Upcoming Events

Featured Events

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, March 31, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:00am
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: 

Images of letters faded in background, orange circle over top with event title and Post Art Library logo, and stamp graphic

Joplin Reads Together Art Challenge Reception

Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts, Exhibits, Joplin Reads Together, Post Art Library
Event Details:

Presented by Post Art Library inside the Joplin Public Library this exhibit reception will feature artwork from the Joplin Reads Together Art Challenge created by participants from the community. The challenge: design a postage stamp. 

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.

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 7, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:00am
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: 

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!

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 14, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:00am
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: 

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

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Board of Trustees Meeting

4:00pm–5:45pm
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.

Family Reading Night

5:00pm–6:00pm
Youth, Children (ages 6-12)
Education, Enrichment, Games & Activities
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

Sibylline Letters and the History of the Epistolary

6:00pm–7:00pm
Adults
Education, Joplin Reads Together, Speakers
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.

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!

Teen Makerspace Open House

4:00pm–6:00pm
Teens (ages 11-18)
Arts, Crafts & DIY, Makerspace
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.

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

6:00pm–7:30pm
Adults
Education, Joplin Reads Together, Speakers
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.

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.

Super Saturday: In The Garden

10:00am–11:15am
Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)
Early Learning
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

Anime/Manga Club

2:00pm–3:00pm
Teens (ages 11-18)
Enrichment, Games & Activities, Movies
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

123 Play With Me

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

Dog Day Afternoon

4:00pm–4:45pm
Youth, Children (ages 6-12)
Enrichment
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!

Virginia Evans Author Visit

6:00pm–8:00pm
Adults
Author Visit, Joplin Reads Together, Speakers
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.

Pokémon Club

5:00pm–5:45pm
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:

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.

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!

SNAP Outreach Visit

1:00pm–3:00pm
Adults
Health & Wellness
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

4:00pm–5:45pm
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

1:00pm–3:00pm
Adults
Education
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
Closing
Branches:
Joplin Public Library
Description:

The library will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.

American Red Cross Blood Drive

11:00am–4:00pm
Adults
Health & Wellness
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.