Category: All-Library News

Please send Riddhi an email at

sheth@johnstonlibrary.com if you are not able to turn in your time sheet by this day and time.

Andrew is a cellist in the Des Moines Symphony and will be playing Masterworks 1 in a few weeks.  We are playing “Lightspeed,” by Kevin Day, Beethoven’s 5th Piano Concerto (nicknamed “Emperor”) with Olga Kern as soloist, and Anton Bruckner’s 7th Symphony.  The concerts will take place September 28th at 7:30 PM, and September 29th at 2:30 PM at the Civic Center in downtown Des Moines.  Below is a link for purchasing tickets:

https://www.dmsymphony.org/concerts-events/season-debut-the-emperor/

We no longer receive the physical copy of the New York Times Newspaper. Old copies of the NY Times will be withdrawn in the next couple of weeks. Should you have patrons inquire, please let them know they can access the NY Times at johnstonlibrary.com  *for free* under the Research menu.
Thanks! Ask Beth if you have questions about accessing the NY Times as a digital resource.

Please send Riddhi an email at

sheth@johnstonlibrary.com if you are not able to turn in your time sheet by this day and time.

Thanks to everyone who has been diligent about entering library card information carefully in Polaris now that there’s no driver’s license scanner to rely on!

Here are some quick refreshers to keep the process running smoothly:

1. All information on the library card application should be put into Polaris. For example, if the patron wants email notification, it is still important to enter the phone number in Polaris if he or she provides one.
2. Always check to make sure that the patron doesn’t already have a library card. You can ask patrons if they’ve ever had a card here before, but the surest way to guarantee they don’t is to search for their name in Polaris before starting to make a new card.
3. Remember to include any unit or apartment numbers in an address. Most of the returned mail from provisional cards is due to a lack of an apartment number.
4. Please fill out a blue PAC Registration form when helping a patron complete an online registration. This assures that the information provided online is double-checked and multiple cards aren’t issued.
5. Please indicate whether a patron wants email or text notification (or both) on the application form by circling the correct one(s) if the patron doesn’t. Because the form doesn’t directly ask patrons what kind of notification they’d like, many patrons don’t circle either option but enter their phone carrier because there’s a blank line there. If a patron doesn’t indicate what he or she would like on the application, please ask and circle it yourself.

Let me know if you have any questions about the above or anything else related to making library cards.

Our All Staff Meeting is scheduled on Sunday, September 22 from 11am-12:45pm.

11:00-11:30am Social Time

11:30-12:45 Staff Meeting

If the first session doesn’t sound like your thing – you are not required to attend, but we would love to have you there! Both sessions will be paid.

Hey all,
Please join us to celebrate Peg’s retirement with treats in the breakroom this Friday, September 13. Peg will be in the breakroom from noon to 1:30 for those that want to pop in.
For interested parties, we’ll also meet up at Backpocket in Johnston after the library closes around 6pm.
Thanks! See Beth if you have questions.

In previous years, the Polk County Health Department has offered community flu vaccination clinics at various locations (schools, churches, etc.).  After reviewing data, Polk County has decided to focus on the most vulnerable and underserved populations by providing Flu and COVID vaccination clinics at the Polk County Health Department during extended evening and weekend hours.

Once vaccine becomes available, individuals interested in being vaccinated may call 515-286-3798 to make an appointment at the Polk County Health Department.  Walk-in’s will be taken as timing allows.  The extended vaccination hours are:

• • Thursday evenings September 19 thru October 31, 2024 until 7:00 p.m.
  • Saturday mornings from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on September 28, October 5 and 19, 2024.

Polk County Health Department has purchased DART passes for those who may need transportation to obtain a flu vaccine.  These individuals would need to call (515-286-3798) PCHD to schedule an appointment for the Flu vaccination and inform staff that they are in need to transportation assistance which will prompt PCHD to mail them a pass.  Please ask Beth if you have questions.

September is Hunger Action Month, Feeding America network’s annual nationwide campaign designed to inspire people to take action and raise awareness about food insecurity. I have program handouts and calendar events calling out Hunger Action Month encouraging people to donate food to JPL.
This is not Food for Fines. There is not fine waiving for donating–that happens during National Library Week in the spring.
The paper handouts have a most-needed at the Johnston Partnership shopping list that includes the following:

• Peanut Butter
• Hot or Cold Cereal
• White Rice
• Canned Fruit in its own juice
• Baby Food & Formula (can’t be expired)
• Pet Food
• Laundry Detergent
• Toilet Paper
• Deodorant
• Bar Soap
• Diapers & Pull-ups
• Feminine Hygiene Products

When people bring in food or personal health items, please put them in the plastic bin under the Circ Desk behind self-checkout where we normally put donated food items. I will keep my eye on the bin and will run items to the Partnership as needed. Please ask me if you have questions. Thanks!

Please send Riddhi an email at sheth@johnstonlibrary.com if you are not able to turn in your time sheet by this day and time. “Please remember that the library will be closed on September 2nd and make sure to update your timesheet accordingly.”

Thank you!

It’s almost time to celebrate!

We’re just one week away from our annual Employee Appreciation Tailgate and everyone is invited to join the fun! Mark your calendars for Friday, September 6, at noon on the City Hall patio.

The Employee Engagement Committee has been working hard to make this year’s event one to remember. We will have Flame Taqueria catering again, serving up a taco and burger bar. We’ll have a bags tournament (sign up during lunch, solo or with a partner), BINGO with prizes, volleyball and other yard games. Come show off your team spirit and celebrate your fellow City of Johnston teammates.

What this means for JPL Staff: The library will close at noon to allow all staff to attend without worrying about desk coverage. This is a work event and any staff who choose to attend will be paid for the time they spend at the event. If you are scheduled to work that day and you do not wish to attend the party, you may work your regular shift at the library (your manager can provide tasks if you need something to do), take PTO, or, if you do not earn PTO, you may take unpaid time off. Please see your manager with any questions.

Hello All,
Art in the Barn 2024 Artist Registration is full. Should you receive phone calls or emails about exhibiting artists who are interested in participating, please let them know that we have reached capacity for artist registration this year.
If artists are interested in participating in future years, I can add their email to a list that will be sent out for the artist call in future years. If an artist is interested in potentially exhibiting in coming years, please take their name and email, and send it to me at stevens@johnstonlibrary.com.

Tickets are absolutely still available for individuals who would like to come to Art in the Barn as an attendee. Tickets for attendees are available in person at JPL, online at www.johnstonlibrary.com/art-in-the-barn or at the door on the night of the event (October 18, 2024).
Thanks! Ask Beth if you have questions.

Don’t forget about the staff end of summer party tomorrow from 6-10 PM at the Bricktowne Johnston community room located at 6450 Merle Hay Rd. in Johnston.  The community room is in the building behind the apartment building facing Merle Hay, and you will have to enter through the south door.  If it’s locked or if you have other questions, please text Andrew at 402-730-7668.  Please feel free to bring snacks, desserts, appetizers, etc., and games or puzzles.  If you bring something hot, be sure to bring pot holders for handling and placing on the counter.  You will also need to bring serving spoons if necessary.  Each staff member plus one guest is invited, and I hope you all can join the fun!

As most of you know, Andrew is a cellist in the Des Moines Symphony.  He will be playing 2 free concerts Labor Day weekend at Waterworks Park in south Des Moines.  August 31st at 7:30 PM will feature Michael Cavanaugh performing music of Billy Joel, and September 1st will feature dance music.  I hope you all can come and take advantage of this opportunity as being able to see the symphony for free is a rare opportunity.

https://www.dmsymphony.org/concerts-events/the-music-of-billy-joel/

https://www.dmsymphony.org/concerts-events/dance-away-with-me/

End of summer party for JPL staff is next Saturday the 24th from 6-10 PM at the Bricktowne Johnston Community Room on 6450 Merle Hay Rd.  Beverages, cups, plates, napkins, and silverware will be provided, and please feel free to bring a snack or dessert to share since this is a potluck.  If you are bringing something to eat, please be sure to bring potholders, serving spoons, and other materials necessary for serving and setting things on the counter.  Also, please feel free to bring puzzles and/or games to play.  When you arrive, please call or text Andrew at 402-730-7668 so he can let you in, and please let him know if you have questions.

Each staff member plus one guest is invited to attend.

Please send Riddhi an email at sheth@johnstonlibarary.com if you are not able to turn in your time sheet by this day and time.

Kids 14 and older can use the PCs near the Public Services Desk and many of our kiddos are now eligible to use those computers.

If noise or crowding becomes an issue, here are some things you can suggest or implement:

• One person per computer
• Remind users that the PS computers are primarily used for tasks like work or filling out applications.
• Remind patrons of their noise levels
• Encourage them to use the Youth Computer Lounge if they want to use the PCs in a more collaborative way

Behavior reminders: Patrons receive two warnings for disruptive behavior (e.g., noise). On the third reminder, they will be asked to leave the library for the day.

Monday and Thursday night English language classes will continue through August. Classes will not be held in September and October.

An 8.5 x 11 flyer is available at the Reference Desk with a visual calendar to give to current and potential students.

Art in the Barn call for artists is now being highlighted on the homepage of www.johnstonlibrary.com. The fee for artists to register to exhibit their work at the Johnston Public Library Foundation Art in the Barn event is $25.00 (+$3.52 for the Eventbrite ticket site hosting fee–this is calculated automatically when people register through our website.) All artist registration sign-ups need to go through our website. If an artist is having trouble registering, you can help them sign up through the website, or direct them to Beth.

Tickets for Art In the Barn attendees are now also available for purchase online through our website (also will include the $3.52 ticket hosting fee) or from the black binder at the Circ Desk by the magazine checkout holder thingies. Attendee tickets purchased in person at the library are $25 each and can be paid via cash, check, or credit card (use the book sale iPad as the sale is for the Johnston Public Library Foundation).

When using the Foundation iPad to help a patron purchase tickets in person, please use the Art in the Barn ticket button (similar to the paperback or AV book sale buttons). Make sure to write the person’s name in the black binder and give them a paper ticket.

Art in the Barn is Friday, October 18th from 5:30pm-8:30pm. More information about the event is available at www.johnstonlibrary.com/art-in-the-barn.

Thanks!