Upcoming Events

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Heartland Stampers

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

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.

Johnston Forevergreens 4-H Club

2:00pm–4:00pm
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)
Purpose of Meeting

club meeting

JJOA Mother's Meeting

3:00pm–4:30pm
Archive Room
This is not a library sponsored event.
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Archive Room
Purpose of Meeting

Mother's monthly meeting

Library is Closed for Presidents' Day

All Day
Closing
Branches:
Johnston Public Library
Description:

The Johnston Public Library will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026 in observance of Presidents' Day.

The library will re-open Tuesday, February 17, 2026 with regular hours. 

Admin Team Meeting

1:00pm–2:30pm
Archive Room
This is not a library sponsored event.
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Archive Room
Purpose of Meeting

Admin team meeting

Press Play! Valentine's Edition

10:30am–11:30am
Kids
Story Time Room
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.

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

4:30pm–5:30pm
Teens
Large Meeting Room
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)

5:30pm–6:30pm
Teens
Large Meeting Room
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

6:15pm–7:30pm
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!

Teen Tabletop Game Night

6:30pm–8:00pm
Teens
West Meeting Room (1/2 of Large)
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

9:00am–3:00pm
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

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.

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.

Ultimate Reading Challenge Meet Up: Paper Flowers

6:00pm–8:00pm
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:

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.

Silent Book Club

6:30pm–8:00pm
Adults
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.

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.

Lunchtime Lit Book Club

12:00pm–1:00pm
Adults
Archive Room
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.

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! 

Doodlerz Art Studio

4:30pm–5:30pm
Kids
Story Time Room
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

5:30pm–7:00pm
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

5:30pm–7:45pm
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)

Everyday English

6:30pm–7:45pm
Adults
Archive Room
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.