Week Calendar

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.

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.

A variety of Play-Doh, tools, and mats will all be available during this program as well as information for parents on the benefits of using Play-Doh during regular play time. Perfect for ages 2-5, but all ages are welcome!

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.

Bouncing Babies story hour includes rhymes, songs, bounces and books just right for your little one! Build your baby's foundation for lifelong reading and learning with this engaging story time. Great for babies ages 6 months-18 months.

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

Eat Japanese snacks, watch anime, and talk about your favorite manga. Drawing supplies will be available and cosplay is encouraged. For students in 6th grade and up. Anime series we watch may be rated TV-Y - TV-14. All episodes have been previewed by library staff. For more info. contact Jessica - young@johnstonlibrary.com

JPL's Animal Rescue Friends Book Club is for 3rd-5th graders who love all critters! Each participant will receive a copy of the graphic novel "Animal Rescue Friends: Friends Fur-ever (Volume 2)". Participants will be required to read an assigned story from this graphic novel each month and meet to discuss (approximately 25-30 pages). Along with our discussion, we will meet with an animal friend from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa's TheraPets program and do corresponding crafts/activities. A snack and juice will be provided.

For children ages 8 and under, a parent or caregiver is required to remain inside of the library during this program.

*Registration is required

*Grades 3-5

Every Wednesday in the JPL Teen Space, kids in 6th grade and up can compete against each other in a Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament. There will be fabulous prizes for the winners!

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.

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.

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.com for info about picking up a book club book and to be added to the email list.