Upcoming Events

Featured Events

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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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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

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Sibylline Letters and the History of the Epistolary

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

Dear Readers,

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

Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
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.

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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!

Makerspace Live Demonstration: Fused Flowers with Dianne

Makerspace Demonstration: Fused Glass Flowers with Dianne

Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 11:30am - 1:00pm
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room West
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts, Crafts & DIY, Education, Makerspace
Event Details:

Makerspace Live Demonstration: Fused Glass Flowers with Dianne

Join the Makerspace at the library where Dianne will demonstrate making glass flowers as well as basic glass-cutting techniques.

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Age Group

Show & Tell

5:00pm–6:00pm
Adults
Enrichment, Summer Reading
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room East
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Enrichment, Summer Reading
Event Details:

Just like in school, Show & Tell! 

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.

Storyteller Sue Godsey

3:00pm–4:00pm
Youth, Children (ages 6-12)
Speakers, Summer Reading
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room West
Age Group: Youth, Children (ages 6-12)
Program Type: Speakers, Summer Reading
Event Details:

Listen in as storyteller Sue Godsey retells adventure story THE SHIPWRECKED SAILOR, an ancient Egyptian story that was originally written in hieroglyphics. 

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.

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.

Missouri Department of Conservation presents: Early Hunters and Gatherers

6:00pm–7:15pm
Adults
Education, Speakers, Summer Reading
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room (Whole)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Education, Speakers, Summer Reading
Event Details:

This discussion of pre-contact Native Missouri hunting and gathering will give a glimpse into early human efforts to find food!

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.

Adult Take-Home Kit

10:00am–10:00am
Adults
Crafts & DIY, Enrichment, Summer Reading
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Crafts & DIY, Enrichment, Summer Reading
Event Details:

Pick up an adult take-home kit in the Reference Department, while supplies last! Take-home kits includes supplies and instructions to make a craft at home. 

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.

Master Gardener Eric Osen

3:00pm–4:00pm
Youth, Children (ages 6-12)
Summer Reading
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room (Whole)
Age Group: Youth, Children (ages 6-12)
Program Type: Summer Reading
Event Details:

Learn about sunflowers with master gardener Eric Osen, complete hands-on crafts, and take home your own plant!

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.

Juneteenth

All Day
Closing
Branches:
Joplin Public Library
Description:

The Library will be closed in observance of Juneteenth.

All Ages Game Night

5:30pm–7:00pm
Children (ages 6-12), Tweens (ages 8-12), Teens (ages 11-18), Adults
Games & Activities, Summer Reading
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room (Whole)
Age Group: Children (ages 6-12), Tweens (ages 8-12), Teens (ages 11-18), Adults
Program Type: Games & Activities, Summer Reading
Event Details:

A fun night of board and card games! We will have board and card games on hand, but feel free to bring your own.

All ages welcome.

American Red Cross Blood Drive

11:00am–3:00pm
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.

Unearth Joplin: A Mining and Mineral History

5:30pm–6:30pm
Adults
Education, Speakers, Summer Reading
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room West
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Education, Speakers, Summer Reading
Event Details:

Joplin has a rich mining history. Join Kelly Reddin, member of the Joplin Historical & Mineral Museum Board, as she shares stories from Joplin’s mining and mineral past.

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.

America 250: Sing-Along Movie Night

4:00pm–6:45pm
Tweens (ages 8-12), Teens (ages 11-18), Adults
Education, Movies, Summer Reading
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room (Whole)
Age Group: Tweens (ages 8-12), Teens (ages 11-18), Adults
Program Type: Education, Movies, Summer Reading
Event Details:

A Broadway hit filmed for the big screen, join us in singing with Alexander Hamilton about the room where it happens in the musical hit Hamilton. Rated PG-13. Runtime 160 minutes. All ages welcome.

American Indian Center

1:30pm–2:30pm
Youth
Speakers, Summer Reading
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room (Whole)
Age Group: Youth
Program Type: Speakers, Summer Reading
Event Details:

Celebrate Native American culture by learning about the powwow. The American Indian Center of Springfield will present traditional dances that may be found at powwows and how Native American children participate in their heritage. 

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.

Independence Day Observed

All Day
Closing
Branches:
Joplin Public Library

Independence Day

All Day
Closing
Branches:
Joplin Public Library
Description:

The Library will be closed in observance of Independence Day.

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!

Dickerson Park Zoo presents: Observe and Preserve: Unearthing Secret Stories in Hidden Habitats

11:00am–12:00pm
Youth, Children (ages 6-12)
Speakers, Summer Reading
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room (Whole)
Age Group: Youth, Children (ages 6-12)
Program Type: Speakers, Summer Reading
Event Details:

In this fascinating program, we’ll meet live animal ambassadors from Dickerson Park Zoo and unearth the secret homes they depend on to survive.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.