The Johnston Brief
Johnston's library sits right on Merle Hay Road, and it's one of the best free resources in town: books and e-books, of course, but also public computers, programs for every age from storytime to anime club, and a card that costs nothing. Here's the address, the hours, and exactly how to get signed up.
The Johnston Public Library is at 6700 Merle Hay Road (515-278-5233). Hours: Mon-Thu 9a-8p, Fri-Sat 9a-5:30p, Sun 1-5p. A card is free for residents of Johnston, contracting communities, and Iowa Open Access towns - apply in person with a photo ID that shows your current address.
The library is on Merle Hay Road near the center of town, a short hop from the Public Safety Building and City Hall. Holiday hours can differ from the regular schedule, so check the library's site before a holiday visit.
If you live in Johnston, a community that contracts with the library, or an Iowa town in the state's Open Access program, a basic card is free. Bring a photo ID that shows your current street address (if your ID doesn't have your address, bring a piece of mail that does). Applicants under 14 need a parent or guardian to sign the application in person. That one card also unlocks e-books, audiobooks and digital magazines through the library's apps. Replacing a lost card costs about $1.
The Johnston library runs free programs for all ages: children's storytimes, book clubs, English conversation groups, teen gaming tournaments and an anime club, a tabletop game club, and more, plus public computers, printing, digital tools like Mango Languages and a free New York Times pass, and reservable meeting rooms. It's a genuinely good rainy-day and after-school spot.
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The Johnston Public Library is open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Holiday hours can differ, so check the library's site before a holiday visit.
The Johnston Public Library is at 6700 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA 50131. The phone number is 515-278-5233.
A library card is free for residents of Johnston, of communities that contract with the library, and of Iowa cities that take part in the state's Open Access program. Adults need a photo ID showing a current address, and applicants under 14 need a parent or guardian to sign in person.
Yes. A basic library card and the library's core services are free for eligible Iowa residents. There is a small fee (about $1) to replace a lost card.
The Johnston Public Library runs free programs for all ages, including children's storytimes, book clubs, English conversation groups, teen gaming and anime clubs, and a tabletop game club, plus e-books, audiobooks, magazines, public computers, and reservable meeting rooms.
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