Family Storytime
2026-04-15 10:30 - 11:30 UTC | 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 in the Community Room for this class featuring stories, songs, and rhymes followed by gross and fine motor play all with an early literacy focus! For ages 2-6 w/adult.

West Des Moines Public Library
4000 Mills Civic Pkwy
West Des Moines, IA 50265

(515) 222-3400

Contact Info
Name: Youth Services Department
Email: youthservices@wdm.iowa.gov
Phone Number: (515) 222-3405
Presenter: Amy

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Teen Mario Kart Tournament
2026-04-22 16:00 - 16:30 | 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. This is a drop-in program - no registration necessary. Tournaments happen every Wednesday.

Johnston Public Library

6700 Merle Hay Rd
Johnston, IA 50131
(515) 278-5233
See map: Google Maps
Contact Info
Name: Jessica Young
Email: young@johnstonlibrary.org
Phone Number: (515) 278-5233

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Discover the Night Flyers of Iowa
2026-04-23 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 Details

Join us for a fascinating journey into the world of bats! Learn about these mysterious and misunderstood creatures—their unique adaptations, vital role in ecosystems, and the myths that surround them. Iowa Wildlife Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in central Iowa with a mission to provide professional rehabilitation of native wildlife, provide conservation education, and wildlife assistance skills training. Bats are one of IWC’s specialty species, admitting over 100 bat patients (roughly 1/3rd of all patients) each year in rehabilitation. IWC will teach about the different types of bats found in Iowa, roles bats play in Iowa and beyond, our rehabilitation approach, conservation protection and how you can help! You will also meet one of their ambassador bats and learn about our annual bat release in May.

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
Email: jen.ohzourk@wdm.iowa.gov
Phone Number: (515) 222-3403

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Pokémon Kids Club
2026-04-27 16:00 - 17:00 | Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Rd Johnston, IA 50131, Johnston, IA, 50131, United States
Event Details
Grab a Pokéball and head to the library! Whether you like the show, the comics, or the card game, this is a program for Pokémon fans! We will allow for card trading at this program, but we ask that kids come to the class with their cards in a case or box with their name on it. Registration is required. Grades 3-5. Note: Johnston Public Library and its staff are not responsible for loss or damage to any cards that are brought to this event. All trades must be agreed upon by both parties, but our staff do not know the value of different cards, so it will be up to the kids to decide if the trade is fair. We recommend that parents/guardians be aware of what cards their child is bringing.

Johnston Public Library
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Johnston, IA 50131
(515) 278-5233
See map: Google Maps

Contact Info
Name: Sheila Olson
Email: olson@johnstonlibrary.org

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Star Wars Day Party
2026-05-04 18:30 - 19:30 | Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Rd Johnston, IA 50131, Johnston, IA, 50131, United States
Event Details May the Fourth be with you! Celebrate the most wonderful day of the year with other Star Wars fans! Pour yourself a glass of Yoda Soda and hang out with us for Kahoot Trivia and other Star Wars activities. The Force is strong in this event. Don't miss it! For kids in 6th grade and up. Registration is appreciated for planning purposes.

Johnston Public Library
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Johnston, IA 50131
(515) 278-5233
See map: Google Maps

Contact Info
Name: Jessica Young
Email: young@johnstonlibrary.org
Phone Number: (515) 278-5233

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Thursday Night Book Club
2026-05-14 18:30 - 19:30 | Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Rd Johnston, IA 50131, Johnston, IA, 50131, United States
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 Busybody Book Club by Freya Sampson.
Johnston Public Library

6700 Merle Hay Rd
Johnston, IA 50131
(515) 278-5233
See map: Google Maps

Contact Info
Name: Beth
Email: stevens@johnstonlibrary.com
Phone Number: (515) 278-5233 ext. 3

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VolunTEENS
2026-05-16 14:00 - 17:00 | Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Rd Johnston, IA 50131, Johnston, IA, 50131, United States
Event Details
Are you a student in 8th through 12th grade looking to make a difference in your community? Join our VolunTEEN program at JPL! On the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month, from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m., you can volunteer to help with tasks that support our youth events. Volunteers will help prepare crafts and activities for library programs and assist with various tasks throughout the library. If you register once for this program, you will be added to the 25-26 school year's VolunTEEN list. This allows you to attend this and other VolunTEEN Saturdays this school year. You will also receive email reminders about upcoming volunteer times and additional volunteer opportunities at the library!

Johnston Public Library
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Johnston, IA 50131
(515) 278-5233
See map: Google Maps
Contact Info
Name: Jessica Young
Email: young@johnstonlibrary.org
Phone Number: (515) 278-5233

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Powerful Tools for Caregivers
2026-05-19 18:00 - 19:00 | 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 Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a six-session series designed to help you care for yourself while caring for someone else. This evidence-based program provides practical skills and strategies to reduce stress, improve self-care, and enhance your ability to support your loved one. By prioritizing your own health and well-being, you become a stronger, more effective caregiver. These sessions are provided by Virginia Atwell, Family Wellbeing Educator and Morgan Newell, Health and Human Services Educator; Iowa State University Extension Format- 6 sessions (attendance at all sessions is strongly encouraged, as each builds on the previous one) Registration is required.

West Des Moines Public Library
4000 Mills Civic Pkwy
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 222-3400
See map: Google Maps
Contact Info
Name: Adult Services / Jen Ohzourk
Email: library@wdm.iowa.gov
Phone Number: (515) 222-3403
Presenter: Virginia Atwell and Morgan Newell

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Adult Craft Day - Beaded Bracelet
2026-05-22 10:00 - 11:30 | West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
Event DetailsEnjoy a relaxing craft time just for adults! Join us for a fun and simple craft where you’ll be shown the steps and given hands on help as you create a unique item to take home. All materials are provided, and the program is free! Registration is required and begins Friday, May 1 at 9:00am. Note: Thurs., May 21 Adult Craft Night, Fri., May 22 Adult Craft Day, and Sat., May 23 Adult Craft Saturday are the same program. Please only register for one program. Beaded Bracelet - a variety of styles will be available

Check our calendar for future Adult Craft Programs.

This event is designed exclusively for adults to relax, learn, and enjoy. If you're looking for something for the whole family, check our calendar for other options Library Calendar.|
West Des Moines Public Library

4000 Mills Civic Pkwy

West Des Moines,
IA
50265

(515) 222-3400

See map:

Google Maps

Contact Info

Name:

Adult Services

Email:

adultreg@wdm.iowa.gov

Phone Number:

(515) 222-3403

Presenter:

Courtney

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Teen & Adult Summer Volunteer Training
2026-05-27 16:30 - 17:30 | Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Rd Johnston, IA 50131, Johnston, IA, 50131, United States
Event Details We need your help this summer! Volunteers will help distribute summer reading materials and prizes. After attending a training session, volunteers will receive a link to sign up for times to work. You only need to attend ONE training session to be eligible to volunteer. Volunteer shifts for teens will be 2 hours long, between the hours of 10am-4pm Monday through Friday in June and July. Volunteer shifts for adults will be 2 hours long, between 10am-4pm Saturday, and 1-5pm Sunday in June and July. Volunteers must be entering grades 8-12 in the fall, or adults 18+. Registration is required. If you are interested in volunteering but can't make it to any of the training sessions, please contact Beth Schaefer at schaefer@johnstonlibrary.org.

Johnston Public Library

We need your help this summer! Volunteers will help distribute summer reading materials and prizes. After attending a training session, volunteers will receive a link to sign up for times to work. You only need to attend ONE training session to be eligible to volunteer.

Volunteer shifts for teens will be 2 hours long, between the hours of 10am-4pm Monday through Friday in June and July.
Volunteer shifts for adults will be 2 hours long, between 10am-4pm Saturday, and 1-5pm Sunday in June and July.

Volunteers must be entering grades 8-12 in the fall, or adults 18+.

Registration is required. If you are interested in volunteering but can't make it to any of the training sessions, please contact Beth Schaefer at schaefer@johnstonlibrary.org.

Johnston Public Library

6700 Merle Hay Rd
Johnston, IA 50131
(515) 278-5233
See map: Google Maps

Contact Info
Name: Beth Schaefer
Email: schaefer@johnstonlibrary.org
Phone Number: (515) 278-5233

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Kids Graphic Novel Club Read - Plain Jane and the Mermaid
2026-05-28 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
West Des Moines Public LibraryIf you like to read and talk about graphic novels, this club is for you. Join us for discussion and activities related to this month’s book, Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol. If you need a copy of the book, please come to the Children’s Desk and check out a book club copy! We have 15 copies available (while supplies last). If all copies are loaned out, you can still register and find a circulating copy, use a digital version, or borrow from another library. For ages 8-12. Book: Plain Jane and the Mermaid West Des Moines and contract city residents: Libby eBook

West Des Moines Public Library

If you like to read and talk about graphic novels, this club is for you. Join us for discussion and activities related to this month’s book, Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol. If you need a copy of the book, please come to the Children’s Desk and check out a book club copy! We have 15 copies available (while supplies last). If all copies are loaned out, you can still register and find a circulating copy, use a digital version, or borrow from another library. For ages 8-12.

Book: Plain Jane and the Mermaid

West Des Moines and contract city residents: Libby eBook

West Des Moines Public Library

4000 Mills Civic Pkwy
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 222-3400
See map: Google Maps

Contact Info
Name: Youth Services Department
Email: youthservices@wdm.iowa.gov
Phone Number: (515) 222-3405
Presenter: Nate

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Learn to Play Mah Jong
2026-05-30 10:00 - 13:00 | West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, IA 50265, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, United States
Event DetailsProgram description: Curious about Mah Jong? Join us for a hands-on introduction to this classic tile-based game of strategy, skill, and a little bit of luck! Whether you're completely new or just need a refresher, this beginner-friendly program will walk you through the basics of American Mah Jong, including: Understanding the tiles and game setupLearning the rules and how to read the Mah Jong tilesPracticing basic strategies and gameplayPlaying a few rounds with guidanceThis program is provided by The Dealt Hand. All materials will be provided—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to learn! Registration is requested, please. This program is for adults and older teens (ages 16+). Registration opens on 5/1/2026 at 9:00 am.

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
Email: jen.ohzourk@wdm.iowa.gov
Phone Number: (515) 222-3403
Presenter: The Dealt Hand

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Tippi Toes Dance Class
2026-06-03 10:00 - 10:30 | Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Rd Johnston, IA 50131, Johnston, IA, 50131, United States
Event Details It's time to dance! 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. Tippi Toes instructors will keep the music and curriculum moving along in a way that is exciting and engaging for children pre-k through 2nd grade, but siblings can come, too.

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.
Johnston Public Library

6700 Merle Hay Rd
Johnston, IA 50131
(515) 278-5233
See map: Google Maps

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Friday Craft for Kids - Dragonfly Popsicle Sticks
2026-06-05 | 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 fun dragonfly out of pipe cleaners, googly eyes, and popsicle sticks!

West Des Moines Public Library

4000 Mills Civic Pkwy
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 222-3400
See map: Google Maps

Contact Info
Name: Youth Services Department
Email: youthservices@wdm.iowa.gov
Phone Number: (515) 222-3405

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Anime Club
2026-06-11 16:00 - 17:00 | Johnston Public Library, 6700 Merle Hay Rd Johnston, IA 50131, Johnston, IA, 50131, United States
Event Details
Join JPL's Anime Club each week for Japanese snacks, anime trivia, and art projects! All fans welcome! Registration is not required, but it is appreciated for planning purposes. You will receive reminder emails about meetings if you register.

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Johnston Public Library
6700 Merle Hay Rd
Johnston, IA 50131
(515) 278-5233
See map: Google Maps

Contact Info
Name: Jessica Young
Email: young@johnstonlibrary.org
Phone Number: (515) 278-5233
