wildly creative and unique balloon story time is one you don't want to miss!
Monday, June 22, 2:00 PM - *Franklin Avenue Library/MHM
5000 Franklin Avenue. *Library Closed. The meeting room will remain open for this program.
Tuesday, June 23, 10:30 AM - Central Library
Wednesday, July 15, 10:30 AM - North Side Library
Wednesday, July 15, 2:00 PM - Forest Avenue Library
BLANK PARK ZOO
Show and Tell with the Blank Park Zoo is always an awesome experience. Come and see what animals they have to show you this summer. Zoo staff will tell you all kinds of exciting details about
how the animals live and maybe even let you pet a few critters!
Thursday, July 2, 10:30 AM - East Side Library
Monday, July 6, 1:00 PM - South Side Library
*NEW* Wednesday, July 22, 2:00 PM - Forest Avenue Library
MAD SCIENCE
Mad Science of Iowa introduces "!NNOVAT!ONS," a show guaranteed to bring out the scientist in everyone. Observe some awesome experiments, learn about the science behind them, and find out how your own creativity can lead to super innovations!
Monday, June 22, 1:00 PM - South Side Library
Wednesday, June 24, 10:30 AM - North Side Library
Wednesday, June 24, 2:00 PM - Forest Avenue Library
Monday, June 29, 2:00 PM - *Franklin Avenue Library/MHM
*New Location. Merle Hay Mall Center Court - 3800 Merle Hay Road, Suite 210.
Tuesday, July 7, 10:30 AM - Central Library
Thursday, July 9, 10:30 AM - East Side Library
KEVIN POKORNY
Enjoy the creative spirt with Kevin Pokorny and his friend Schmudlick as they sing songs, play the guitar, and read stories. Children's participation in this fun program is a must!
Thursday, June 25, 10:30 AM - East Side Library
Wednesday, July 1, 10:30 AM - North Side Library
Wednesday, July 8, 2:00 PM - Forest Avenue Library
Monday, July 13, 2:00 PM - *Franklin Avenue Library/MHM
*New Location. Merle Hay Mall Center Court- 3800 Merle Hay Road, Suite 210.
LEARN TO JUGGLE
Bob Neff and friends will teach participants to juggle, spin plates or poi, and more! This is a fun-filled event sure to turn every child into a juggler.
*NEW* Thursday, July 23, 10:30 AM - East Side Library
Monday, June 29, 1:00 PM - South Side Library
ANIMAL ANTICS PUPPET SHOW
Join the Des Moines Public Library puppeteers along with Squirrel, Mouse, Hippo, Coyote, Lion, and Skunk for a hilarious adventure. Come and see "Creative Critters" to discover the hidden talents of these funny animals!
Tuesday, June 30, 10:30 AM - Central Library
Monday, July 6, 2:00 PM - *Franklin Avenue Library/MHM
*New Location. Merle Hay Mall - 3800 Merle Hay Road, Suite 210
HURLEY AND DANCERS
This modern dance company from West Des Moines will team with actor Mark Gruber to present the story The Unicorn and the Moon. Children will experience the story through music and movement as they actively participate in the narrative.
Wednesday, July 8, 10:30 AM - North Side Library
Monday, July 13, 1:00 PM - South Side Library
Thursday, July 16, 10:30 AM - East Side Library
KEITH WEST
"Be Creative and You Can Do Anything," Keith not only performs his awesome magic tricks, he will introduce a brand new entertainer this summer. Don't miss Bruno the World's Strongest Flea in his
very own flea circus!
Monday, July 20, 1:00 PM - South Side Library
Tuesday, July 21, 10:30 AM - Central Library
Wednesday, July 22, 10:30 AM - North Side Library
DEAN OF JUGGLING- CANCELED
The summer reading program may be winding down, but the fun isn't. Dean Franzen will once
again entertain children with juggling, from balls, to plates, to himself on a unicycle. Sometimes
even members of the audience get to try some juggling. This show is guaranteed to send you
home laughing!
*CANCELED* Wednesday, July 22, 2:00 PM - Forest Avenue Library
*CANCELED* Thursday, July 23, 10:30 AM - East Side Library