Upcoming Events

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Block Party

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

🧱 Building fun from the ground up! 🎉

Join us for an hour of fun playing with a variety of blocks and other building materials. Come see what it is all about and have some CONSTRUCTIVE FUN!!! Perfect for ages 2-5, but all ages welcome.

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.

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 Teen Book Club

6:30pm–7:30pm
Teens
Teen Space
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Teen Space
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Book Clubs
Registration Required
Event Details:

We're not your average book club! Each month, we explore a new theme, genre, or reading challenge, and members vote on what we’ll dive into next. Come for the books, stay for the discussion, and enjoy some snacks while you’re at it.

Holiday Light Recycling

All Day
All Ages
Johnston Public 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! 

Toddler Time

10:00am–11:00am
Kids
Story Time Room
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.

Retirement University: Understanding Levels of Care & Pricing

1:00pm–2:00pm
Adults
Large Meeting Room
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.

Teen Mario Kart Tournament

4:00pm–4:30pm
Teens
Teen Space
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.

Teen Smash Bros. Tournament

4:30pm–5:30pm
Teens
Teen Space
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

6:00pm–8:00pm
Adults, All Ages
Large Meeting Room
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

All Day
All Ages
Johnston Public 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! 

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.

Anime Club

4:00pm–5:00pm
Teens
Teen Space
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! 

Kids Kitchen: Bagel Pizzas

4:30pm–5:15pm
Kids
East Meeting Room (1/2 of Large)
Open
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. 

Girl Scout Troop 01546

6:30pm–7:30pm
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

Troop Meeting

Everyday English

6:30pm–7:45pm
Adults
Archive Room
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.

Thursday Night Book Club

6:30pm–7:45pm
Adults
Southeast Corner
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

All Day
All Ages
Johnston Public 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! 

SCORE Entrepreneurial Networking Round Table

9:00am–10:00am
Archive Room
This is not a library sponsored event.
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Archive Room
Purpose of Meeting

It is a networking meeting for local small businesses hosted by SCORE

Proctored Test-Nick Davi

12:30pm–3:30pm
Study Room 2
This is not a library sponsored event.
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Study Room 2

Holiday Light Recycling

All Day
All Ages
Johnston Public 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! 

Heartland Stampers

9:00am–12:00pm
Archive Room
This is not a library sponsored event.
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Archive Room

Homemadeish: New Year's Collages

10:30am–11:30am
Adults
Large Meeting Room
Open
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

All Day
All Ages
Johnston Public 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! 

Homestead HOA meeting

1:00pm–3:00pm
Archive Room
This is not a library sponsored event.
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Archive Room
Purpose of Meeting

special budget meeting for HOA

Can You Find It?

1:00pm–4:00pm
Kids
Youth Services Area
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.