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
Program Type

Puzzle Competition

2:00pm–4:00pm
Adults
Enrichment, Games & Activities
Waitlist
Registration Required
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room (Whole)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Enrichment, Games & Activities
Registration Required
Event Details:

Calling all puzzle enthusiasts! Put your jigsaw puzzle skills to the test! Register a group of 1-4 adults and compete against other teams to see who can finish a 500 piece puzzle first.

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 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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

Presidents Day

All Day
Closing
Branches:
Joplin Public Library
Description:

The library will be closed in observance of Presidents Day

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

Kids' Fair

2:00pm–3:30pm
Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5), Children (ages 6-12)
Crafts & DIY, Enrichment, Games & Activities
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room (Whole)
Age Group: Babies & Toddlers (ages 0-5), Children (ages 6-12)
Program Type: Crafts & DIY, Enrichment, Games & Activities
Event Details:

The Next Gen. Library Council presents a Kids' Fair benefitting Children's Haven in Joplin!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Easter Sunday

All Day
Closing
Branches:
Joplin Public Library
Description:

The library will be closed in observance of Easter Sunday.

Memorial Day

All Day
Closing
Branches:
Joplin Public Library
Description:

The library will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.