We are highlighting another local library. The West Des Moines Library has tons to offer. Take a look at events, story time and activities they have planned weekly. Remember, your local library provides much more then just books!
Regular Events
New! 1000 Books before Kindergarten
for parents and children ages 0-6
Read to succeed! The best and the brightest have parents who read to them. Register online and track the stories YOU share with your child. When you reach 1000 books, earn a free book for your home collection!
Lapsit Time
Rhymes, songs, puppets and a short story for children 1 month through 18 months old with an adult. Each week Mindy will introduce early literacy skills through rhymes, songs and play ideas that are easy to incorporate in baby’s everyday activities. We will be focusing on sensory stimulation, animal sounds, fine and gross motor skills and of course FUN!
Mother Goose Time
Stories, rhymes, flannelboards, gentle tunes and puppets for children 6 months old through 2 years with an adult. Each week Megan will incorporate rhymes and songs that emphasize and reinforce body part identification, counting, rhythm, sensory stimulation, fine and gross motor skills, and animal sounds.
Oliver’s Puppy Tales
Picture books, action rhymes, flannelboards, puppets, and songs for the whole family! Join Amy and puppy Oliver in the Community Room at the front of the library for stories, songs, and rhymes followed by gross and fine motor play all with an early literacy focus! For ages 1-4 with an adult. Drop-in sessions are offered on Thursdays and Fridays at 10:30AM.
Family Storytime
Join Nate in our Storyroom for loads of stories, flannelboards, movement rhymes, and music! Each week we will focus on a specific early literacy skill and provide tips and tricks for parents and caregivers to try at home. These drop-in sessions take place on Wednesdays at 9:30 and 10:30AM.
Nighty-Night Storytime
Nighty-Night Storytime follows the same format as our Family Storytime. This program is a drop-in session (no registration) for all ages and takes place Monday evenings in the Storyroom.
Kids Club Read
If you like to read and talk about books, this club is for you! Each month we will have a short discussion then do an activity related to the book. Some of the activities we have used in the past include: Jeopardy, Minute to Win It challenge, writing or drawing. Register at the children’s desk or call 515-222-3405.
Tale Trail
Come check out our current book All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Marla Frazee, in our Tale Trail! You can start out on the walking trail at the south side of the library, facing Mills Civic Parkway, and make your way to the tunnel and towards Ashawa Park to read the story.
Services
Book Club Sets
Do you have a school or neighborhood book club but have trouble finding enough copies of the book? We have you covered with our book club sets.
Request A Visit
The West Des Moines Public Library Youth Services Department is pleased to provide library visits for day care centers, preschools, public/private schools, scout troops, homeschoolers, and other organizations located in the city of West Des Moines. Enjoy a lively storytime, learn about the importance of the library in the community, or take an exciting behind-the-scenes tour. We can also come to you! To schedule a library visit or a visit by a librarian to your facility, please fill out the a form located on our website. We will contact you via email shortly to organize a visit.
Book Lists
At the West Des Moines Library, we try to anticipate the needs of our patrons by creating lists of books on popular themes. All of our children’s book lists are available on our website, starting with the Elementary Book Lists and followed by the Picture Book Lists. For each book list, there is a printable PDF file available, and (when possible) there is also a link to the list in our catalog.
Guided Reading @ WDM Library
Have you ever heard your child’s teacher say that your child is a “level M” reader? Confused about what that means? The WDM Library offers assistance finding the right books for your young readers. Stop at the children’s desk for personal assistance any time the library is open. You can even search your child’s guided reading level in our online catalog from home!
Special Events
Children’s Author Visit with Christine Hilbert: January 15 at 11:00 a.m.
There’s no school today, so join us in the Community Room for a very special visit from children’s author Christine Hilbert! She will be sharing her bookEcho of the Star and we will provide a special craft project for all children who attend. For all ages.
After School Adventures: Lego Challenge. January 17 at 3:45 p.m.
Join us in the Community Room after school to embark on a Lego adventure! For ages 5-12, registration required.
Annual Model Trains Exhibit: January 27 & 28
Stop by the West Des Moines Library to see the DesMoinNTrak’s N-scale working layout. This event is open to adults and children of all ages. Make sure to stop by the Children’s Department for a fun train craft before you leave!
Parent Quest: Family Meal Planning. February 2 at 11:00 a.m.
Simplify your life by planning ahead! Join us to learn how to meal plan for your family. Cassandra Zywiec, Senior Marketing Specialist with Whole Foods Market Midwest, will present on how to plan for healthy family meals. Refreshments provided will be provided by Whole Foods. Activities for children will also be available during the session. Register today!
Valentine Card Workshop for Kids: February 7 at 3:45 p.m.
Make Valentines for your friends and family at the West Des Moines Library. For ages 5-12. Register today!
Valentine’s Day Party: February 14 or 15 at 10:30 a.m.
Join us at the library for a fun holiday celebration! For ages 1-6 with a caregiver.
**Note: Some programs require registration. Check our calendar at www.wdmlibrary.org/calendar for full details.
