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retirement university: understanding levels of care and pricing. january 7 at 6pm, register at johnstonlibrary.com

Retirement University: Understanding Levels of Care & Pricing

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Large Meeting Room at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Presentations
Age Group:
Adults

Join us for a three-part series designed to help you navigate the many options for aging with confidence.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Large Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Presentations
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us for a three-part series designed to help you navigate the many options for aging with confidence.

Event Flyer

Teen Mario Kart Tournament

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Teen Space at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Teens

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. This is a drop-in program - no registration necessary.

Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Teen Space
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

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. This is a drop-in program - no registration necessary.

Event Flyer

Teen Smash Bros. Tournament

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Teen Space at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Teens

Test your skills! Prizes and bragging rights for the winners. Tournaments will be held every Wednesday. 6th grade and up. No registration necessary.

Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Teen Space
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

Test your skills! Prizes and bragging rights for the winners. Tournaments will be held every Wednesday. 6th grade and up. No registration necessary.

More Than Waypoints January 7 at 6pm, no registration required. Take a journey through the heart & soul of Iowa's small towns

More Than Waypoints

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Large Meeting Room at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Presentations
Age Group:
Adults, All Ages

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Iowa as Dave Baker shares insights from his recent novel, More Than Waypoints.

Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Large Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults, All Ages
Program Type: Presentations
Event Details:

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Iowa as Dave Baker shares insights from his recent novel, More Than Waypoints.

Holiday Light Recycling with Metro Waste Authority. Image of holiday lights.

Holiday Light Recycling

All Day
Johnston Public Library at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Home & Garden, Other
Age Group:
All Ages

Taking down those holiday decorations and wondering where you can dispose of old or broken lights? JPL has partnered with Metro Waste Authority to offer a holiday lights drop-off at the library! 

Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Johnston Public Library
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Home & Garden, Other
Event Details:

Taking down those holiday decorations and wondering where you can dispose of old or broken lights? JPL has partnered with Metro Waste Authority to offer a holiday lights drop-off at the library! 

Event Flyer

Bouncing Babies

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 11:00am - 11:30am
Story Time Room at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Story Hours
Age Group:
Kids
Bouncing Babies:

👶 Big fun for your littlest learner! 💕Build your baby's foundation for lifelong reading and learning with this engaging story time. Story time will be followed by a open play time ...

Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Story Time Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Story Hours

👶 Big fun for your littlest learner! 💕

Build your baby's foundation for lifelong reading and learning with this engaging story time. Story time will be followed by a open play time for you and your little one. Great for babies ages 6 months-18 months.

Event Flyer

Anime Club

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Teen Space at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Entertainment
Age Group:
Teens

Join JPL's Anime Club each week for Japanese snacks, anime trivia, and art projects! All fans welcome! 

Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Teen Space
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Entertainment
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join JPL's Anime Club each week for Japanese snacks, anime trivia, and art projects! All fans welcome! 

Event Flyer

Kids Kitchen: Bagel Pizzas

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:15pm
East Meeting Room (1/2 of Large) at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Cooking & Food
Age Group:
Kids
Kids Kitchen:

🍽️What's cooking in the library kitchen?👩‍🍳Kids can join our monthly cooking class to learn basic cooking skills and practice following a recipe. Registration is required for this ...

This month, we are making mini bagel pizzas! 

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: East Meeting Room (1/2 of Large)
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Cooking & Food
Registration Required
Event Details:

🍽️What's cooking in the library kitchen?👩‍🍳

Kids can join our monthly cooking class to learn basic cooking skills and practice following a recipe. Registration is required for this class and is open to kids in elementary school. 

This month, we are making mini bagel pizzas! 

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults - Ages 9 and under

Children ages 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted. 

Event Flyer

Everyday English

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Archive Room at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
ESL
Age Group:
Adults
Everyday English:

Everyday English is an ongoing program designed for English language learning adults. Lessons focus on functional English – learning basic phrases and expressions for having conver...

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Archive Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: ESL
Registration Required

Everyday English is an ongoing program designed for English language learning adults. Lessons focus on functional English – learning basic phrases and expressions for having conversations in everyday English as well as lessons on living in the United States. Lessons are led by a professional ESOL teacher and trained volunteers. Follow-up digital materials are available for interested students. Classes meet both in-person and online using the Zoom app, for those who prefer to join virtually. Email Library Staff at esol@johnstonlibrary.org for sign-in information. Classes are free and registration is not required, but is appreciated.

Event Flyer

Thursday Night Book Club

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Southeast Corner at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Adults
Thursday Night Book Club:

 Join fellow local book lovers to discuss great books and enjoy lively conversation. Books are available at the Circulation Desk one month in advance while supplies last. Thur...

This month's book is Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt.

Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Southeast Corner
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

 

Join fellow local book lovers to discuss great books and enjoy lively conversation. Books are available at the Circulation Desk one month in advance while supplies last. Thursday Night Book Club meets in person at JPL and online via Zoom. Email Beth at stevens@johnstonlibrary.org for info about picking up a book club book and to be added to the email list.

This month's book is Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt.

Holiday Light Recycling with Metro Waste Authority. Image of holiday lights.

Holiday Light Recycling

All Day
Johnston Public Library at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Home & Garden, Other
Age Group:
All Ages

Taking down those holiday decorations and wondering where you can dispose of old or broken lights? JPL has partnered with Metro Waste Authority to offer a holiday lights drop-off at the library! 

Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Johnston Public Library
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Home & Garden, Other
Event Details:

Taking down those holiday decorations and wondering where you can dispose of old or broken lights? JPL has partnered with Metro Waste Authority to offer a holiday lights drop-off at the library! 

Holiday Light Recycling with Metro Waste Authority. Image of holiday lights.

Holiday Light Recycling

All Day
Johnston Public Library at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Home & Garden, Other
Age Group:
All Ages

Taking down those holiday decorations and wondering where you can dispose of old or broken lights? JPL has partnered with Metro Waste Authority to offer a holiday lights drop-off at the library! 

Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Johnston Public Library
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Home & Garden, Other
Event Details:

Taking down those holiday decorations and wondering where you can dispose of old or broken lights? JPL has partnered with Metro Waste Authority to offer a holiday lights drop-off at the library! 

Homemadeish: New Year's Collages, January 10 at 10:30am, register at johnstonlibrary.com

Homemadeish: New Year's Collages

Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Large Meeting Room at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Crafts & Hobbies
Age Group:
Adults

Ring in the New Year with a creative collage-making session! Participants can design vision boards, memory collages, or simply experiment with art materials to celebrate new beginnings in 2026. All materials provided.

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Large Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Crafts & Hobbies
Registration Required
Event Details:

Ring in the New Year with a creative collage-making session! Participants can design vision boards, memory collages, or simply experiment with art materials to celebrate new beginnings in 2026. All materials provided.

Holiday Light Recycling with Metro Waste Authority. Image of holiday lights.

Holiday Light Recycling

All Day
Johnston Public Library at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Home & Garden, Other
Age Group:
All Ages

Taking down those holiday decorations and wondering where you can dispose of old or broken lights? JPL has partnered with Metro Waste Authority to offer a holiday lights drop-off at the library! 

Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Johnston Public Library
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Home & Garden, Other
Event Details:

Taking down those holiday decorations and wondering where you can dispose of old or broken lights? JPL has partnered with Metro Waste Authority to offer a holiday lights drop-off at the library! 

Holiday Light Recycling with Metro Waste Authority. Image of holiday lights.

Holiday Light Recycling

All Day
Johnston Public Library at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Home & Garden, Other
Age Group:
All Ages

Taking down those holiday decorations and wondering where you can dispose of old or broken lights? JPL has partnered with Metro Waste Authority to offer a holiday lights drop-off at the library! 

Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Johnston Public Library
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Home & Garden, Other
Event Details:

Taking down those holiday decorations and wondering where you can dispose of old or broken lights? JPL has partnered with Metro Waste Authority to offer a holiday lights drop-off at the library! 

Event Flyer

Story Time Together

Monday, January 12, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
Story Time Room at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Story Hours
Age Group:
Kids
Story Time Together:

📚 Weekly Story Time 📖Interact with your child as we use books, songs, music, finger plays, and flannel boards to build early literacy skills. Story time will be followed by a craft...

Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Story Time Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Story Hours

📚 Weekly Story Time 📖

Interact with your child as we use books, songs, music, finger plays, and flannel boards to build early literacy skills. Story time will be followed by a craft or activity. Designed for children from 18 months through preschool and their caregivers.

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults

This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.

Event Flyer

LEGO® Club

Monday, January 12, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Story Time Room at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Kids

LEGO Club provides a fun atmosphere where children can learn, build and play with the library’s set of LEGOs. Each meeting will have a new theme or challenge. Great for kids in grades K-5. Registration required. 

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Story Time Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Play & Learn
Registration Required
Event Details:

LEGO Club provides a fun atmosphere where children can learn, build and play with the library’s set of LEGOs. Each meeting will have a new theme or challenge. Great for kids in grades K-5. Registration required. 

Event Flyer

Let's Talk English Conversation Group

Monday, January 12, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Archive Room at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
ESL
Age Group:
Adults
Let's Talk English Conversation Program:

Let's Talk is a casual program designed for non-native English speakers to practice their English conversation skills with a native English speaker. Discussions focus on current ne...

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Archive Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: ESL
Registration Required

Let's Talk is a casual program designed for non-native English speakers to practice their English conversation skills with a native English speaker. Discussions focus on current news, events and American culture.  Let's Talk is held both in-person and online via Zoom, for those who would rather join the class virtually. Email Library Staff at esol@johnstonlibrary.org for sign-in information. The program is free and no registration is required, but is appreciated.

Holiday Light Recycling with Metro Waste Authority. Image of holiday lights.

Holiday Light Recycling

All Day
Johnston Public Library at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Home & Garden, Other
Age Group:
All Ages

Taking down those holiday decorations and wondering where you can dispose of old or broken lights? JPL has partnered with Metro Waste Authority to offer a holiday lights drop-off at the library! 

Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Johnston Public Library
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Home & Garden, Other
Event Details:

Taking down those holiday decorations and wondering where you can dispose of old or broken lights? JPL has partnered with Metro Waste Authority to offer a holiday lights drop-off at the library! 

Event Flyer

Little Yogis

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:15am
Large Meeting Room at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Kids

Join us for a morning yoga flow! Kids and caregivers will flow through a short yoga class, with a story. Together you will learn simple yoga poses, mindfulness techniques, and movement games.

Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Large Meeting Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Join us for a morning yoga flow! Kids and caregivers will flow through a short yoga class, with a story. Together you will learn simple yoga poses, mindfulness techniques, and movement games.

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults - Ages 9 and under

Children ages 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted. 

Greek Mythology Club. Images of figures from Greek mythology.

Greek Mythology Club

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Teen Space at Johnston Public Library
Age Group:
Teens

Whether you're a Percy Jackson fan or just love Greek mythology, this is the club for you!

Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Teen Space
Age Group: Teens
Registration Required
Event Details:

Whether you're a Percy Jackson fan or just love Greek mythology, this is the club for you!

Holiday Light Recycling with Metro Waste Authority. Image of holiday lights.

Holiday Light Recycling

All Day
Johnston Public Library at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Home & Garden, Other
Age Group:
All Ages

Taking down those holiday decorations and wondering where you can dispose of old or broken lights? JPL has partnered with Metro Waste Authority to offer a holiday lights drop-off at the library! 

Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Johnston Public Library
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Home & Garden, Other
Event Details:

Taking down those holiday decorations and wondering where you can dispose of old or broken lights? JPL has partnered with Metro Waste Authority to offer a holiday lights drop-off at the library! 

Event Flyer

Move & Groove

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:30am
Story Time Room at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness, Story Hours
Age Group:
Kids
Move & Groove:

🎵 Shake Up Your Story Time! 📖Get ready to sing, dance, and move to the music at a story time that will get you and your kids up on your feet! This is a high-energy story time for k...

Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Story Time Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Health & Wellness, Story Hours

🎵 Shake Up Your Story Time! 📖

Get ready to sing, dance, and move to the music at a story time that will get you and your kids up on your feet! This is a high-energy story time for kids of all ages.

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults

This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.

Event Flyer

Teen Mario Kart Tournament

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Teen Space at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Teens

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. This is a drop-in program - no registration necessary.

Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Teen Space
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Event Details:

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. This is a drop-in program - no registration necessary.