Upcoming Events

Featured Events

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.

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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!

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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
Program Type

College Life Panel with MSSU

5:00pm–6:30pm
Teens (ages 11-18)
Education, Speakers
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room West
Age Group: Teens (ages 11-18)
Program Type: Education, Speakers
Event Details:

Hear from a panel of MSSU students about a variety of topics related to the college experience. Bring any questions you have, too! This program is for grades 6-12.

Easter Sunday

All Day
Closing
Branches:
Joplin Public Library
Description:

The library will be closed in observance of Easter Sunday.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Juneteenth

All Day
Closing
Branches:
Joplin Public Library
Description:

The Library will be closed in observance of Juneteenth.

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.

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.

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.

Labor Day

All Day
Closing
Branches:
Joplin Public Library
Description:

The library will be closed in observance of Labor Day.

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.

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.

Veterans Day

All Day
Closing
Branches:
Joplin Public Library
Description:

The Library will be closed in observance of Veterans day.

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.

Thanksgiving Day/Day After

All Day 11/26–11/27
Closing
Branches:
Joplin Public Library
Description:

The Library will be closed for Thanksgiving and the following day.

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.

Christmas Eve / Christmas Day

All Day 12/24–12/25
Closing
Branches:
Joplin Public Library
Description:

The Library will be closed 2 days in observance of Christmas. 

New Years Eve - Early Closure

6:00pm–8:00pm
Closing
Branches:
Joplin Public Library

New Years Day

All Day
Closing
Branches:
Joplin Public Library
Description:

The Library will be closed in observance of New Years!