Goulden, Jennifer v. Des Moines Public Library & City of Des Moines


Case Name:Goulden, Jennifer v. Des Moines Public Library & City of Des Moines
Case Number:LACL158274
Date of Trial:02/06/2026
Venue:
Polk County
Casetype/Claims:CIVIL LAW - EMPLOYMENT CLAIM - OTHER

Judge:David Porter

Plaintiff's Counsel:Madison Fiedler-Carlson & Ashley GriffinDefendant's Counsel:John Haraldson – City of Des Moines; Janice Thomas – Des Moines Public Library

Verdict:For Defendants

Demand Before Trial:
Offer Before Trial:

Statement of Case:
Plaintiff asserted a hostile work environment claim in her role as a librarian for Defendant. She claimed she was subjected to a hostile work environment due to the actions of some library patrons. She further asserted that the Defendants failed to take prompt and appropriate remedial action reasonably calculated to end the harassment by library patrons. Plaintiff also asserted that a joint employer relationship existed between the Des Moines Public Library and the City of Des Moines. Defendants denied the Plaintiffs’ claims. Defendants assert they took prompt and appropriate remedial action to address the patron conduct. The City of Des Moines further denied that a joint employer relationship existed with the Des Moines Public Library.

Injuries alleged:

Official Jury Verdict Form:
Civil Verdict Form.PDFCivil Verdict Form.PDF

Documents of interest:
(when available)		Jury Instructions LACL158274.pdfJury Instructions LACL158274.pdf

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