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Thursday Night Book Club

Thursday, March 12, 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 How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin.

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 How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin.

Event Flyer

Spring Break Scavenger Hunt

All Day 3/13 - 3/22
Youth Services Area at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Entertainment
Age Group:
Kids

Follow the clues around the library to solve the puzzle and get a prize! This special hunt will be up for all of Spring Break, so stop by to see if you can solve it!

Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Youth Services Area
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Entertainment
Event Details:

Follow the clues around the library to solve the puzzle and get a prize! This special hunt will be up for all of Spring Break, so stop by to see if you can solve it!

Disclaimer(s)

Drop-In Event

This is a drop-in program—no registration required. Feel free to come and go anytime between the listed start and end times.

SCORE Entrepreneurial Networking Round Table

Friday, March 13, 2026 at 9:00am - 10:00am
Archive Room at Johnston Public Library
Purpose of Meeting:

Open meeting to allow local businesses to network hosted by SCORE

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

Open meeting to allow local businesses to network hosted by SCORE

Heartland Stamp Meeting

Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 9:00am - 12:00pm
Archive Room at Johnston Public Library
Archive Room
This is not a library sponsored event.
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Archive Room
Event Flyer

Barbie Boutique

Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Large Meeting Room at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Crafts & Hobbies
Age Group:
Kids

Become a mini fashion designer! We'll provide the dolls so you can make them runway ready with a new, cool outfit. Everyone will get to design and take home their creations. Kids in grades 2-5 must register below to attend. 

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

Become a mini fashion designer! We'll provide the dolls so you can make them runway ready with a new, cool outfit. Everyone will get to design and take home their creations. Kids in grades 2-5 must register below to attend. 

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

Instrument Petting Zoo

Monday, March 16, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:45am
Story Time Room at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Story Hours
Age Group:
Kids

A special guest from the Des Moines Symphony Academy will be here to do an interactive program for kids in PreK-5th grade that's all about music! Each kid will get a chance to touch and try a string instrument that's just their size. 

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

A special guest from the Des Moines Symphony Academy will be here to do an interactive program for kids in PreK-5th grade that's all about music! Each kid will get a chance to touch and try a string instrument that's just their size. 

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

Instrument Petting Zoo

Monday, March 16, 2026 at 11:00am - 11:45am
Story Time Room at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Story Hours
Age Group:
Kids

A special guest from the Des Moines Symphony Academy will be here to do an interactive program for kids in PreK-5th grade that's all about music! Each kid will get a chance to touch and try a string instrument that's just their size. 

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

A special guest from the Des Moines Symphony Academy will be here to do an interactive program for kids in PreK-5th grade that's all about music! Each kid will get a chance to touch and try a string instrument that's just their size. 

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.

Admin Team Meeting

Monday, March 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

Study Room 1

Monday, March 16, 2026 at 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Study Room 1 at Johnston Public Library
Study Room 1
This is not a library sponsored event.
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Study Room 1
Event Flyer

Let's Talk English Conversation Group

Monday, March 16, 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...

Open
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.

Art Lab: Kids Art Explorers Workshop

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 10:00am - 12:00pm
Large Meeting Room at Johnston Public Library
Program Type:
Crafts & Hobbies
Age Group:
Kids

🎨 Let's learn about art! 🎨

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

🎨 Let's learn about art! 🎨

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. 

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

Tuesday, March 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.

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

Tuesday, March 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?

Event Flyer

Teen Tabletop Game Night

Tuesday, March 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. 

Event Flyer

Move & Groove

Wednesday, March 18, 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, March 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, March 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.

Bent Tree Villas

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Archive Room at Johnston Public Library
Purpose of Meeting:

Monthly Board Meeting

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

Monthly Board Meeting

Event flyer

Lunchtime Lit Book Club

Thursday, March 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 Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt.

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 Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt.

Event Flyer

Anime Club

Thursday, March 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: Diamond Art

Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Large Meeting 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...

This week, for Spring Break, we are making Diamond Art! 

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

🎨 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. 

This week, for Spring Break, we are making Diamond Art! 

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. 

Library Board Meeting

Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Story Time Room at Johnston Public Library
Story Time Room
This is not a library sponsored event.
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Story Time Room
Event Flyer

Everyday English

Thursday, March 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.

Event Flyer

VolunTEENS

Saturday, March 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!