Upcoming Events

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Age Group

Story Time Together

10:00am–10:30am
Kids
Story Time Room
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.

Pokémon Kids Club

4:00pm–5:00pm
Kids
Story Time Room
Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Story Time Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Gaming, Entertainment
Registration Required
Event Details:

Grab a Pokéball and head to the library! Whether you like the show, the comics, or the card game, this is a program for Pokémon fans!

Press Play!

10:30am–11:30am
Kids
Story Time Room
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Story Time Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Play & Learn

🎉 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.

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.

Move & Groove

10:00am–10:30am
Kids
Story Time Room
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.

Bouncing Babies

11:00am–11:30am
Kids
Story Time Room
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.

Needle-Felted Snails

4:30pm–5:30pm
Kids
Story Time Room
Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Story Time Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Crafts & Hobbies
Registration Required
Event Details:

Learn the basics of needle felting as we make a cute, fuzzy creation! Needle felting is a way to sculpt objects and make art with wool. Registration is required for this class and is open to kids in 3rd-5th grade. 

This month, we're making fuzzy snails! 🐌

Kites on the Green

10:00am–5:00pm
Kids, Teens, Adults, All Ages
Johnston Commons
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Johnston Commons
Age Group: Kids, Teens, Adults, All Ages
Program Type: Crafts & Hobbies, Entertainment, Play & Learn, Sports & Outdoors
Event Details:

Join us for the 13th annual Kites on the Green festival at Johnston Commons Park on May 2, 2026. This family-fun event will be held in the green space near the Johnston Public Library from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

No Story Hours This Week

All Day 5/4–5/8
Kids
Johnston Public Library
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Johnston Public Library
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Story Hours
Event Details:

No Story Time Together, Terrific Tuesdays, Move & Groove, Toddler Time, or Bouncing Babies. We are on a story time break to get ready for our 2026 Summer Reading Program! Story Time programs will resume on Monday, June 1. 

No Story Hours This Week

All Day 5/11–5/15
Kids
Johnston Public Library
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Johnston Public Library
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Story Hours
Event Details:

No Story Time Together, Terrific Tuesdays, Move & Groove, Toddler Time, or Bouncing Babies. We are on a story time break to get ready for our 2026 Summer Reading Program! Story Time programs will resume on Monday, June 1. 

No Story Hours This Week

All Day 5/18–5/22
Kids
Johnston Public Library
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Johnston Public Library
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Story Hours
Event Details:

No Story Time Together, Terrific Tuesdays, Move & Groove, Toddler Time, or Bouncing Babies. We are on a story time break to get ready for our 2026 Summer Reading Program! Story Time programs will resume on Monday, June 1. 

Library is Closed for Memorial Day

All Day
Closing
Branches:
Johnston Public Library
Description:

The Johnston Public Library will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026 in observance of Memorial Day. 

The library will re-open Tuesday, May 26, 2026 with regular hours. 

No Story Hours This Week

All Day 5/26–5/29
Kids
Johnston Public Library
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Johnston Public Library
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: Story Hours
Event Details:

No Story Time Together, Terrific Tuesdays, Move & Groove, Toddler Time, or Bouncing Babies. We are on a story time break to get ready for our 2026 Summer Reading Program! Story Time programs will resume on Monday, June 1. 

Summer Reading Drive-Thru

2:00pm–5:30pm
Kids, Teens, Adults, All Ages
Library Parking Lot
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Library Parking Lot
Age Group: Kids, Teens, Adults, All Ages
Program Type: JPL Summer Reading, Other
Event Details:

Swing by Johnston Public Library on the last day of school and pick up your Summer Reading materials for kids, teens, and adults between 2pm and 5:30pm.

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.

Story Time with Community Helpers

10:00am–10:45am
Kids
Large Meeting Room
Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Large Meeting Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: JPL Summer Reading, Story Hours
Registration Required
Event Details:

It's our first story time of the summer! 

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. 

Arts & Snacks

4:00pm–5:00pm
Kids
Story Time Room
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Story Time Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: JPL Summer Reading, Crafts & Hobbies
Event Details:

✂️ Crafty fun and a tasty treat! 🍬

Kids in grades K-5 are welcome to drop in for a variety of art activities. Supplies will be provided as well as light snacks and beverages. *While supplies last*

This is a drop-in event and no registration is required. 

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.

Tippi Toes Dance Class

10:00am–10:30am
Kids
Large Meeting Room
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Large Meeting Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: JPL Summer Reading, Health & Wellness, Story Hours
Event Details:

Join us as we partner with Tippi Toes for this FREE fun, high-energy dance class! Music, movement, balance and the basic dance steps will be introduced in a friendly and positive way.

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. 

JPL Kid Foam Party!

11:00am–11:45am
Kids, Teens, Adults, All Ages
Library Parking Lot
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Library Parking Lot
Age Group: Kids, Teens, Adults, All Ages
Program Type: JPL Summer Reading, Play & Learn, Sports & Outdoors
Event Details:

Kick off summer at JPL with Absolute Science and their giant foam cannon. It’s messy, wet, and tons of fun—perfect for kids entering grades K-5. An afternoon session for teens entering grades 6 and up begins at 1pm. 

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. 

Story Time Together

10:00am–10:30am
Kids
Story Time Room
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Story Time Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: JPL Summer Reading, 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.

LEGO® Club

4:00pm–5:00pm
Kids
Story Time Room
Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Story Time Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: JPL Summer Reading, 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. 

Move & Groove

10:00am–10:30am
Kids
Large Meeting Room
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Large Meeting Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: JPL Summer Reading, 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 - Ages 9 and under

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

Potato Derby

2:00pm–3:30pm
Kids
Patio
Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Patio
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: JPL Summer Reading, Crafts & Hobbies, Gaming
Registration Required
Event Details:

Racers ready… eyes on the fries… GO! POTATO! GO! 🏁🥔

Sign up to make your own spud-tastic potato car! We will bring the supplies (and the potatoes) and you bring the engineering! Then, race you spuds to the finish line. 

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. 

Story Time with Cubbie bear

10:00am–10:45am
Kids
Large Meeting Room
Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Large Meeting Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: JPL Summer Reading, Story Hours
Registration Required
Event Details:

Cubbie Bear from the Iowa Cubs will be here for a sports themed story time and meet & greet! 

Recommended for ages 2-8. Registration is appreciated. 

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. 

Book Bites

4:30pm–5:00pm
Kids
Large Meeting Room
Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Large Meeting Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: JPL Summer Reading, Cooking & Food, Story Hours
Registration Required
Event Details:

Take a bite! Try something new! In this yummy storytime, we will be taste-testing foods and reading stories about how they are made. Kids in grades K-5 must register to attend.

This month, we will be taste-testing...TBD

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. 

Tippi Toes Dance Class

10:00am–10:30am
Kids
Large Meeting Room
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Large Meeting Room
Age Group: Kids
Program Type: JPL Summer Reading, Health & Wellness, Story Hours
Event Details:

Join us as we partner with Tippi Toes for this FREE fun, high-energy dance class! Music, movement, balance and the basic dance steps will be introduced in a friendly and positive way.

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.