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Board of Trustees Meeting

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:45pm
Conference Room 1 at Joplin Public Library

The Board of Trustees is a policymaking board and is fiscally responsible for how the Library’s funds are spent. With a few exceptions, the Board meets every month on the 3rd Tuesday at 4:00 pm in Conference Room 1 at the Library.

Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Conference Room 1
Event Details:

The Board of Trustees is a policymaking board and is fiscally responsible for how the Library’s funds are spent. With a few exceptions, the Board meets every month on the 3rd Tuesday at 4:00 pm in Conference Room 1 at the Library.

An illustration of a woman reading aloud to a little girl. The text above them reads: Family Reading Night.

Family Reading Night

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Joplin Public Library
Program Type:
Education, Enrichment, Games & Activities
Age Group:
Youth, Children (ages 6-12)

Cozy up with your family and join the Children’s Department as we read a few good stories and sing some songs.

Ages 3-12

Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Age Group: Youth, Children (ages 6-12)
Program Type: Education, Enrichment, Games & Activities
Event Details:

Cozy up with your family and join the Children’s Department as we read a few good stories and sing some songs.

Ages 3-12

Handwritten letters in background, orange circle overtop with event name and book graphic centered.

Sibylline Letters and the History of the Epistolary

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Community Room (Whole) at Joplin Public Library
Program Type:
Education, Joplin Reads Together, Speakers
Age Group:
Adults

Dear Readers,

Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room (Whole)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Education, Joplin Reads Together, Speakers
Event Details:

Dear Readers,

Disclaimer(s)

Accessibility

The Library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact library staff.

An image of a man reading to a little girl. The text above them reads: Read and Play Preschool Hour.

Read and Play Preschool Hour

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 9:30am - 10:00am
Storytime Room at Joplin Public Library
Program Type:
Early Learning, Storytime
Age Group:
Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)

This fun storytime geared towards 3-5 year olds and their families includes reading, singing, moving, dancing, and playing!

Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)
Program Type: Early Learning, Storytime
Event Details:

This fun storytime geared towards 3-5 year olds and their families includes reading, singing, moving, dancing, and playing!

An illustration of a man reading to a little girl. The text above them reads: Read and Play Preschool Hour.

Read and Play Preschool Hour

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Storytime Room at Joplin Public Library
Program Type:
Early Learning, Storytime
Age Group:
Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)

This fun storytime geared towards 3-5 year olds and their families includes reading, singing, moving, dancing, and playing!

Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)
Program Type: Early Learning, Storytime
Event Details:

This fun storytime geared towards 3-5 year olds and their families includes reading, singing, moving, dancing, and playing!

Text reads: LEAP! After school. There is a picture of a cartoon frog beneath it.

LEAP! After School

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 4:15pm - 5:00pm
Storytime Room at Joplin Public Library
Program Type:
Crafts & DIY, Games & Activities, Storytime
Age Group:
Youth, Children (ages 6-12)

LEAP into 45 minutes of reading, creating, building, and exploring. Parents/guardians are welcome and encouraged to participate. Ages 6-12

Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Youth, Children (ages 6-12)
Program Type: Crafts & DIY, Games & Activities, Storytime
Event Details:

LEAP into 45 minutes of reading, creating, building, and exploring. Parents/guardians are welcome and encouraged to participate. Ages 6-12

An image of a man reading to a little girl. The text above them reads: Read and Play Preschool Hour.

Read and Play Preschool Hour

Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 9:30am - 10:00am
Storytime Room at Joplin Public Library
Program Type:
Early Learning, Storytime
Age Group:
Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)

This fun storytime geared towards 3-5 year olds and their families includes reading, singing, moving, dancing, and playing!

Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)
Program Type: Early Learning, Storytime
Event Details:

This fun storytime geared towards 3-5 year olds and their families includes reading, singing, moving, dancing, and playing!

An illustration of a man reading to a little girl. The text above them reads: Read and Play Preschool Hour.

Read and Play Preschool Hour

Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Storytime Room at Joplin Public Library
Program Type:
Early Learning, Storytime
Age Group:
Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)

This fun storytime geared towards 3-5 year olds and their families includes reading, singing, moving, dancing, and playing!

Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)
Program Type: Early Learning, Storytime
Event Details:

This fun storytime geared towards 3-5 year olds and their families includes reading, singing, moving, dancing, and playing!

A graphic of various craft supplies including a cup with pencils, pens, and scissors in it, and yarn sitting in front of it, on a yellow background with the text "Teen Makerspace Open House" and the library logo

Teen Makerspace Open House

Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Joplin Public Library
Program Type:
Arts, Crafts & DIY, Makerspace
Age Group:
Teens (ages 11-18)

The Teen Dept.’s Makerspace is free and open to grades 6-12 - come check it out! Multiple projects available.

Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Age Group: Teens (ages 11-18)
Program Type: Arts, Crafts & DIY, Makerspace
Event Details:

The Teen Dept.’s Makerspace is free and open to grades 6-12 - come check it out! Multiple projects available.

Handwritten letters in background, orange circle overtop with event name and tree with roots graphic centered.

It's Complicated: Orphans, Italian Adoptions, & Finding Your Roots

Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Community Room (Whole) at Joplin Public Library
Program Type:
Education, Joplin Reads Together, Speakers
Age Group:
Adults

Dr. Kerry Sachetta will discuss the history of unwanted children from Medieval practices through today, and how the Italian Orphan Program 1950-1970 addressed the issue of orphaned and unwanted children after WWII.

Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room (Whole)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Education, Joplin Reads Together, Speakers
Event Details:

Dr. Kerry Sachetta will discuss the history of unwanted children from Medieval practices through today, and how the Italian Orphan Program 1950-1970 addressed the issue of orphaned and unwanted children after WWII.

Disclaimer(s)

Accessibility

The Library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact library staff.

An illustration of a woman holding a baby. The text above them reads: Read and Play Toddler Hour.

Read and Play Toddler Hour

Friday, April 24, 2026 at 9:30am - 10:00am
Storytime Room at Joplin Public Library
Program Type:
Early Learning, Storytime
Age Group:
Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)

This fun storytime geared towards 0-2 year olds and their families includes reading, singing, rhyming, and connection.

No registration or library card required to attend.

Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)
Program Type: Early Learning, Storytime
Event Details:

This fun storytime geared towards 0-2 year olds and their families includes reading, singing, rhyming, and connection.

No registration or library card required to attend.

An illustration of a woman holding a baby. The text above them reads: Read and Play Toddler Hour.

Read and Play Toddler Hour

Friday, April 24, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:00am
Storytime Room at Joplin Public Library
Program Type:
Early Learning, Storytime
Age Group:
Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)

This fun storytime geared towards 0-2 year olds and their families includes reading, singing, rhyming, and connection.

No registration or library card required to attend.

Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)
Program Type: Early Learning, Storytime
Event Details:

This fun storytime geared towards 0-2 year olds and their families includes reading, singing, rhyming, and connection.

No registration or library card required to attend.

An illustration of a small snail with a green shell. The text above reads: Super Saturday: In The Garden.

Super Saturday: In The Garden

Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:15am
Joplin Public Library
Program Type:
Early Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)

This hands-on, child-led program is designed to encourage learning through play and family connection. We will have sensory activities, fine and gross motor activities, and crafts. 

Ages 2-5

Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Age Group: Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)
Program Type: Early Learning
Event Details:

This hands-on, child-led program is designed to encourage learning through play and family connection. We will have sensory activities, fine and gross motor activities, and crafts. 

Ages 2-5

A white cat with its paws up on a red background with the text "anime/manga club" and the library logo

Anime/Manga Club

Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Conference Room 1 at Joplin Public Library
Program Type:
Enrichment, Games & Activities, Movies
Age Group:
Teens (ages 11-18)

Watch anime, read manga, make art, and hang out with us! Grades 6-12

Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Conference Room 1
Age Group: Teens (ages 11-18)
Program Type: Enrichment, Games & Activities, Movies
Event Details:

Watch anime, read manga, make art, and hang out with us! Grades 6-12

An illustration of a group of kids playing with blacks with "123 play with me" written above in black text

123 Play With Me

Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Storytime Room at Joplin Public Library
Program Type:
Early Learning
Age Group:
Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)

A 5 week program for parents/caregivers and children ages 1-3 focused on learning through play and connection! 

Visit with community resource professionals in the following fields: 

Waitlist
Registration Required
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)
Program Type: Early Learning
Registration Required
Event Details:

A 5 week program for parents/caregivers and children ages 1-3 focused on learning through play and connection! 

Visit with community resource professionals in the following fields: 

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults

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.

An illustration of two dogs on a purple background with black text above that reads "Dog Day Afternoon"

Dog Day Afternoon

Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 4:00pm - 4:45pm
Storytime Room at Joplin Public Library
Program Type:
Enrichment
Age Group:
Youth, Children (ages 6-12)

Dog Day Afternoon is designed to help newly independent readers become more comfortable reading!

Upcoming
Registration Required
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Youth, Children (ages 6-12)
Program Type: Enrichment
Registration Required
Event Details:

Dog Day Afternoon is designed to help newly independent readers become more comfortable reading!

Handwritten letters in background, orange circle overtop with event name and author photo and book cover centered.

Virginia Evans Author Visit

Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Community Room (Whole) at Joplin Public Library
Program Type:
Author Visit, Joplin Reads Together, Speakers
Age Group:
Adults

Join us as we welcome bestselling author Virginia Evans to the Joplin Public Library!

Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room (Whole)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Author Visit, Joplin Reads Together, Speakers
Event Details:

Join us as we welcome bestselling author Virginia Evans to the Joplin Public Library!

Disclaimer(s)

Accessibility

The Library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact library staff.

A picture of a pokeball with the word "Gotcha" above it.

Pokémon Club

Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 5:00pm - 5:45pm
Storytime Room at Joplin Public Library
Program Type:
Games & Activities
Age Group:
Youth, Children (ages 6-12)

Play the trading card game, show off your cards, and just talk Pokémon with fellow fans!

Ages 6-12

Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Youth, Children (ages 6-12)
Program Type: Games & Activities
Event Details:

Play the trading card game, show off your cards, and just talk Pokémon with fellow fans!

Ages 6-12

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults

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.

Craft supplies scattered about on a grey background with event details listed among the craft supplies.

Chat & Craft

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Community Room West at Joplin Public Library
Program Type:
Arts, Crafts & DIY, Enrichment
Age Group:
Adults

Whether you crochet, knit, stitch, draw, or paint, bring along your current project and chat with us! All crafts are welcome!

Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room West
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts, Crafts & DIY, Enrichment
Event Details:

Whether you crochet, knit, stitch, draw, or paint, bring along your current project and chat with us! All crafts are welcome!

SNAP Outreach Visit

Friday, May 15, 2026 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Joplin Public Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) assistance and consultations will be available in the library’s lobby. No library card or appointment is required.

Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) assistance and consultations will be available in the library’s lobby. No library card or appointment is required.

Board of Trustees Meeting

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:45pm
Conference Room 1 at Joplin Public Library

The Board of Trustees is a policymaking board and is fiscally responsible for how the Library’s funds are spent. With a few exceptions, the Board meets every month on the 3rd Tuesday at 4:00 pm in Conference Room 1 at the Library.

Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Conference Room 1
Event Details:

The Board of Trustees is a policymaking board and is fiscally responsible for how the Library’s funds are spent. With a few exceptions, the Board meets every month on the 3rd Tuesday at 4:00 pm in Conference Room 1 at the Library.

Economic Security - Outreach Worker Visit

Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Joplin Public Library
Program Type:
Education
Age Group:
Adults

An Outreach Worker from Economic Security will be at the library for free consultations.

Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Education
Event Details:

An Outreach Worker from Economic Security will be at the library for free consultations.

Memorial Day

All Day
Joplin Public Library

The library will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.

Closing
Branches:
Joplin Public Library
Description:

The library will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 11:00am - 4:00pm
Community Room (Whole) at Joplin Public Library
Program Type:
Health & Wellness
Age Group:
Adults

The American Red Cross is holding a blood drive at the Joplin Public Library. The blood drive will take place in the Community Room.

Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room (Whole)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Health & Wellness
Event Details:

The American Red Cross is holding a blood drive at the Joplin Public Library. The blood drive will take place in the Community Room.