WDM Writer’s Group

West Des Moines Public Library 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, United States

Program Type: Program Age Group: Adults Program Description Event Details This in-person group is open to aspiring authors of all experience levels. Each participant brings an approximately 1500-word excerpt of their work-in-progress to read aloud. Fellow writers offer constructive critique following each writer's turn. Currently, members email excerpts to each other ahead of time so […]

Dungeons & Dragons: Summer Campaign

Johnston Public Library 6700 Merle Hay Rd Johnston, IA 50131, Johnston, IA, United States

Ready to roll for initiative? Join our 5-week Dungeons & Dragons campaign! This is an ongoing campaign, so participants should be entering 8th grade or above and able to attend most of the sessions—it’s okay to miss a couple, but regular attendance helps keep the story moving.

Step Back in Time: Historical Fiction book group

West Des Moines Public Library 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, United States

Historical fiction is a great way to learn about people and events through stories that bring history to life. Our group discusses titles from a wide variety of time/places/people. Please join us for a discussion of The Secret War of Julia Child on July 17, 2025 at The Jordan House (2001 Fuller Rd,

Movies on the Yard: Elemental

Johnston Town Center 6245 Merle Hay Rd. Johnston, IA 50131, IA, United States

Experience the magic of summer evenings at Movies on the Yard. Prepare for a lineup of popular films under the stars! Dates & Films: Friday, July 18: Elemental

Puzzle Competition

West Des Moines Public Library 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, United States

Do you love puzzles? Have you ever thought about entering a puzzle competition? Put together a team of up to 4 people to join us on the afternoon of July 19th at 12:00 p.m. to test your team's puzzling prowess against 5 other teams. Teams will work to complete a 500-piece puzzle. The fastest 3 teams will advance to a second round. The first team to finish the second round will win a 1000+-piece puzzle for their team to take home.

Friday Craft for Kids – Paper Plate Butterfly

West Des Moines Public Library 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, United States

Each Friday we will provide a different fun, hands-on, screen-free craft project or activity to take home and enjoy! Available at the Children's Desk during library hours while supplies last. This week you can make a beautiful butterfly out of a paper plate!

Summer Finale: Water Party!

West Des Moines Public Library 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, United States

Come and celebrate the end of Summer Escape 2025! This year's finale will feature a variety of water-based games and activities, from a foam machine to a giant inflatable slip-n-slide to a dunk tank and more! Come ready to get wet (bring your towels!) and have a blast.

Sounds of Summer

Johnston Town Center 6245 Merle Hay Rd. Johnston, IA 50131, IA, United States

Join attendees in The Yard for the Sounds of Summer Concert Series from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, for a performance by The Trip.

Teen Mario Kart Tournament

Johnston Public Library 6700 Merle Hay Rd Johnston, IA 50131, Johnston, IA, United States

Let's go! Drive, dodge, and maneuver your way to a first-place finish in our Mario Kart Tournament! Prizes for the winners. 6th grade and up. No tournament July 9. 6th grade and up. This is a drop-in program - no registration necessary.

Sundae in the Park

Johnston Commons Park Shelter 6050 Morningside Drive Johnston, IA 50131, Morningside Drive Johnston, IA, United States

Join us on Sunday, August 3, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Johnston Commons Park for a sweet summer evening the whole family will enjoy. Grab a free ice cream sundae, explore hands-on activities and connect with local school and city leaders before the start of the school year.

The Smart Money Series: Your Path to Financial Confidence – Plan to Save

West Des Moines Public Library 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, United States

Event Details Do you dream about buying a house but have no idea how you can do it financially? Are you interested in learning how you can boost your credit score to secure a better loan? Come learn how to do that and more in The Smart Money Series.

In the Stacks: His-Story in the Making: Crafting Historical Fiction

West Des Moines Public Library 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, United States

Join author and historian Jeff Kluever to hear the story of his writing and publishing journey and learn the inspiring tale of the United States Colored Infantry featured in his new book, Marching Home: A Story of Love, War, and Freedom. Jeff studied history at Grinnell College and earned a master's degree from Carroll University.