Upcoming Events

Featured Events

Handwritten letters in background, orange circle overtop with event name and plant graphics centered.

Plant Swap

Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:00pm
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room (Whole)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Enrichment, Joplin Reads Together
Event Details:

Calling all plant enthusiasts to Plant Swap! Bring a plant, cutting, or seed and swap for ones provided by the library or brought by other attendees! Please have plants ready to swap. Indoor and outdoor plants are welcome.

An illustration of two girls reading a book

Reading Buddies

Monday, April 6, 2026 at 4:15pm - 5:00pm
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Youth, Children (ages 6-12)
Program Type: Enrichment
Registration Required
Event Details:

The Children's Department is excited to partner with MSSU'S Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society for Reading Buddies. This program is designed for newly independent readers in grades K-5 who want to practice their reading.

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

Chat & Craft: Reading Journals

Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room West
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts, Crafts & DIY, Enrichment, Joplin Reads Together
Event Details:

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

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

Dear Listener: A Night of Letters Aloud

Friday, April 10, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts, Enrichment, Joplin Reads Together
Registration Required
Event Details:

An Open Mic Night with a theme of letters! Have an old letter from a relative, a creative letter you’ve written, a favorite letter from an author, or even a rejection letter? Share a letter aloud or listen to those that do at this Open Mic Night!

Handwritten letters in background, orange circle overtop with event name and craft graphics centered.

Creative Correspondence

Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room (Whole)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts, Crafts & DIY, Joplin Reads Together, Makerspace, Post Art Library
Event Details:

Join POST Art Library and Makerspace staff to view creative ways to personalize correspondence while creating a ready-to-mail piece of your own. All supplies provided.

For ages 18+, no library card or registration required to attend.

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

Book Discussion: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room West
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Discussion, Joplin Reads Together
Event Details:

Join in as we chat about

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

Book Discussion: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room West
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Book Discussion, Joplin Reads Together
Event Details:

Join in as we chat about

Filters
Age Group

Read and Play Toddler Hour

9:30am–10:00am
Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)
Early Learning, Storytime
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.

Read and Play Toddler Hour

10:30am–11:00am
Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)
Early Learning, Storytime
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.

Plant Swap

11:00am–12:00pm
Adults
Enrichment, Joplin Reads Together
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room (Whole)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Enrichment, Joplin Reads Together
Event Details:

Calling all plant enthusiasts to Plant Swap! Bring a plant, cutting, or seed and swap for ones provided by the library or brought by other attendees! Please have plants ready to swap. Indoor and outdoor plants are welcome.

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.

Easter Sunday

All Day
Closing
Branches:
Joplin Public Library
Description:

The library will be closed in observance of Easter Sunday.

Reading Buddies

4:15pm–5:00pm
Youth, Children (ages 6-12)
Enrichment
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Youth, Children (ages 6-12)
Program Type: Enrichment
Registration Required
Event Details:

The Children's Department is excited to partner with MSSU'S Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society for Reading Buddies. This program is designed for newly independent readers in grades K-5 who want to practice their reading.

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.

123 Play With Me

10:00am–11:00am
Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)
Early Learning
Closed
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.

Young Artists Club

4:15pm–5:15pm
Youth, Tweens (ages 8-12)
Arts, Enrichment
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Youth, Tweens (ages 8-12)
Program Type: Arts, Enrichment
Event Details:

Join us at our Young Artists Club to learn about famous artists and create art in their styles.

This program is designed for children ages 8-12 

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.

Tuesday Night Games

6:00pm–7:30pm
Teens (ages 11-18)
Games & Activities
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Age Group: Teens (ages 11-18)
Program Type: Games & Activities
Event Details:

Play your favorite game or learn a new one with us in the Teen dept.! Card games, board games, Chess, and video games available.

Chat & Craft: Reading Journals

6:00pm–8:00pm
Adults
Arts, Crafts & DIY, Enrichment, Joplin Reads Together
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room West
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts, Crafts & DIY, Enrichment, Joplin Reads Together
Event Details:

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

Read and Play Preschool Hour

9:30am–10:00am
Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)
Early Learning, Storytime
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!

Read and Play Preschool Hour

10:30am–11:00am
Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)
Early Learning, Storytime
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!

LEAP! After School

4:15pm–5:00pm
Youth, Children (ages 6-12)
Crafts & DIY, Games & Activities, Storytime
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

Read and Play Preschool Hour

9:30am–10:00am
Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)
Early Learning, Storytime
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!

Read and Play Preschool Hour

10:30am–11:00am
Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)
Early Learning, Storytime
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!

Read and Play Toddler Hour

9:30am–10:00am
Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)
Early Learning, Storytime
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.

Read and Play Toddler Hour

10:30am–11:00am
Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)
Early Learning, Storytime
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.

Dear Listener: A Night of Letters Aloud

6:00pm–7:30pm
Adults
Arts, Enrichment, Joplin Reads Together
Open
Registration Required
Offsite Event
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts, Enrichment, Joplin Reads Together
Registration Required
Event Details:

An Open Mic Night with a theme of letters! Have an old letter from a relative, a creative letter you’ve written, a favorite letter from an author, or even a rejection letter? Share a letter aloud or listen to those that do at this Open Mic Night!

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.

Lego Build-a-thon

1:00pm–2:00pm
Youth, Children (ages 6-12)
Games & Activities
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Youth, Children (ages 6-12)
Program Type: Games & Activities
Event Details:

Collaborate, build, and explore your creative side! 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.

123 Play With Me

10:00am–11:00am
Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)
Early Learning
Closed
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.

Random Awesomeness

4:00pm–6:00pm
Teens (ages 11-18)
Crafts & DIY, Enrichment, Games & Activities, STEM/STEAM
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Age Group: Teens (ages 11-18)
Program Type: Crafts & DIY, Enrichment, Games & Activities, STEM/STEAM
Event Details:

The title says it all - come hang out! Legos, crafts, movies, video/board games, STEM, and more in the Teen dept. Grades 6-12

Creative Correspondence

5:30pm–7:30pm
Adults
Arts, Crafts & DIY, Joplin Reads Together, Makerspace, Post Art Library
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room (Whole)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Arts, Crafts & DIY, Joplin Reads Together, Makerspace, Post Art Library
Event Details:

Join POST Art Library and Makerspace staff to view creative ways to personalize correspondence while creating a ready-to-mail piece of your own. All supplies provided.

For ages 18+, no library card or registration required to attend.

Read and Play Preschool Hour

9:30am–10:00am
Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)
Early Learning, Storytime
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!

Read and Play Preschool Hour

10:30am–11:00am
Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)
Early Learning, Storytime
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!

LEAP! After School

4:15pm–5:00pm
Youth, Children (ages 6-12)
Crafts & DIY, Games & Activities, Storytime
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