Arts & Entertainment

Beginners and experienced adventurers welcome! Bring a character or use one of our premade characters. We will meet monthly. Registration at johnstonlibrary.com/events is required. If you register for this event, you will be automatically registered for all of the following events in the series.

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.

Test your skills! Prizes and bragging rights for the winners. Tournaments held every Wednesday. 6th grade and up.

Join JPL's Anime Club each week for Japanese snacks, anime trivia, and art projects! All fans welcome! Registration is not required, but you will receive reminder emails about meetings if you register at johnstonlibrary.com/events.

Join us for a Dragon Ball FighterZ throwdown every Thursday in the Teen Space! Choose a team of three fighters from the game’s 44 characters and battle it out to become the champion! The tournament will be a one-round, single-elimination tournament using the Nintendo Switch version of the game.

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.

Test your skills! Prizes and bragging rights for the winners. Tournaments held every Wednesday. 6th grade and up.

Join JPL's Anime Club each week for Japanese snacks, anime trivia, and art projects! All fans welcome! Registration is not required, but you will receive reminder emails about meetings if you register at johnstonlibrary.com/events.

Join us for a Dragon Ball FighterZ throwdown every Thursday in the Teen Space! Choose a team of three fighters from the game’s 44 characters and battle it out to become the champion! The tournament will be a one-round, single-elimination tournament using the Nintendo Switch version of the game.

Discover how to transform raw canvas into a captivating work of art in this hands-on class designed for all skill levels. You’ll learn to create dynamic abstract backgrounds using watered-down acrylics, layering techniques, and textural elements like modeling paste on the unique surface of canvas.

Make your own zines, design custom buttons, and screen print shirts or bags with one of four bold, library-loving designs. We’ll be printing with white ink, so bring a dark-colored shirt or tote bag. A limited number of bags will be available if you don’t have your own. JPL summer reading kicks off!

We are offering accelerated piano and guitar lessons for the summer! Our accredited program is called Straight Shot, because lessons occur twice a week so students can achieve more during the summer months. Beginner guitar lessons are for ages 10-15, and beginner piano lessons are for ages 6-17.

Whether you're brand new to crochet or already working on a project, this is your space to learn, create, and connect. We'll cover the basics—including how to make a classic granny square—and offer help with whatever you're stitching. Registration required at johnstonlibrary.com/events.

This is an ongoing campaign, so participants should be entering 8th grade or above and able to attend most of the sessions. We will have dice and pre-made character sheets available for those who need them. Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events to sign up for the 5-week campaign.

We will have hands-on art projects that will spark learning and discovery for kids in K-5 as well as a snack! 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.

Hunt for hidden power-ups in our real-life scavenger quest, make a pixel art candy snack, create your own potion vial necklace, play epic games for fabulous prizes, sign up for our Summer Reading Challenge, and MORE! Your summer fun starts here! Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events.

Drop by the teen space for a fun afternoon of Jackbox Games. Jackbox is a collection of interactive party games you play using your phone or other device as a controller. You’ll need a phone, tablet, or other device to join in - the library has devices you can borrow. Register at johnstonlibrary.com

Explore the excitement and histories of rare coins and currency collecting. Members of Des Moines Coin Club will be available with various numismatic items on display to encourage and answer questions people may have regarding this hobby. All ages welcome, drop in between 9am-12pm.

All levels of experience are welcome! We will host four sessions this summer - June 5 & 19 and July 3 & 17. We'll be playing a different one-shot adventure each time. Bring a character or use one of our premade characters. Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events for each separate session.

Ready for an after school treat? Kids can join our monthly cooking class to learn basic cooking skills and practice following a recipe. Registration is required at johnstonlibrary.com/events. This month, we are making lemonade from scratch! Children ages 8 & under must be accompanied by an adult.

Level-Up your Summer Reading Challenge lanyard flair with a DIY Perler Bead Keychain! Create your own, or choose from our collection of 8-Bit designs of your favorite characters, game icons, and more while supplies last! Children ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult for this program.

Join us every Friday in June for a Jack Black movie. This week, we're watching Jumanji - rated PG-13. We'll use MuVChat, an online platform that allows you to post your comments about the movie directly on the screen, and snacks will be served. Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events.

Join anglers from Trout Unlimited North Bear Chapter to try your hand at fly tying and casting a fly rod at the library pond. Fly rods and fly tying materials will be provided to use during the class. Kids 10+ may attend with a parent. Registration required at johnstonlibrary.com/events.

Whether you're brand new to crochet or already working on a project, this is your space to learn, create, and connect. We'll cover the basics—including how to make a classic granny square—and offer help with whatever you're stitching. Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events.

This is an ongoing campaign, so participants should be entering 8th grade or above and able to attend most of the sessions. We will have dice and pre-made character sheets available for those who need them. Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events to sign up for the 5-week campaign.

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 at johnstonlibrary.com/events.

Relax with a yoga class for kids and their families presented by Happy Heart Yoga. Feel free to bring your blankets and a towel/yoga mat. We will have some available if you don't have one. Registration required at johnstonlibrary.com/events. Children ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Bring your creativity to the table and turn cupcakes into edible works of art! A professional baker will guide you through techniques to help you decorate stunning creations. Register @ johnstonlibrary.com/events. Food may contain allergens. Contact library staff with allergies or diet restrictions.

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!

Jackbox is a collection of interactive party games you play using your phone or other device as a controller. You’ll need a phone, tablet, or other device to join in, but don’t worry—the library has devices you can borrow if you don't have one. Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events.

We will be meshing and mixing wool and felt into fuzzy flowers! This is a messy program, so make sure to dress appropriately. Grades 3-5. Registration is required at johnstonpubliclibrary.com/events.

Rock out with us at Girls Rock! Des Moines! Rock camp is a two week day camp experience where campers form bands, learn an instrument, play and write music, attend educational workshops, enjoy performances, and perform in a showcase at the end of camp! June rock camp is from 6/16-6/29 this year.

Kick off summer at JPL with Absolute Science and their giant foam cannon. It’s messy, wet, and tons of fun—perfect for all ages. Dress to get soaked! No registration required. Children ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.

Join us every Friday in June for a Jack Black movie. We'll use MuVChat, an online platform that allows you to post your comments about the movie directly on the screen, and snacks will be served. This week, we're watching Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023). Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events.

Pop-up Games will be turning our meeting room into a mini-golf course! Drop in any time from 10am-4pm and play with your family. This event is for kids in elementary school, but everyone in the family can play. No registration required. Please arrive before 3:30pm in order to complete the course.

The annual Drake University Voice Intensive (DUVI) is a summertime camp designed for young singers ages 14+ to develop their voices and build confidence in performing and auditioning.

Local author Tiffany Lauer will be bringing the star of her picture book series, Elvis the Pony, to JPL for a special event full of stories, pets, and animal facts. This event will be outside, so please dress appropriately and feel free to bring blankets or lawn chairs.

Local author Tiffany Lauer will be bringing the star of her picture book series, Elvis the Pony, to JPL for a special event full of stories, pets, and animal facts. This event will be outside, so please dress appropriately and feel free to bring blankets or lawn chairs.

Whether you're brand new to crochet or already working on a project, this is your space to learn, create, and connect. We'll cover the basics—including how to make a classic granny square—and offer help with whatever you're stitching. Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events.

Visit us at various parks throughout Johnston this summer, weather permitting. Create a fun craft, explore different activities, and participate in our Summer Library Program and earn prizes!

Join us for a high-stakes afternoon of mystery, mayhem, and mustaches as the Mushroom Kingdom turns deadly in this live-action murder mystery event! Someone has murdered Mario, and it's up to you to find the culprit. You can play a part or attend as an investigator. Register at johnstonlibrary.com.

Try some basic moves from different dance styles, learn a little history behind dance, and watch short performances from the Yaro Dance Company. Dancers will be there to show off their shoes and costumes and talk about their love of dance! Presentation led by Ami Yaro from Iowa Ballet Academy.

Jackbox is a collection of interactive party games you play using your phone or other device as a controller. You’ll need a phone, tablet, or other device to join in, but don’t worry—the library has devices you can borrow if you don’t have one. Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events.

We will host four sessions this summer - June 5 & 19 and July 3 & 17. Come to one, or join us for all four! We'll be playing a different one-shot adventure each time. Bring a character or use one of our premade characters. Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events for each session.

Duke Otherwise is a playful wordsmith, a spirited performer, a skilled guitarist and captivating tap-dancer. Using his distinct baritone, he sings his hilarious and imaginative songs that all ages will delight in together. His energetic live show is outrageous fun for all ages!

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. Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events.

Kindermusik is a German phrase that translates to “children’s music”. The program aims to help children learn and grow through music-making during the years when their brains are most critical for development. Children will explore music through instruments, movement, singing, and play.

First we mine, then we craft, then we play BINGO! Win prizes in this Minecraft themed BINGO for kids in grades K-5. Registration required at johnstonlibrary.com/events. Children ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult for this program. Drop offs will not be permitted.

Join us every Friday in June for a Jack Black Movie. We'll use MuVChat, an online platform that allows you to post your comments about the movie directly on the screen, and snacks will be served. This week, we're watching School of Rock -- rated PG-13. Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events.

Mark your calendars for our 10 year reunion! The day of our event, Saturday, June 21, falls during the Johnston Green Days Festival. Please invite as many folks as you know! Visit the Facebook page for more! https://www.facebook.com/share/1AVcs3twyC/

Whether you're brand new to crochet or already working on a project, this is your space to learn, create, and connect. We'll cover the basics—including how to make a classic granny square—and offer help with whatever you're stitching. Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events.

This is an ongoing campaign, so participants should be entering 8th grade or above and able to attend most of the sessions. We will have dice and pre-made character sheets available for those who need them. Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events to sign up for the 5-week campaign.

In this yummy storytime, we will be taste-testing foods and reading stories about how they are made. This month, we will local author Erin Danielle Russell who will be coming to read her book Seoul Food. She will be bringing a Korean and Southern fusion dish. Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events.

Visit us at various parks throughout Johnston this summer, weather permitting. Create a fun craft, explore different activities, and participate in our Summer Library Program and earn prizes!

Watch Detective Pikachu, snack on some treats, and race to finish a 300-piece Pokémon puzzle before the credits roll. First team to finish takes home a fabulous prize! Snacks, prizes, and a race to the finish--may the best puzzlers win! Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events.

Jackbox is a collection of interactive party games you play using your phone or other device as a controller. You’ll need a phone, tablet, or other device to join in, but don’t worry—the library has devices you can borrow if you don’t have one. Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events.

A teaching artist from ASAP (After School Arts Program) will lead this intro to breaking (breakdancing). Learn all the basic moves and have fun putting them together to show your own individuality and self-expression. Registration required at johnstonlibrary.com/events.

A teaching artist from ASAP will lead this intro to breaking. Learn all the basic moves and have fun putting them together to show your own individuality and self-expression. This session is for kids in 6th grade and up. Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events.

Game on! We will be doing a Mario Kart and Super Smash Brothers Tournament for kids! There will be snacks and more fun for gamers galore. Registration is required at johnstonlibrary.com/events. Grades 2-5.

Join us every Friday in June for a Jack Black movie. We'll use MuVChat, an online platform that allows you to post your comments about the movie directly on the screen, and snacks will be served. This week, we're watching Kung Fu Panda. Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events.

On your mark...get set...wiggle! Cheer on your worm and we will see who is the first to squirm across the finish line. There is no registration for this program. Recommended for ages 6-10, but siblings may also attend. Children ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult for this program.

Do you want to learn how to record music? Do you want to learn how to produce music? Join us at GR!T Camp from 7/7-7/18! GR!T offers youth a unique experiential learning opportunity in recording artistry, audio engineering, audio technology, and production through working with an actual record label

Rock out with us at Girls Rock! Des Moines! Rock camp is a two week day camp experience where campers form bands, learn an instrument, play and write music, attend educational workshops, enjoy performances, and perform in a showcase at the end of camp! June rock camp is from 7/21-8/3 this year.

Travel around the world through movies! Earn a new stamp for your passport each day as we watch a movie from a different country then explore that country’s culture through fun activities. Campers will receive a free t-shirt, plus a light snack each day, including movie theater popcorn on Friday.

Singers who have finished grade K through 8 will enjoy five days of singing and fun that ends with a musical performance! Participants will experience choir rehearsals, musicianship, sectional rehearsals, and movement activities.

Singers who have finished grade K through 8 will enjoy five days of singing and fun that ends with a musical performance! Participants will experience choir rehearsals, musicianship, sectional rehearsals, and movement activities.

Arrow Academy of Music's School Year session begins the week of August 17th! We offer accredited in-person and online piano lessons for ages 6-17, and guitar lessons for ages 10-17 all from our studio in Urbandale. Attend a free trial lesson to get started!