Upcoming Events

Featured Events

White text on black background. Says We Are Here join us for the closing reception on Thursday, March 5th from 5:30-7pm.

WE ARE HERE (closing reception)

Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Bramlage & Willcoxon Foundation Gallery
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts, Exhibits, Post Art Library, Speakers
Event Details:

The Post Art Library and Rock Center Coalition, a Joplin-based nonprofit, are teaming up to co-host a closing reception for We Are Here, an exhibit on display in The Bramlage & Willcoxon Foundation Gallery inside Jopl

Yellow and red background, graphics of movie items in the middle, event title above.

Old Hollywood Movie Night

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 5:00pm - 7:45pm
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room (Whole)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:

Take a step back in time with our Old Hollywood Movie Night! Join us for a pre-Code double feature! Pre-Code movies were made before Hollywood’s Production Code, or Hays Code, was established.

butterflies and sun and image of woman on black background with information about an artist's opening reception at the library on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

Through the Glass (opening reception)

Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Post Art Reading Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts, Exhibits, Post Art Library
Event Details:

Join us in the library's Local History wing for the opening of Through the Glass, an exhibit featuring reverse painting on repurposed vintage windows, by local artist Julie Catlett.

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
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!

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Teen Spring Mini Reading Challenge

03/01/2026 @ 9:00am–03/31/2026 @ 8:00pm
Teens (ages 11-18)
Enrichment
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Age Group: Teens (ages 11-18)
Program Type: Enrichment
Event Details:

Grab a Reading Challenge sheet from the Teen desk or register at joplinpubliclibrary.beanstack.com. Complete the challenge and earn a prize book + and entry for the grand prize ($30 Vintage Stock gift card)! 

American Red Cross Blood Drive

11:00am–4:00pm
Adults, All Ages
Health & Wellness
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room (Whole)
Age Group: Adults, All Ages
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.

Adult Take-Home Kit (Plastic Bag Flower Paint)

11:00am–11:00am
Adults
Crafts & DIY, Enrichment
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Crafts & DIY, Enrichment
Event Details:

Pick up the March adult take-home kit in the Reference Department, while supplies last! Kit includes instructions and supplies to make a flower painting using a plastic bag method. For ages 18+. 

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

6:00pm–8:00pm
Adults
Arts, Crafts & DIY, Enrichment
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!

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!

Children's Chess Club

5:30pm–6:00pm
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:

Chess fans of all skill levels are invited to come play! 

Ages 6-12. Children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

WE ARE HERE (closing reception)

5:30pm–7:00pm
All Ages
Arts, Exhibits, Post Art Library, Speakers
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Bramlage & Willcoxon Foundation Gallery
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts, Exhibits, Post Art Library, Speakers
Event Details:

The Post Art Library and Rock Center Coalition, a Joplin-based nonprofit, are teaming up to co-host a closing reception for We Are Here, an exhibit on display in The Bramlage & Willcoxon Foundation Gallery inside Jopl

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.

Mahjong - Hosted by Friends of the Library

1:30pm–4:00pm
This is not a library sponsored event.
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room West
Purpose of Meeting

The ancient game of mahjong, which first captured America’s attention in the 1920s, is making a comeback—and the Friends of the Joplin Public Library are hosting it at the Library on the second and fourth Mondays in February & March. 

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

Bingo Night

6:00pm–7:00pm
Adults
Games & Activities
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room (Whole)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Games & Activities
Event Details:

It's Bingo Night at the library! All supplies provided and prizes for winners! 

For ages 18+. No library card or registration is required to participate. 

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.

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.