Iowa Library for the Blind

2026 Iowa Regional Braille Challenge
2026-02-14 | Library – Iowa Dept. for the Blind, 524 Fourth Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309, United States
The Braille Challenge is the only academic competition of its kind in North America for students who are blind or visually impaired. Braille Institute developed the Braille Challenge to motivate students to practice and hone their braille literacy skills, which are essential to academic and employment success.
Any blind or visually impaired student in grades 1 – 12 who can read and write braille is eligible to participate in the Braille Challenge. All Contestants are divided into five categories and tested on fundamental braille skills such as reading comprehension, spelling, speed and accuracy, proofreading, and charts and graphs.
All students can compete in the preliminary Braille Challenge events, which are held from January through the end of March throughout the United States and Canada, but only the top 50 students (10 in each category) with the highest scores are invited to Los Angeles for the final round – two days of competition, camaraderie and fun!

Crafting Your Story - After School Program
2026-02-17 16:15 - 17:00, 2026-02-24 16:15 - 17:00, 2026-03-03 16:15 - 17:00, 2026-03-10 16:15 - 17:00, 2026-03-17 16:15 - 17:00, 2026-03-24 16:15 - 17:00, 2026-03-31 16:15 - 17:00, 2026-04-07 16:15 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) and 1 more date | Online Event
This fall, the Youth Services Librarian, Denise Bean will unveil the much-anticipated afterschool program. Are you looking for something exciting to do after school? Join the Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled for monthly themed virtual programs running from September through April!
Every month, Denise drops a brand-new theme with four weeks of entertainment and good times, experimental learning and engaging projects you can jump into from the comfort of your home. It’s your chance to meet new friends, say “hi” to old friends, share your artistic flair, imagination, and explore cool stuff, all in a fun, welcoming, and fully accessible space made just for you!
Date: September 23, 2025 – April 14, 2026 [Every Tuesday of the Month]
Time: 4:15 pm – 5:00 pm
Where: Zoom Invite Only
Bonus: Programming is free and includes a monthly mailing box and parent activity letter!
Sign-up Here!
“Sign up one to join the fun through April! Whether you stop by once a month or come every week, we’d love to have you with us.”

Braille Babies
2026-02-19 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-02-26 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-03-05 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-03-12 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-03-19 10:00, 2026-03-26 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-04-02 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-04-09 10:00 - 10:30 and 6 more dates | Online or at the Iowa Department for the Blind, 524 Fourth Street, Des Moines, IA 50309, Des Moines, IA, 50309, United States
Join us for Braille Babies Storytime!
Thursdays – Starting September 18, 2025
10:00 – 10:30 AM
Virtual via Zoom and In-Person at the Iowa Department for the Blind
Ages: 0-4 years old
Design of the Program:

Teaching children the importance of exploring touch, textures, and tactiles
Beginning braille skills are explored
Monthly braille activities provided
Parent resources
Personalized Activity Box received at sign-up!

Register for Braille Babies

Beyond the Book: Teen Book Club
2026-02-26 17:00 - 18:00 | Online Event
Connect with other teens through the Beyond the Book: Teen Book Club, a welcoming and accessible space to explore stories, share perspectives, and get creative!
February Book Club – Sporty Books!
Sign up is now open!

Makerspace Monday Workshop
2026-03-09 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-04-13 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-05-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Library – Iowa Dept. for the Blind, 524 Fourth Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309, United States
Makerspace Mondays are designed to get your creative juices flowing while inviting the whole family to participate. All ages are welcomed! It is held on the second Monday of the month at 6:00 pm October – May. Registration is required.
It is offered in-person at the Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (524 Fourth Street, Des Moines) or you can register and request the activity kit and link to the activity video be sent to you to participate via Zoom.

Beyond the Book: Teen Book Club
2026-03-26 17:00 - 18:00 | Online Event
Connect with other teens through the Beyond the Book: Teen Book Club, a welcoming and accessible space to explore stories, share perspectives, and get creative!
March Book Club – Award Goes to …
Sign up is now open!
