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Admin Team Meeting

Monday, February 16, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Archive Room at Johnston Public Library
Purpose of Meeting:

Admin team meeting

Archive Room
This is not a library sponsored event.
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Archive Room
Purpose of Meeting

Admin team meeting

Event Flyer

Press Play! Valentine's Edition

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Story Time Room at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Kids
Press Play!:

🎉 Play Your Way at the Library! 🎉Themed open play time for you and your kiddo! We will offer different types of play prompts, sensory bins, & books to share. Press Play! is gea...

This month, we will have some Valentine's Day activities!

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

🎉 Play Your Way at the Library! 🎉

Themed open play time for you and your kiddo! We will offer different types of play prompts, sensory bins, & books to share. Press Play! is geared towards kids 18 months-4 years.

This month, we will have some Valentine's Day activities!

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 Advisory Board Meeting (Senior Board - 8th - 12th grade)

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Large Meeting Room at Johnston Public Library
Age Group:
Teens

Make a difference at your library! Our Senior Teen Advisory Board is for teens in 8th - 12th grade who want to take the lead in shaping library programs. Members help plan events, share ideas, and have a say in teen services at the library.

Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Large Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Event Details:

Make a difference at your library! Our Senior Teen Advisory Board is for teens in 8th - 12th grade who want to take the lead in shaping library programs. Members help plan events, share ideas, and have a say in teen services at the library.

Event Flyer

Teen Advisory Board Meeting (Junior Board - 6th & 7th grade)

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Large Meeting Room at Johnston Public Library
Age Group:
Teens

Join our Teen Advisory Board and make the library your space! Junior TAB is for kids in 6th and 7th grade. Members share ideas, plan events, provide valuable feedback, and have a say in what happens at the library. Want to join?

Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Large Meeting Room
Age Group: Teens
Event Details:

Join our Teen Advisory Board and make the library your space! Junior TAB is for kids in 6th and 7th grade. Members share ideas, plan events, provide valuable feedback, and have a say in what happens at the library. Want to join?

Shut Up & Write - Des Moines INVOICE

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 6:15pm - 7:30pm
Archive Room at Johnston Public Library
Purpose of Meeting:

Join us for 1 hour of focused writing!

Archive Room
This is not a library sponsored event.
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Archive Room
Purpose of Meeting

Join us for 1 hour of focused writing!

Event Flyer

Teen Tabletop Game Night

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm
West Meeting Room (1/2 of Large) at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Gaming
Age Group:
Teens

Game night just got better -- are you in? Each month, we’ll feature new tabletop games (think Sushi Go, Ticket to Ride, One Night Ultimate Werewolf, etc.) and show you how to play. 

Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: West Meeting Room (1/2 of Large)
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Registration Required
Event Details:

Game night just got better -- are you in? Each month, we’ll feature new tabletop games (think Sushi Go, Ticket to Ride, One Night Ultimate Werewolf, etc.) and show you how to play. 

IQ4K Specialist meeting

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 9:00am - 3:00pm
West Meeting Room (1/2 of Large) at Johnston Public Library
Purpose of Meeting:

Statewide team meeting

West Meeting Room (1/2 of Large)
This is not a library sponsored event.
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: West Meeting Room (1/2 of Large)
Purpose of Meeting

Statewide team meeting

Event Flyer

Toddler Time

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Story Time Room at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Story Hours
Age Group:
Kids
Toddler Time:

Join us for a high energy, interactive storytime for toddlers! We'll sing, dance, read stories, and then we will get out some toys for a playtime afterwards. Great for ages 1-3.&nb...

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

Join us for a high energy, interactive storytime for toddlers! We'll sing, dance, read stories, and then we will get out some toys for a playtime afterwards. Great for ages 1-3. 

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, February 18, 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, February 18, 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.

ultimate reading challenge meet up paper flowers, wednesday february 18, 6-8pm, register at johnstonlibrary.com

Ultimate Reading Challenge Meet Up: Paper Flowers

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Large Meeting Room at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Crafts & Hobbies
Age Group:
Adults

Join us for our first Ultimate Reading Challenge meetup of 2026! Each meetup features time to chat about what you’re reading, a simple craft to enjoy, and a Little Free Library exchange.

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

Join us for our first Ultimate Reading Challenge meetup of 2026! Each meetup features time to chat about what you’re reading, a simple craft to enjoy, and a Little Free Library exchange.

February 18 Silent Book Club at Sips on Main in Grimes at 6:30pm

Silent Book Club

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Off Site
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Adults

Looking for a cozy space to read and connect with fellow book lovers? Join the Johnston and Grimes Public Libraries at Silent Book Club! Unlike traditional book clubs, there's no required reading, just bring whatever you’re currently enjoying.

Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Clubs
Event Details:

Looking for a cozy space to read and connect with fellow book lovers? Join the Johnston and Grimes Public Libraries at Silent Book Club! Unlike traditional book clubs, there's no required reading, just bring whatever you’re currently enjoying.

Disclaimer(s)

Photo/Film Consent

By attending this event, you are giving consent for yourself and/or your child(ren) to be photographed/filmed during the event. Your image and likeness may be used to promote future events or for general library publicity.

Event Flyer

Bouncing Babies

Thursday, February 19, 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

Lunchtime Lit Book Club

Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Archive Room at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Book Clubs
Age Group:
Adults
Lunchtime Lit Book Club:

Meet up with fellow book lovers for good books and good discussion at this lunchtime book club. Books are available a month in advance at the Circulation Desk. Lunchtime Lit Book C...

This month's book is Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner.

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

Meet up with fellow book lovers for good books and good discussion at this lunchtime book club. Books are available a month in advance at the Circulation Desk. Lunchtime Lit 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 Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner.

Event Flyer

Anime Club

Thursday, February 19, 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

Doodlerz Art Studio

Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Story Time Room at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Crafts & Hobbies
Age Group:
Kids
Doodlerz Art Studio:

🎨 Love to doodle, scribble, paint, and sketch? 🖌️Want to make crafts, practice your art skills, and chill with your friends? Join Doodlerz on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Regis...

Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Story Time Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Crafts & Hobbies
Registration Required

🎨 Love to doodle, scribble, paint, and sketch? 🖌️

Want to make crafts, practice your art skills, and chill with your friends? Join Doodlerz on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Registration is required for kids in grades 3-5. 

Library Board Meeting

Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:00pm
East Meeting Room (1/2 of Large) at Johnston Public Library
East Meeting Room (1/2 of Large)
This is not a library sponsored event.
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: East Meeting Room (1/2 of Large)

Los Oradores Toastmasters

Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:45pm
West Meeting Room (1/2 of Large) at Johnston Public Library
West Meeting Room (1/2 of Large)
This is not a library sponsored event.
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: West Meeting Room (1/2 of Large)
Event Flyer

Everyday English

Thursday, February 19, 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...

Open
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.

read local author fair february 21 2026 from 2-4pm. meet local authors, win prizes

Read Local Author Fair

Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Large Meeting Room at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Other
Age Group:
Adults

Love local lit? You won’t want to miss the fourth annual JPL Read Local Author Fair! Stop by for some refreshments then mix and mingle with local authors.

Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Large Meeting Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Other
Event Details:

Love local lit? You won’t want to miss the fourth annual JPL Read Local Author Fair! Stop by for some refreshments then mix and mingle with local authors.

Event Flyer

VolunTEENS

Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Story Time Room at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Other
Age Group:
Teens

Are you a student in 8th through 12th grade looking to make a difference in your community? Join our VolunTEEN program at JPL!

Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Story Time Room
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Other
Registration Required
Event Details:

Are you a student in 8th through 12th grade looking to make a difference in your community? Join our VolunTEEN program at JPL!

Event Flyer

Can You Find It?

Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Youth Services Area at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Play & Learn
Age Group:
Kids
Can You Find It?:

Join us for a fun Scavenger Hunt throughout the Youth Services Area. Win a prize after finding all 10 themed items. For all ages.

Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Youth Services Area
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Play & Learn
Join us for a fun Scavenger Hunt throughout the Youth Services Area. Win a prize after finding all 10 themed items. For all ages.

Town Hall Matt Blake

Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
West Meeting Room (1/2 of Large) at Johnston Public Library
Purpose of Meeting:

Town Hall about the Bills at Session

West Meeting Room (1/2 of Large)
This is not a library sponsored event.
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: West Meeting Room (1/2 of Large)
Purpose of Meeting

Town Hall about the Bills at Session

Event Flyer

Story Time Together

Monday, February 23, 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.