Upcoming Events

Featured Events

Snowy background with icy tree branches, event name centered in middle.

Adult Winter Reading Challenge

All Day 12/1 - 1/31
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Enrichment
Event Details:

Joplin Public Library's Winter Reading Challenge for Adults is perfect for cold days indoors, getting a jump start on New Year’s Resolutions, reading new things, or simply enjoying a challenge!

Peach and brown background, graphic of people doing yoga, event name above.

Yoga Class

Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 10:00am - 11:00am
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room (Whole)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Class/Workshop, Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Join yoga at the library! This class is open to any experience level. Some yoga mats will be on hand but supply is limited; please bring your own if you have one. 

Informational flyer of the Black History Fair with a colorful Alma Woodsey Thomas painting behind it.

All-Ages Black History Fair

Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:30pm
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room (Whole)
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Enrichment
Event Details:

Community members are invited to the Joplin Public Library's All-Ages Black History Fair. Connect with your community, hear from members and organizations in Joplin, and learn about Black history, present, and future in Joplin and beyond!

Blue and purple background, graphic of easel, paint, and paint brush in the center, with event title above.

Tiny Art Night

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room (Whole)
Age Group: Teens (ages 11-18), Adults
Program Type: Arts, Crafts & DIY
Event Details:

Get inspired and join us to paint tiny masterpieces on tiny canvases! This is a self-guided paint night where we provide paint supplies and canvases and you create whatever you'd like! Limit 1 canvas per person. 

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.

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.

Spark Lab

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

Join us as we learn about African American engineer Raye Montague. We will learn about buoyancy and her work to help heavy ships float and then complete a related activity!

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.

Preschool Playdate

10:00am–11:00am
Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)
Early Learning, Summer Reading
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Storytime Room
Age Group: Youth, Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5)
Program Type: Early Learning, Summer Reading
Event Details:

Come play with us! Escape the cold with toys, activities, and self-guided play in our storytime room. 

Ages 2-5

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!

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!

Adult Learners at the Library

10:00am–11:00am
Adults
Crafts & DIY, Enrichment, Games & Activities, Storytime
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room (Whole)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Crafts & DIY, Enrichment, Games & Activities, Storytime
Event Details:

This program is designed for individuals 18 years and up with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and a support person. We explore a book through a storytime that includes reading, hanging out, activities, and crafts! 

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

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!

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 Pokemon 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.

Teen Movie Night

5:30pm–7:00pm
Teens (ages 11-18)
Movies
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room West
Age Group: Teens (ages 11-18)
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:

Lara Jean's letters are out. Are her chances at love? Come hang out with us and find out! Feel free to bring a blanket and snacks. Some snacks provided.

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.

Yoga Class

10:00am–11:00am
Adults
Class/Workshop, Health & Wellness
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room (Whole)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Class/Workshop, Health & Wellness
Event Details:

Join in on yoga at the library! This class is open to all experience levels. Some yoga mats will be on hand but supply is limited; please bring your own if you have one. 

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.

Anime/Manga Club

2:00pm–3:30pm
Teens (ages 11-18)
Enrichment, Games & Activities
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Conference Room 1
Age Group: Teens (ages 11-18)
Program Type: Enrichment, Games & Activities
Event Details:

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

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+. 

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!

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.

Safe Banking for Seniors

2:00pm–3:00pm
Adults
Education, Speakers
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room West
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Education, Speakers
Event Details:

More info to come about this educational presentation by Arvest Bank!

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.