Des Moines Metro

Step Back in Time: Historical Fiction book group
2025-07-17 19:00 - 20:00 UTC | West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
Program Type:Book Club
Age Group:
Adults

Registration is required for this event.Registration will close on July 16, 2025 @ 9:00pm.

Event Details

Historical fiction is a great way to learn about people and events through stories that bring history to life. Our group discusses titles from a wide variety of time/places/people. Please join us for a discussion of The Secret War of Julia Child on July 17, 2025 at The Jordan House (2001 Fuller Rd, West Des Moines, IA 50265). Books may be picked up at the Adult Services desk. Please note: this title is available as an e-book and e-audiobook on Hoopla. Registration is requested, please. Staff will register you for this program when you pick up a book. If you are not getting the book from the Library, please contact Jen at 515-222-3413 to register. The Library is very happy to partner with the West Des Moines Historical Society for these book group meetings. One of the oldest structures in Polk County, The Jordan House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program.

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Movies on the Yard: Elemental
2025-07-18 20:45 - 22:30 | Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Rd. Johnston, IA 50131, IA, 50131, United States
Friday, July 18, 2025
Join us for a free screening of Elemental on the Yard at the Johnston Town Center on Friday, July 18, at dusk. Don't forget your blankets or lawn chairs!
Experience the magic of summer evenings at Movies on the Yard. Prepare for a lineup of popular films under the stars!
Dates & Films: Friday, July 18: Elemental Friday, August 29: Wicked Thursday, September 18: Johnston Homecoming Movie, TBD Time: All screenings begin at dusk, so arrive early to secure your spot. What to Bring: Grab your blankets, lawn chairs and gather your loved ones for an outdoor movie experience. Snacks and drinks are welcome, making it the perfect picnic opportunity! Admission to Movies on the Yard is completely free, ensuring that everyone in the community can enjoy this summer's entertainment!

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Puzzle Competition
2025-07-19 12:00 - 16:00 | West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
Program DescriptionRegistration is required for this event.Registration will close on July 19, 2025 @ 12:00pm.Event DetailsDo you love puzzles? Have you ever thought about entering a puzzle competition? Put together a team of up to 4 people to join us on the afternoon of July 19th at 12:00 p.m. to test your team's puzzling prowess against 5 other teams. Teams will work to complete a 500-piece puzzle. The fastest 3 teams will advance to a second round. The first team to finish the second round will win a 1000+-piece puzzle for their team to take home. All teams get to keep the puzzles they worked on. There are no entry fees. Team captains, please register yourself below. Note: Due to the popularity of our puzzle competitions, we ask that all potential participants who attended our February competition to refrain from registering to allow other teams an opportunity to participate.

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Friday Craft for Kids - Paper Plate Butterfly
2025-07-25 08:00 - 17:00 | West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
Event Details
Each Friday we will provide a different fun, hands-on, screen-free craft project or activity to take home and enjoy! Available at the Children's Desk during library hours while supplies last. This week you can make a beautiful butterfly out of a paper plate!

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Summer Finale: Water Party!
2025-07-26 10:00 - 12:00 | West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
Event DetailsCome and celebrate the end of Summer Escape 2025! This year's finale will feature a variety of water-based games and activities, from a foam machine to a giant inflatable slip-n-slide to a dunk tank and more! Come ready to get wet (bring your towels!) and have a blast. For all ages, no registration required.

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Sounds of Summer
2025-07-26 19:00 - 22:00 | Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Rd. Johnston, IA 50131, IA, 50131, United States
Saturday, July 26, 2025

Join attendees in The Yard for the Sounds of Summer Concert Series from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, for a performance by The Trip.

Join attendees this summer in The Yard for the Sounds of Summer Concert Series from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. The concert series is sponsored by The Cork 50131.
Enjoy a free performance by The Trip - A high-energy, genuine cover rock band that will take you on a fun-filled musical journey through the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s… as well as today’s top 40 and rock hits. They truly play something for everyone.

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Teen Mario Kart Tournament
2025-07-27 08:00 - 17:00 | Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Rd Johnston, IA 50131, Johnston, IA, 50131, United States
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. No tournament July 9. 6th grade and up. This is a drop-in program - no registration necessary.

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Sundae in the Park
2025-08-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Johnston Commons Park Shelter, 6050 Morningside Drive Johnston, IA 50131, Morningside Drive Johnston, IA, 50131, United States
Sunday, August 3, 2025Join us on Sunday, August 3, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Johnston Commons Park for a sweet summer evening the whole family will enjoy. Grab a free ice cream sundae, explore hands-on activities and connect with local school and city leaders before the start of the school year.

Sundae in the Park is back! Join us on Sunday, August 3, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Johnston Commons Park for a sweet summer evening the whole family will enjoy. Grab a free ice cream sundae, explore hands-on activities and connect with local school and city leaders before the start of the school year. Plus, kids can climb aboard fire trucks, police vehicles, and public works equipment during our Touch-a-Truck experience! It’s the perfect way to cool down, have fun and celebrate our community!

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The Smart Money Series: Your Path to Financial Confidence - Plan to Save
2025-08-05 18:30 - 19:30 | West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
Events DetialsDo you dream about buying a house but have no idea how you can do it financially? Are you interested in learning how you can boost your credit score to secure a better loan? Come learn how to do that and more in The Smart Money Series. Presented by Kyle Guldenpfennig and Charles Chedester, they will take you through building a strong financial foundation, boosting your credit score, and will even help de-mystify the mortgage process. Tonight's program is Plan to Save: Setting Goals & Making Your Money Work for YOU! Learn how to create savings strategies, set realistic goals, and prepare for big financial decisions. Registration is requested, please.

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In the Stacks: His-Story in the Making: Crafting Historical Fiction
2025-08-06 18:30 - 19:30 | West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
Event DetailsJoin author and historian Jeff Kluever to hear the story of his writing and publishing journey and learn the inspiring tale of the United States Colored Infantry featured in his new book, Marching Home: A Story of Love, War, and Freedom. Jeff studied history at Grinnell College and earned a master's degree from Carroll University. As a former museum professional, Jeff has delivered hundreds of presentations, tours, and programs focused on slavery, the Civil War, and Reconstruction, making history real and consequential to his audiences. Books will be available to purchase after the program.

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Navigating the transition to Senior Living
2025-08-07 18:30 - 19:30 | West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
Events DetialsAre you looking ahead at Senior Living for yourself or a loved one, but not sure how to start your research? It can be overwhelming if you’re not sure where to begin. Please join us for this educational program on senior housing options and transitioning to senior housing. You will learn what steps can be involved in transitioning to senior housing and how to help plan for the changes ahead. This presentation is given by Kate Mohr, Senior Living Advisor, Woodlands Creek Senior Living.

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RipRoar Youth Triathlon
2025-08-16 08:00 - 12:00 | Johnston Terra Park
RipRoar Youth TriathlonSaturday, August 16, 2025The RipRoar Youth Triathlon will be held at Terra Park on Saturday, August 16. Be aware of closures along Pioneer Parkway.

Swim
OPEN WATER IN TERRA LAKE

JUNIORS: 50 METERS
INTERMEDIATES: 100 METERS
SENIORS: 200 METERS

Bike
CLOSED LOOP ON PIONEER PKWY

JUNIORS: 2 MILES
INTERMEDIATES: 4 MILES
SENIORS: 6 MILES

Run
TERRA LAKE PARK TRAIL

JUNIORS: 1/2 Mile
INTERMEDIATES: 1 MILE
SENIORS: 2 MILES

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JPL Book Bike at the Johnston Farmer's Market
2025-08-26 16:00 - 19:00 | South side of Johnston Town Center
Event DetailsWe're taking JPL on the road. Come visit the JPL Book Bike at the Farmer's Market. South side of Johnston Town Center 6245 Merle Hay Road Johnston, IA 50131

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Well Red Book Club
2025-08-26 18:45 - 19:45 | Pagliai’s Pizza
Event Details Join the Johnston Public Library's Well Red Book Club that meets on the last Tuesday of every month. Join the Well Red Book Club that meets at Pagliai's Pizza in Johnston. Come for the book, come for the conversation, come for a glass of wine or beer. This month's book is It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover.

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Tween Club Read - Maizy Chen's Last Chance
2025-09-02 16:15 - 17:00 | West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
Event DetailsIf you like to read and talk about books (but you’re getting too old for our other book clubs), this club is for you. Join us for discussion and activities related to this month’s book Maizy Chen's Last Chance by Lisa Yee! If you need a copy of the book, please come to the Children’s Desk and check out a book club copy! Registration for this program will begin 8/1/25. Book: Maizy Chen's Last Chance by Lisa Yee West Des Moines and contract city residents: Libby (audio) Contact Info Name: Hailey

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The Smart Money Series: Your Path to Financial Confidence – Be a Savvy Borrower: Navigating the Mortgage Process with Confidence
2025-09-02 18:30 - 19:30 | West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
Events DetailsDo you dream about buying a house but have no idea how you can do it financially? Are you interested in learning how you can boost your credit score to secure a better loan? Come learn how to do that and more in The Smart Money Series. Presented by Kyle Guldenpfennig and Charles Chedester, they will take you through building a strong financial foundation, boosting your credit score, and will even help de-mystify the mortgage process. Tonight's program is September 2 – Be a Savvy Borrower: Navigating the Mortgage Process with Confidence Demystify lending, avoid common mistakes, and understand how to borrow wisely. Contact InfoName: Jen Ohzourk Email: jen.ohzourk@wdm.iowa.gov Phone Number: (515) 222-3413

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Tunes at Twilight
2025-09-11 19:30 - 21:00 | Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Rd. Johnston, IA 50131, IA, 50131, United States
Thursday, September 11, 2025Join us for live music by Damon Dotson on Thursday, September 11, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., presented by The Cork 50131. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy free entertainment on the Yard. Join us for live music by Damon Dotson on Thursday, September 11, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., presented by The Cork 50131. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy free entertainment on the Yard.

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Movies on the Yard: Lilo & Stitch (2025)
2025-09-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Rd. Johnston, IA 50131, IA, 50131, United States
Thursday, September 18, 2025Join us for a free screening of Lilo & Stitch (2025) on the Yard at the Johnston Town Center on Thursday, September 18, following the Johnston Homecoming Parade. Don't forget your blankets or lawn chairs! Experience the final Movie on the Yard. Join us at the Johnston Town Center (6245 Merle Hay Rd.) after the Johnston Homecoming Parade for a special showing of the new live-action Lilo & Stitch movie.

Thursday, September 18: Johnston Homecoming Movie, Lilo & Stitch (2025) Time: The movie will begin following the Johnston Homecoming Parade around dusk. What
to Bring: Grab your blankets, lawn chairs and gather your loved ones
for an outdoor movie experience. Snacks and drinks are welcome, making
it the perfect picnic opportunity! Admission to Movies on the Yard
is completely free, ensuring that everyone in the community can enjoy
this summer's entertainment!

Location:

The Yard at the Johnston Town Center

Address:

6245 Merle Hay Rd.Johnston, IA 50131

Email:

Email Molly with questions!

Cost:
Free!

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He Had a Dream & It Shot Him: Mark Twain and Huck Finn in Post-Civil War America
2025-09-21 14:30 - 15:30 | West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
Event DetailsWe are very happy to welcome Kathy Wilson back to the Library! Most Americans know the name Mark Twain; as children, many of us read Tom Sawyer as well as a few of his more than two dozen other novels and short stories. None of them created controversy, however, like the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. One of his most popular novels, critics consider it to be one of America’s greatest literary works. So, what about the book made it so controversial? Why was Twain’s credibility as an author and humorist called into question when it was published? And perhaps more importantly, for us, why are we still debating the merits of Huck Finn in the 21st Century?

This program investigates how the Civil War, Victorian social attitudes, and Twain’s own experiences combined to provide inspiration for a book that has remained popular – and controversial – for more than 130 years.

This program is co-sponsored by the Jane Austen Society of North America and the West Des Moines Public Library.
Contact Info
Name: Jen Ohzourk

4000 Mills Civic Pkwy
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 222-3400

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Dementia Conversations
2025-09-25 19:00 - 20:00 | West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
Event DetailsCome and learn about how to have honest and caring conversations when someone shows signs of dementia. Topics covered will include: Going to the doctorDeciding when to stop drivingMaking legal and financial plansThis will be given by staff of the Alzheimer's Association.

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English With Friends
2025-09-26 10:00 - 11:00 | West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
Event DetailsJoin us at the West Des Moines Public Library for English with Friends, a welcoming and informal conversation program. Designed for adult English learners of all levels, this free program provides a relaxed space to practice speaking English, build confidence, and make connections with neighbors. Each session features guided conversations on everyday topics, fun group activities, and opportunities to share stories and cultural experiences. Whether you're new to the area or looking to improve your language skills, English with Friends offers a friendly and supportive environment to learn together.

Sessions will be held weekly on Fridays at the library. Contact Caryn at caryn@hopetoshineia.org or ‪(515) 423-0043 for more information.

Upcoming English With Friends sessions

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Family Storytime with special guests from WDM Fire Department
2025-09-26 10:30 - 11:30 | West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
Event DetailsJoin us in the Community Room for this special class featuring stories, songs, and rhymes with some firefighters from our West Des Moines Fire Department. After storytime, the firefighters will demonstrate how they get ready to fight fires and help us stay safe. They will also have a fire truck on display for us to see! You can end the storytime with a craft and play time! For ages 2-6 w/adult. Name: Youth Services Department

Email: youthservices@wdm.iowa.gov
Phone Number: (515) 222-3405
Presenter: Amy

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Johnston Farmers Market
2025-09-30 16:00 - 19:00 | Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Rd. Johnston, IA 50131, IA, 50131, United States
Event Details
Visit the Johnston Farmers Market every Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., June 3 through September 30, at the Johnston Town Center.
Visit the Johnston Farmers Market every Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. June 3 through September 30 at the Johnston Town Center. Shop local produce, fresh baked goods, unique crafts and more! Enjoy free live music every week on the Yard.

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Contact:
515-727-8091

Email:
Email Molly with questions!

Learn more about the Johnston Farmers Market here!

National Coffee with a Cop Day
2025-10-01 08:00 - 09:30 | IA
Wednesday, October 1, 2025Join the Johnston Police officers at Panera Bread, 5525 Merle Hay Rd., for National Coffee with a Cop Day, from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. Officers will be handing out free coffee, and you have a chance to visit with officers in a casual setting.

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Date:
October 1, 2025

Time:

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Location:

Panera Bread

Address:

5525 Merle Hay Rd., Suite 100Johnston, IA 50131

Electronics Recycling Event
2025-10-04 10:00 - 14:00 | Johnston City Hall
Saturday, October 4, 2025 We are excited to announce a partnership with Electronic Asset Security for an easy electronics recycling event on Saturday, October 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Johnston City Hall East Parking Lot. All general electronics can be recycled for free, but please note that there are exceptions for CRTs, televisions, and certain batteries. To find out more about pricing and what items are accepted, please visit Electronic Asset Security's website. They are Iowa's only R2v3 certified recycler, ensuring that all electronics are securely processed.

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Yoga by the Lake
2025-10-11 08:00 - 09:00 | Johnston Terra Park
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Join us for Yoga by the Lake on Saturday mornings from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. at the Terra Park Amphitheater. This class is taught by a licensed yoga instructor and is free to attend.

Address: 6400 Pioneer ParkwayJohnston, IA 50131 Email: Email Molly with questions!

Cost: Free Link: Learn more here!

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Trick-or-Treat with First Responders
2025-10-22 17:30 - 19:00 | Fire Station 38
Wednesday, October 22, 2025Join the Johnston Police Department and the Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire District for Trick-or-Treat with First Responders on Wednesday, October 22, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 p.m. at Fire Station 38, 10225 NW 62nd Avenue.

Join the Johnston Police Department and the Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire District for "Trick-or-Treat with First Responders" on Wednesday, October 22, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Our first responders will be visiting with families at Fire Station 38, located at 10225 NW 62nd Avenue. After visiting with the first responders, head over to The Bridge Church to enjoy even more treats. They will have activities for kids, along with a Trunk-or-Treat event featuring residents and businesses that decorate their vehicles. Don’t miss out on this fun opportunity!

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Drug Take Back Day
2025-10-25 10:00 - 14:00 | Johnston Public Safety Building
Saturday, October 25, 2025Unused or unwanted prescription drugs can be dropped off at the Johnston Public Safety Building, located at 6373 Merle Hay Road, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Please note that liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes, other sharps, and illegal drugs will not be accepted.

If your fall cleaning list includes clearing out the medicine cabinet, this event is perfect for you. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA’s) National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient and confidential way of disposing of prescription drugs while educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.

The Johnston Public Safety Building at 6373 Merle Hay Road is offering a drop-off on Saturday, October 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to accept expired, unwanted, and unused prescription medications. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs will not be accepted. The service is free and anonymous, with no questions asked.
The DEA will accept vaping devices and cartridges at its drop-off locations, provided lithium batteries are removed.
Helping people dispose of potentially harmful prescription drugs is just one way the DEA is working to reduce addiction and stem overdose deaths.

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Clothespin Play
2025-10-28 10:30 - 23:30 | Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Rd Johnston, IA 50131, Johnston, IA, 50131, United States
Event Details Little hands can do BIG things! Come play and build those fine motor skills! Clothespin Play is an engaging program designed to promote the development of fine motor skills in children aged 2 to 4. Through creative and playful activities using clothespins, young learners will enhance their dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive abilities while having a blast.

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Nevermore: A Night of Poe and Craft
2025-10-28 19:00 - 20:30 | West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
Event Details
Join us for a hauntingly creative evening as we celebrate Edgar Allan Poe’s iconic poem “The Raven” along with a few other selections from his body of work. Library staff will do dramatic readings of selections, culminating with the poem, setting the tone for a night of mystery, melancholy, and artistic inspiration. As you listen to the rhythmic verses and gothic imagery, you’ll craft your own raven-themed necklace or bracelet using provided materials.

This adult-only program is perfect for poetry lovers, crafters, and fans of the macabre. All materials will be supplied, and no crafting experience is necessary. Let the words of Poe inspire your creativity—nevermore will you look at poetry or jewelry the same way! Registration requested, please.
West Des Moines Public Library
4000 Mills Civic Pkwy
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 222-3400
See map: Google Maps
Contact Info
Name: Jen Ohzourk or Amy Scherer
Phone Number: (515) 222-3403

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