Upcoming Events

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Age Group
Program Type
Program Type
Event Type
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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. 

This event is in the "Kids" group
This event is in the "Teens" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "All Ages" group

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.

This event is in the "Kids" group

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. 

This event is in the "Kids" group

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.

This event is in the "Adults" group

Let's Talk English Conversation Group

6:30pm–7:45pm
Adults
Archive Room
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Archive Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: JPL Summer Reading, 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.

This event is in the "Kids" group

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. 

This event is in the "Teens" group

Teen Mario Kart Tournament

4:00pm–4:30pm
Teens
Teen Space
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Teen Space
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: JPL Summer Reading, 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.

This event is in the "Teens" group

Teen Smash Bros. Tournament

4:30pm–5:30pm
Teens
Teen Space
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Teen Space
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: JPL Summer Reading, 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.

This event is in the "Adults" group

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: JPL Summer Reading, 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.

This event is in the "Kids" group
This event is in the "Teens" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "All Ages" group

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. 

This event is in the "Kids" 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: 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.

This event is in the "Kids" group

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. 

This event is in the "Adults" group

Let's Talk English Conversation Group

6:30pm–7:45pm
Adults
Archive Room
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Archive Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: JPL Summer Reading, 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.

This event is in the "Kids" group

Nature Explorers with Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge

10:30am–11:15am
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:

Join us for an interactive exploration of wildlife around our very own library! A presenter from Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge will be here to talk to kids about our local flora and fauna. Recommended for kids in PreK-5th grade.

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.

This event is in the "Kids" group

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. 

This event is in the "Adults" group

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: JPL Summer Reading, 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.

This event is in the "Kids" group

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. 

This event is in the "Kids" group

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. 

This event is in the "Kids" group

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. 

This event is in the "Adults" group

Let's Talk English Conversation Group

6:30pm–7:45pm
Adults
Archive Room
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Archive Room
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: JPL Summer Reading, 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.

This event is in the "Kids" group

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. 

This event is in the "Adults" group

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, JPL Summer Reading

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 event is in the "Adults" group

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: JPL Summer Reading, 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.

This event is in the "Kids" group
This event is in the "Teens" group
This event is in the "Adults" group
This event is in the "All Ages" group

Family Mini Golf

10:00am–5:00pm
Kids, Teens, Adults, All Ages
Large Meeting Room
Library Branch: Johnston Public Library
Room: Large Meeting Room
Age Group: Kids, Teens, Adults, All Ages
Program Type: JPL Summer Reading, Gaming
Event Details:

Pop Up Games will be turning our meeting room into a mini golf course! Drop in any time from 10am-5pm and play with your family. This event is for kids in elementary school, but everyone in the family can play. No registration required.

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.