Arts & Entertainment

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.

Travel back to 1993 for a truly legendary level of weird with the original Super Mario Bros. movie—the live-action version. We’ll watch the movie and use MuVChat to add your live, on-screen reactions. The Library will have devices available to participate. Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events.

Love to doodle, scribble, and sketch? Learn new drawing techniques, practice your art skills, and chill with your friends. Registration at johnstonlibrary.com/events is required for kids in grades 3-5.

See different animals up close and learn about what they eat, where they live and other fun facts! Ambassador Animals that travel with Zoo to You programs are small animals such as small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.

Drop off your favorite stuffed-animal critter for Critter Camp. Your animal will enjoy a fun-filled week at camp. Pick up your stuffed animal on Friday, July 18 and discover what the critters did while they were away at camp.

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 entire 5 week campaign.

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!

Face off against a series of wild food challenges in this boss-level snack competition! Each round brings a new “boss” to beat—spicy, sour, mystery ingredients, and more! Some foods will contain allergens. Please contact staff with allergy and diet restrictions before the program. Register online.

interactive games. Drop by the teen space for a fun afternoon of Jackbox Games, which is a collection of fun interactive party games you play by using your phone or device. 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 h

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.

Test your skills! Prizes and bragging rights for the winners. Tournaments happen every Wednesday - except June 25 & July 9. 6th grade and up.

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 event.

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 at johnstonlibrary.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 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.

Capture the beauty of a sunset on canvas using vibrant acrylics. Bring your own sunset photo or paint what you see in the sky. Guided by artist Kelsey Wilson, you'll explore color blending and brush techniques in a relaxed, creative setting. Supplies included— just bring your vision and let the sky

Your mission begins in a fiery lair where you’ll need sharp eyes, quick thinking, and teamwork to escape. Kids will solve puzzles, discover secret clues, and prove they've got what it takes to fly with the dragons. Register at johnstonlibrary.com/events. Available July 22-24, 2025.

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!

Drop by the teen space for a fun afternoon of Jackbox Games, which is a collection of fun interactive party games you play by using your phone or device. 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.

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.

Test your skills! Prizes and bragging rights for the winners. Tournaments happen every Wednesday - except June 25 & July 9. 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 it is appreciated for planning purposes. You will receive reminder emails about meetings if you 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.

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.

You did it—you hit 500 points in the Summer Reading Challenge, and now it’s time to celebrate in epic style! The library is your playground at this special after-hours event! Registration at johnstonlibrary.com/events and reward ticket required.

You will have 90 minutes to complete a 400 piece puzzle with you and your friends/family. Please register at johnstonlibrary.com/events once for your team and write in your registration how many team members will be participating. Ages 9 and up can participate in this event.

Learn the art of needle-felting! Create beautiful felted wool art as you learn techniques step-by-step in this beginner-friendly workshop. Follow along to create a summer prairie landscape filled with your favorite flowers, or create freely with fluffy, colorful wool!

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 entire 5 week campaign.

Drop by the teen space for a fun afternoon of Jackbox Games, which is a collection of fun interactive party games you play by using your phone or device. 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.

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.

Test your skills! Prizes and bragging rights for the winners. Tournaments happen every Wednesday - except June 25 & July 9. 6th grade and up.

Diamond painting is similar to painting by numbers—you use small, sparkly gems that stick to an adhesive canvas to create a beautiful design. You will create your own image and “paint” using colors of your choice. We’ll provide instructions and ideas to spark your creativity.

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 at johnstonlibrary.com/events.

Diamond painting is similar to painting by numbers—you use small, sparkly gems that stick to an adhesive canvas to create a beautiful design. You will create your own image and “paint” using colors of your choice. We’ll provide instructions and ideas to spark your creativity.

Join us for a calming blend of meditation, gentle yoga, breathwork, and intuitive drawing. Through mindful movement and spontaneous pencil work, you’ll reconnect with your body, quiet your mind, and express yourself freely—no art experience needed.

Learn to draw a realistic still life using charcoal and expressive mark making techniques. You'll create a toned background to enhance contrast, making highlights and shadows more impactful. This class is perfect for building observational skills and exploring dynamic, engaging drawing styles.

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.

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!