From the Foundation Board
We’d like to thank you, our donors and supporters, for your generous support and another successful year.
The mission of the Johnston Public Library Foundation is “to enhance and improve the Johnston Public Library.” Board members–our neighbors, business and community leaders–work to generate community support for collection development, programs, and technology and building initiatives that are beyond the means of the Library’s operating budget.
In 2023 the Library Foundation invested funds to support children’s Summer Reading programming, new patio furniture at JPL, an outdoor musical garden, and branded book bag prizes for the year-long Ultimate Reading Challenge for Adults.
Your generous gifts have made these projects possible. Thank you. We have more big plans for the coming year and hope we can count on your continued support.
Make a Tax-Deductible Donation Online
Rather mail your donation? Please make your check payable to the Johnston Public Library Foundation and mail it to 6700 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA 50131.
About the Johnston Public Library Foundation
The mission of the Johnston Public Library Foundation is “to enhance and improve the Johnston Public Library.” Board members–our neighbors, business and community leaders–work to generate community support for collection development, programs, and builditechnology initiatives that are beyond the means of the library’s operating budget.
The Foundation’s Recent Projects
New JPL Patio Furniture
The Johnston Public Library Foundation donated funds for the purchase of 5 new patio tables with chairs for the outdoor patio to the west of JPL. This new furniture will allow shaded space for patrons to enjoy reading, eating a meal outdoors, or just hanging out after a trip to the library. With the addition of movable patio furniture, this space will also be able to be utilized for children’s and adult library programming.
Musical Garden
JPL is excited to add an outdoor Musical Garden, thanks in part to the generous financial contributions from the Johnston Public Library Foundation. The outdoor Musical Garden is in memoriam of Kinney Carnahan, longime head of the Library’s Youth Services Department. Kinney’s passion for children, teens and families in our community was matched only by her love of music. These outdoor instruments located to the west of the library can be effortlessly played and enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.
LinkedIn Learning
Thanks to the Johnston Public Library Foundation, your Johnston Public Library card now gets you access to thousands of professionally produced tutorial videos from LinkedInfor learning business, software, technology, and creative skills. LinkedIn Learning includes complete courses for all skill levels on topics like game design, podcast production, app building, animation, photo editing, and web development. Check it out at www.johnstonlibrary.com/research/linked-in-learning
1,000 Activities Before Kindergarten
The Library is helping preschoolers sing, talk, read, write, and play their way to kindergarten with the new 1,000 Activities Before Kindergarten program. The program encourages parents and caregivers to complete 1,000 early literacy activities with their child before he or she reaches kindergarten.
Participants start by picking up a kit with their first activity log and a free book. For every 200 activities, kids receive a sticker, a prize, and a new activity log.
The Foundation is proud to support the development of literacy in our community’s preschoolers by funding the program’s starter-kits and prizes.
JPL Book Bags for the Ultimate Reading Challenge
JPL is proud to offer a year long reading challenge for adults called Ultimate Reading Challenge. The library is able to offer high-quality, branded book bags as a prize for individuals who complete the challenge thanks to Johnston Public Library Foundation funds. More information about the Ultimate Reading Challenge for Adults can be found here: https://www.johnstonlibrary.com/ultimatereading/
Frequently Asked Questions – Foundation
Don’t my taxes pay for the Johnston Public Library?
While public funds make libraries possible, donations and community support allow libraries to flourish. Contributions, large and small, go to support technologies, programs, and community needs that are beyond the library’s operating budget.
Is the Foundation a city entity?
No. The Johnston Public Library Foundation is an independent 501c(3) organization led and funded by community members like you.
How is the Foundation organized?
The Foundation has a Board made up of of local volunteers. Elected positions on the board include a President, Vice president, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Library Director, the Library Board President, a member of the Friends of the Library and nine to eleven additional members make up the rest of the Foundation Board. Interested in getting involved? Contact us
What is the difference between the Library Board and the Library Foundation?
Library Board members are appointed by the mayor and approved by the city council. The Board makes administrative decisions for the library such as adopting policies and setting the budget. The Library Foundation works to raise private funds for library services and decides how those funds will be used.
How will my donation be used?
100% of your donation will be used to support collection development, programs, technology initiatives, and other library services. Contact us if you’re interested in your donation being used for a specific project or need.