Upcoming Events

Featured Events

Yellow and red background, graphics of movie items in the middle, event title above.

Old Hollywood Movie Night

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 5:00pm - 7:45pm
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room (Whole)
Age Group: Adults
Program Type: Movies
Event Details:

Take a step back in time with our Old Hollywood Movie Night! Join us for a pre-Code double feature! Pre-Code movies were made before Hollywood’s Production Code, or Hays Code, was established.

butterflies and sun and image of woman on black background with information about an artist's opening reception at the library on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

Through the Glass (opening reception)

Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Post Art Reading Room
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts, Exhibits, Post Art Library
Event Details:

Join us in the library's Local History wing for the opening of Through the Glass, an exhibit featuring reverse painting on repurposed vintage windows, by local artist Julie Catlett.

Handwritten letters in background, orange circle overtop with event name and author photo and book cover centered.

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!

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Program Type

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

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

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

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.

Video Game-A-Thon

2:00pm–4:00pm
Teens (ages 11-18)
Games & Activities
Library Branch: Joplin Public Library
Room: Community Room West
Age Group: Teens (ages 11-18)
Program Type: Games & Activities
Event Details:

Come play some video games! Nintendo switch consoles available. Handheld consoles welcome. Grades 6-12.

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 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.

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.

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.

Easter Sunday

All Day
Closing
Branches:
Joplin Public Library
Description:

The library will be closed in observance of Easter Sunday.

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

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.

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

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

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 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.

Memorial Day

All Day
Closing
Branches:
Joplin Public Library
Description:

The library will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.

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.

Labor Day

All Day
Closing
Branches:
Joplin Public Library
Description:

The library will be closed in observance of Labor Day.