engage November 2021
vol 2 • issue 9
CLASSES • ACTIVITIES • EVENTS
FALL INTO READING Read books and win a pizza! PAGE 3
Día de Muertos at the library PAGE 5
Find dozens of free events, programs, and more!
IN THIS ISSUE
kids
Library programs are made possible with support from the Des Moines Public Library Foundation and its FOUNDATION generous donors. The Foundation Opening Doors. Books. Minds. supports at least 87 percent of Des Moines Public Library programs, and provides funding for AViD and the Summer Reading program, which supports 5,000+ children participants each year.
3 4 For Teens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 For Adults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Feature: Fall Reading . . . . . . . . . . . For Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ON THE COVER The weather is turning chilly, so turn to page 3 to find a few fun ways to get your reading done this fall with the library!
For more information about the Des Moines Public Library Foundation and to find out how you can support the library with a donation, go to dmpl.org/foundation.
HOURS AND LOCATIONS Always open 24/7 at dmpl.org
Central Library
Forest Avenue Library
North Side Library
1000 Grand Avenue
1326 Forest Avenue
3516 Fifth Avenue
9 AM - 7 PM Monday-Thursday 9 AM - 6 PM Friday 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday 1-5 PM Sunday Pickup Window: Available during open hours, except Sunday
10 AM - 7 PM Monday-Thursday 10 AM - 6 PM Friday 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday
10 AM - 7 PM Monday-Thursday 10 AM - 6 PM Friday 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday
Franklin Avenue Library
South Side Library
5000 Franklin Avenue
East Side Library 2559 Hubbell Avenue 10 AM - 7 PM Monday-Thursday 10 AM - 6 PM Friday 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday
1111 Porter Avenue
10 AM - 7 PM Monday-Thursday 10 AM - 6 PM Friday 10 AM- 5 PM Saturday 1-5 PM Sunday Pickup Window: Available during open hours, except Sunday
10 AM - 7 PM Monday-Thursday 10 AM - 6 PM Friday 10 AM - 5 PM Saturday
reference@dmpl.org | 515.283.4152 *Hours are subject to change due to COVID-19. Please visit dmpl.org for up-to-date hours and information on available library services.
Each month we're giving you a chance to win a prize by answering a trivia question.
Submit your answer to lib-marketing@dmpl.org and if you're correct, you’ll be entered into a drawing. Answers must be submitted by November 30. This month, we’re giving away a Get Carded mug (pictured left).
In what year was the oldest yearbook in our digital yearbook collection published? 2 engage • November 2021
A. 1896 B. 1904 C. 1910 D. 1916
Register at dmpl.org/events
Hunker down with a
book
When the temperature dips, the wind starts blowing, and the sun sets early, there’s nothing better than curling up with a book. Here are a few extra fun ways to keep reading this fall at the library:
Book Club Sets
Find your book club’s next book (or their first book!) by taking a look at the Book Club Sets at the Des Moines Public Library. Each book club set contains 10 books, and users may check out a set for 60 days. That’s enough time to distribute the book to your friends, read it, and keep it in hand for your fun discussion later one. Our selection of book club sets includes more than 170 titles, from classics like Ready Player One and Fahrenheit 451, to acclaimed modern novels, such as Red at the Bone, by Jacqueline Woodson, and The Starless Sea, by Erin Morgenstern. There are several nonfiction titles and even several book club sets specifically for teens! Book club sets are located at the Central and Franklin Avenue Libraries, but you may place a hold on any set and have it delivered to your branch. Learn more about book club sets at dmpl.org/bookclub-sets.
2021 Reading Challenge
There are two months left to take part in and complete the 2021 DMPL Reading Challenge. The challenge: read 12 books throughout the year, selected from 12 different categories. If you complete the challenge, you’ll be entered into a drawing for year-end prizes, including one $150 gift card and two $50 gift cards. Sign up and learn more at dmpl.org/reading-challenge.
Popular Page
Learn what books everyone is reading by taking a look at our Popular Page. You’ll see the latest and greatest new releases and best sellers, learn what books have been nominated for prestigious awards, find suggestions for books to read while you wait for your holds to come in, and even see what big movies just came out on DVD. See what’s popular by going to dmpl.org/popular. You can also pick up a magnet with a QR Code link to the page at any of our branches!
30x30 Challenge
Remember as a kid when you’d track your daily reading and get rewarded with pizza? We may not be kids anymore, but we still love reading AND pizza. So all month long, the Des Moines Public Library is giving you the opportunity to read books and win pizza. The 30x30 challenge asks you to read 30 pages or 30 minutes a day, each day throughout the 30 days of November. Use your own calendar or one of our handouts to keep track. When you finish, go to dmpl.org/30x30 and fill out the short form. You’ll be entered into the drawing to win a pizza from Gusto! We know you’re busy, so you can catch up if you fall behind, or read ahead if you know you’ll be busy later in the month. Just get the reading done, and you’re eligible. Must be age 18+ to participate. November 2021 • engage 3
kids
kids Storytime To-Go Bags
Maker Day Challenge
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays | Franklin Avenue Library Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays | South Side Library Pop in to pick up a bag that includes rhymes, songs, and book suggestions for babies and preschoolers along with literacy activities. The storytime bags are recommended for those age 0-5 years old and should be used with adult supervision.
Fridays at Forest Avenue Library Friday, November 5 – Famous Inventions Friday, November 12 – Straw Connector Building Friday, November 19 – Dino Dig Calling all makers! Can you complete our weekly challenge to build, play, or create? Each week we will have a different activity set up in the children’s area and finishers can claim a prize.
Winter Survival with Polk County Conservation Monday, November 1, 3 PM | East Side Library Join us for a special outdoor presentation with Polk County Conservation and learn how animals survive the harsh winter. We’ll learn what kinds of unique strategies Iowa animals use to shake off the cold while we bundle up outside on the library lawn.
Native American Culture for Kids with CultureALL Monday, November 1, 6:30 PM | Zoom CultureAll Ambassador Timothy Perkins will share the history of Native Americans, including: what Pow Wows were for, tribal customs, and the different structures used for shelter by various tribes. Stop by South before the program to pick up a Take & Make bag for use during the program. Each bag will have supplies for kids to draw symbols and make their own tipis at home. Registration required.
Tween Writing Club Tuesday, November 9, 4 PM | Zoom Do you love writing, coming up with awesome characters, and telling great stories? Then the Tween Writers Club is for you! We’ll get together on Zoom to learn and practice storytelling techniques and meet other folks like you who love writing! Ages 8-12. Registration required.
Epic Graphic Novel Club: Cleopatra in Space Friday, November 12, 4:30 PM | East Side Library We will chat about the book Cleopatra in Space, work on a fun craft, play a game and choose the next book for the next EPIC graphic novel book club! Registration required.
Virtual Storytime: American Sign Language Friday, November 19, 10:15 AM | Facebook and YouTube Hang out with Miss Mary as she reads Unicorn Night, Sleep Tight! She’ll be joined by Mr. Jay, an American Sign Language certified interpreter at Capital View Elementary.
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Register at dmpl.org/events
Tape Obstacle Course
Shrinky Dink Crafternoon
November 22-24 | East Side Library Stop by and complete our tape obstacle course and make your way through our children’s area to check out our awesome collection while you are at it! When you finish, come to the front desk and claim a prize, while supplies last.
Wednesday, November 24, 12-6 PM | North Side Library Drop into North Side to enjoy Shrinky Dink art! Create your design and we will shrink it for you. We’ll have supplies for you to create earrings, a keychain, or a zipper pull charm with your art.
Take & Makes Day of the Dead Suncatchers
Take & Make Bag: Owl Edition
November 1-2 | South Side Library Stop by South and grab a kit that includes a Day of the Dead skull suncatcher, or calavera, to decorate at home! This program is intended for children 5 years and older. Items are available while supplies last.
November 6 | East Side Library Pick up a kit with all things owls. Materials include owl pellets and dissection instructions, an owl craft, and more.
Woodland Creatures Take & Make
Galaxy Take & Make
November 8-10 | Forest Avenue Library Paint your own ceramic owl and learn about animal tracks.
November 1-6 | Forest Avenue Library Mix up a batch of gooey slime and make a star rocket launcher. This activity is intended to be done with parental supervision.
Creative Readers Take & Make
Science Project To-Go Bags November 4 | Franklin Avenue Library The bags will contain a science activity you can do at home that will let you explore different STEM concepts (science, technology, engineering, and math).
Kid’s Take & Make Craft Bag
November 13-19 | North Side Library Stop by the North Side Library to pick up your take-home edition of Creative Readers! Enjoy activities inspired by the book, We Are Water Protectors, by Carole Lindstrom.
Mario Characters Take & Make November 22-23 | Forest Avenue Library Create your own Boo balloon squishy with water beads and make a piranha plant craft.
November 6 | South Side Library Enjoy activities inspired by the book, We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, by Traci Sorrell.
Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a celebration of life and death on November 1 and 2 that originated in Mexico. It is meant to show love and respect for deceased family members. For Día de Muertos families build ofrendas adorned with flowers, sugar skulls, tissue paper, pan de muerto (bread of the dead), photographs, and salt. Visit the East Side Library entryway between October 28 and November 3 to see the Día de Muertos ofrenda built in partnership with Latinx Immigrants of Iowa. The exhibit includes flowers created by library visitors throughout October in memory of loved ones who have been lost. Make sure to also visit the ofrendas on display at all DMPL locations through November 3 to learn more about Día de Muertos.
dia de muertos DAY OF THE DEAD
Día de Muertos es una celebración de la vida y de la muerte que se celebra el 1 y 2 de noviembre. Esta festividad tiene la intención de mostrar amor y respeto hacia los parientes y seres queridos que ya han fallecido. Para el Día de Muertos, las familias construyen ofrendas adornadas con calaveras, caléndulas, papel picado, fotografías, pan de muerto y sal. Este año visítanos y aprecia la ofrenda del Día de Muertos del 28 de octubre hasta el 3 de noviembre. La ofrenda fue construida por Latinx Immigrants of Iowa en la East Side Library (biblioteca del Este, 2559 Hubbell Ave.). La exhibición incluye flores de papel creadas por los visitantes a la biblioteca a lo largo del mes de octubre en memoria de los seres queridos que han perdido. También asegúrate de visitar las ofrendas que se exhiben en nuestras otras ubicaciones para aprender más sobre el Día de Muertos.
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teens Day of the Dead Luminaries / Día de los Muertos Luminarias Monday, November 1, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library This Day of the Dead, come to the Franklin Avenue Library to create your own skull lamp in memory of your friends and relatives who have passed away. Registration required. Este Día de los Muertos, vengan a la biblioteca Franklin Avenue para crear su propia luminaria de calavera en memoria de sus amigos y familiares que han fallecido.
Level Up! Tuesdays, November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | 3:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library Level Up your gaming skills! Use our tablets and Nintendo Switch to play Among Us, Minecraft, Roblox, and more. Ages 8+.
DMPL VolunTeens Meet fellow teens to do volunteer projects for the library and our community. You must fill out an application and waiver prior to attending. Central Library: Wednesday, November 3 and 17, 4 PM Franklin Avenue Library: Monday, November 8, 4 PM South Side Library: Wednesday, November 3 and 17, 4 PM
3-D Printing Basics: Glow Stick Lightsabers Friday, November 5, 4:30 PM | Forest Avenue Library Learn how to design your own 3-D prints! Join us for a 3-D Printing basics class, where we will design our own 3-D printed lightsabers with Tinkercad or 3-D Pens. Registration required.
Chinese Calligraphy and Characters with Phoebe Liang D’Alessandro Friday, November 5, 4:30 PM | North Side Library During this session, Phoebe, a CultureALL embassador, will show pictures of different writing styles, writing materials, and examples of Chinese characters. Students will also have the chance to practice writing their own Chinese characters!
All About Journaling Take & Make Bag November 6-12 | North Side Library Take home a journaling project! Learn about different kinds of journaling and try your hand at it yourself with the materials provided. While supplies last.
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3D Printing Basics: Pencil Toppers Monday, November 8, 4 PM | Zoom We’ll create our Pencil Toppers together in class, then you’ll be able to pick up your printed design in one to two weeks. Registration required.
Teen Take & Make Bags: Stars Tuesday, November 9 | East Side Library Teens ages 12-17 are invited to take home an activity bag with an LED paper circuit star light, bookmark, and Native American star myths. Available at the desk while supplies last.
After-School Club: Video Gaming Tuesday, November 9, 4 PM | North Side Library Tweens and teens ages 10-18 can join us after school to enjoy video games on our Nintendo Switch.
Teens and Tweens: Craypens and 3-D Pens Wednesday, November 10, 4 PM | South Side Library Visit the South Side Library and get creative by making works of art with our Craypens and our 3-D Pens! Students ages 10-18 can melt crayons with our Craypens to create pictures or make 3-D art pieces with our 3-D Pens! Registration required.
Learn to Slay: Intro to Dungeons & Dragons Mondays, November 15 & 22, 4 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Always wanted to play Dungeons & Dragons, but didn’t know where to start? Join us as we learn the basics of how to get started and play with The Rook Room. We will learn everything from character creation, to combat, to the basics of storytelling, and more. These are sessions 3 and 4 in a four-part series. Registration required.
Anime Club Monday, November 15, 5:30 PM | East Side Library Watch anime on our big screen, talk manga, work on drawing and kawaii crafts, and eat Ramen noodles. We also will discuss future anime club programs, add to our manga collection, and vote on what we should watch at next month’s meeting.
Teen Gratitude Take & Make Bag Saturday, November 20 | East Side Library The library is grateful for you and this bag includes booklists, bookmarks, a journal and resources that help you appreciate how wonderful you are. Available at the front desk while supplies last.
Register at dmpl.org/events
adults Get Started in Writing and Publishing Monday, November 8, 6:30 PM | Zoom Iowa author Debra Landwehr Engle will share information about writing and publishing, including how to get started, how the publishing industry works, and what it takes to get your writing published. Registration required.
Fresh Conversations
Resume Basics for Young Adults Monday, November 1, 4 PM | Zoom Join us on Zoom to improve your resume game with experts from Connect 2 Careers! Whether you’re looking for a job, working on school applications, or simply want to get your resume in good shape, this workshop will teach you to take your skills, interests, and experiences and turn them into a powerful resume! Registration required. Ages 16-24.
Friday, November 12, 10:30 AM | North Side Library Iowans age 60 and older are invited to discuss current nutrition and health topics, taste low-cost healthy recipes, and discover new ways to stay active and independent. Join us for a fun conversation that will help you learn how to maintain your health and independence during our monthly meetups.
Franklin Cinema Club Monday, November 15, 6 PM | Franklin Avenue Library This month, we’re discussing The Lobster. Please watch the film before arriving for the discussion. Titles are available through Kanopy, the library’s free streaming video service, and through our DVD collection.
Typing Class Monday, November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | 3 PM | North Side Library Would you like to learn how to type or improve your keyboarding skills at your own pace? The library can help! Visit the North Side Library every Monday to practice and get one-on-one assistance. Laptops will be provided. All skill levels welcome. Registration encouraged.
Writers’ Workshop
November Book Clubs NEA Big Reads Readalike Book Discussion Wednesday, November 3, 6:30 PM | Zoom Parable of the Sower, by Octavia E. Butler.
Monday, November 1, 5:30 PM | Zoom Share samples of your work and receive feedback from other writers in the group. Email Elizabeth at EAHooverdeGalvez@dmpl.org with your work if you would like to share your writing. Registration required.
Franklin Avenue Book Discussion
Basic Concepts for Retirement Planning
East Side Book Discussion
Monday, November 8, 1 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Recursion, by Blake Crouch.
Monday, November 1 and Monday, November 22, 5:45 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Join us and our partners at the Society for Financial Awareness at two live events to learn more about retirement planning. On November 1, we’ll discuss social security planning, benefits, and strategies. Then on November 22, we’ll discuss rules, strategies, and factors to consider as you begin retirement planning.
Monday, November 15, 2 PM | East Side Library Professor Chandra Follows His Bliss, by Rajeev Balasubramanyam.
Conversations and Coffee
Tuesday, November 16, 6:30 PM | The Walnut (1417 Walnut St.) Drive-Thru Dreams: A Journey Through the Heart of America’s Fast-Food Kingdom, by Adam Chandler.
Thursday, November 4, 18, 3:30 PM | South Side Library Are you looking for an opportunity to practice your English and meet new people in the community? Join us at this casual event. All English levels welcomed.
Free Flicks at Franklin: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood Friday, November 5, 2 PM | Franklin Avenue Library Investigative journalist Lloyd Vogel is assigned to profile children’s TV show host Fred Rogers (Tom Hanks), but is skeptical, finding it hard to believe anyone could have such a good nature. Rogers’ empathy, kindness and decency, however, soon chips away at Vogel’s jaded outlook, forcing him to reconcile his own painful past. Rated PG.
North Side Book Discussion Tuesday, November 16, 11 AM and 1:15 PM | North Side Library Red, White, and Royal Blue, by Casey McQuiston.
Books & Bites
South Side Book Discussion Thursday, November 18, 2 PM | South Side Library Commonwealth, by Ann Patchett.
Virtual YA For Adults Book Club Thursday, November 18, 6 PM | Zoom Elatsoe, by Darcie Little Badger.
Forest Avenue Book Discussion Monday, November 22, 6 PM | Forest Avenue Library Infinite Country, by Patricia Engel.
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The
Outreach Project The Des Moines Public Library is partnering with area organizations to connect people with community resources and offer support to those in need at Central Library.
MONDAYS & FRIDAYS | 1-3 PM CENTRAL LIBRARY dmpl.org | 515.283.4152
1000 GRAND AVENUE