hoopla Service to be Discontinued October 31, 2025

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After thoughtful consideration, and passing of a balanced budget for fiscal year 2026, Joplin Public Library has made the difficult decision to discontinue our hoopla service effective October 31, 2025. 

Why is Joplin Public Library (JPL) discontinuing hoopla?

Like many libraries across the country, we’ve found that hoopla’s pay-per-use model is no longer sustainable, especially as demand grows. Although it is free for patrons to use, hoopla’s pricing model means JPL is charged a fee for every item that is checked out.  Because of this, to stay within budget we have had to restrict monthly and daily usage of the hoopla service.  This has severely impacted the number of patrons able to use hoopla.

We remain committed to providing robust and sustainable digital services. JPL believes that our resources are better used for other digital content such as OverDrive/Libby (eBooks, eAudiobooks, comics, magazines) and Kanopy (streaming movies and television).  These more affordable services allow JPL to stay within budget while still providing patrons with the digital materials they need and want.

 Additionally, we strive to keep our physical collection up to date and accessible. 

To give you an idea of the numbers…

JPL routinely evaluates our collections and services to make sure we are providing our patrons beneficial collections in the most cost-efficient manner possible.  We have found that:

  • Only 4% of our active cardholders are able to use hoopla per month;
  • hoopla accounts for 15% of our digitally circulated materials (such as ebooks, audiobooks, and other entertainment)
  • hoopla consumes approximately 78% of the library system’s budget for digitally circulated materials.

In contrast, 3 times the number of patrons use OverDrive/Libby per month and accounts for 80% of our digitally circulated materials, with only 15% of the budget.

I’m a hoopla user – what do I need to do?

If you need a list of the titles you’ve checked out through hoopla, you will need to either write down the titles or take a screenshot of the items in your hoopla history.  Because of Missouri privacy laws, JPL does not have access to this information.  Find your checkout history by going to the hoopla app; select “My hoopla”; select “History”; write down or take a screenshot of the information.

Hoopla access will end on October 31, 2025. After that date, users cannot check out new titles. However, any content borrowed before that date will remain accessible until the normal lending period expires.

Where can I find eBooks and eAudiobooks?

MissouriLibraries2Go – Borrow ebooks, audiobooks, comics, and magazines to read on your phone or tablet using the Libby app by OverDrive. You can even send and read your borrowed eBooks to your Kindle eReader (U.S. only)! It’s free and easy to get started for new users!

But the wait time is so long on Libby!

We understand the major appeal of hoopla is being able to get the title you want immediately.  As part of the MissouriLibraries2Go consortium on OverDrive/Libby, we are one of many Missouri libraries that pool our money to purchase titles for our patrons. 

By discontinuing hoopla, JPL will be able to reallocate funds to purchase additional titles on OverDrive/Libby for just our patrons or move our patrons to the top of the holds list to reduce wait time. We feel this will be a more efficient use of these funds to help our patrons get the materials they want.  It’s important to note that putting books on hold through Libby will help staff know where we should be directing these funds!

We encourage our patrons to take advantage of the “Available Now” feature on Libby to browse books and audiobooks that are available for immediate checkout, or the selection of “Always Available” titles under Guides. 

What if MissouriLibraries2Go doesn’t have what I want?

Use “Notify Me” to tell us about eBooks, eAudiobooks, and comics not in MissouriLibraries2Go.  If the item is purchased, the system will place you on hold.

Where can I stream movies and television?

Kanopy – Kanopy is a video-streaming platform dedicated to thoughtful and thought-provoking films. 

How can I watch Kanopy?

You can stream Kanopy on any of your favorite devices! Kanopy is accessible via mobile and tablet apps for iPhone and Android. You can also access Kanopy on your Desktop, and SmartTV apps like Roku, Apple TV, and Fire Stick.

How to create an account

  • To get started, visit Kanopy and select the “Add Library Card” button on the lower left
  • Enter your library card credentials
  • Create an account using your preferred email
  • Begin streaming!

What other digital content does JPL offer?

Flipster – Flipster is a next-generation digital magazine distribution service which lets users access their favorite magazines from a variety of publishers through their local libraries. Accessible via a web browser or custom apps made specifically for Apple devices, Android devices, and the Kindle Fire tablet, with Flipster users can download magazines to read offline, anytime, anywhere.

How can I get help with digital resources?  

As you switch from using hoopla to Libby and/or Kanopy, please do not hesitate to contact the Library’s Reference Department at (417) 624-5465 if you find you have questions or concerns.  

 

Hispanic Heritage Month

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National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15-October 15 to give recognition to the Hispanic and Latino history and culture, as well as the many contributions made to United States history and culture by the Hispanic American communities. Starting as a week-long celebration in 1968, it was expanded to a month in 1988.

The United States is home to over 60 million Latinos, making up nearly 19% of the population. Hispanic Americans have been woven into the fabric of this nation since its founding, and today they continue to drive innovation, shape our culture, and strengthen our communities—as entrepreneurs, scientists, public officials, athletes, artists, entertainers, and more.

From music and food to sports, art, and architecture, the influence of Hispanic Americans is deeply embedded in our nation’s identity. Without their contributions, our history and culture would be far less vibrant.

As our country grows more diverse, it’s more important than ever to explore and understand the Hispanic American experience. Whether you’re looking for books to read or films to watch, there’s something for everyone to learn and enjoy, and Joplin Public Library is a great place to start!

Library Card Sign-Up Month

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This September, Joplin Public Library invites you to celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month and discover how a single card can open the door to endless opportunities.

With a library card, you can do more than check out books. From free classes and job resources to homework help, streaming media, and fun events, today’s libraries connect communities to information, inspiration, and each other.

This year’s theme, “One Card, Endless Possibilities,” is a reminder that libraries are for everyone—no matter your age, background, or goals. Whether you’re diving into a new hobby, searching for your next great read, brushing up on tech skills, or helping your child succeed in school, it all starts with a library card.

At Joplin Public Library, you’ll find:

  • books, audiobooks, newspapers, movies, databases, a computer lab, plus dedicated Teen and Children’s areas.
  • The Makerspace, for tinkering and trying new things in the library, and the Library of Things, for non traditional items you can take home.
  • Programs and events for all ages—from storytimes and book clubs to bingo and book swap.

Getting a library card is free, easy, and empowering. For students, it’s a key to academic success. For adults, it’s a gateway to lifelong learning. For everyone, it’s a smart way to stay connected to your community.

Stop by today or visit us online at joplinpubliclibrary.org to sign up for your card today. Because with a Joplin Public Library card, the possibilities are truly endless.

EnChroma Colorblind Glasses at Joplin Public Library

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Joplin Public Library has partnered with EnChroma’s Color Accessibility Program, which helps public venues, schools, state parks, libraries, museums, and other organizations purchase and loan EnChroma glasses to patrons.  Because of this program, the Library’s art gallery and the Joplin community will now be more accessible to colorblind patrons due to the purchase of three sets of EnChromas glasses. Patrons may check out the glasses free of charge for in library use at the Reference Desk or the Children’s Service Desk effective immediately. An additional pair is also available to be checked out of the library through the Library of Things.

While people with normal color vision see over one million shades of color, those with red-green color vision deficiency are estimated to see only about 10% of hues and shades. As a result, many colors appear dull, muted, washed out and indistinguishable; purple looks blue, red seems brown, gray appears pink, and green and yellow can look similar. EnChroma’s patented lens technology is engineered with special optical filters that increase the separation between color channels to help people with color blindness see colors more vibrantly, clearly and distinctly. 

Furniture Update Refreshes Children’s Library

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Thanks to support from local sources, the Joplin Public Library’s Rosemary Titus Reynolds Children’s Library has been given a refresh with the installation of eight new pieces of furniture, three reupholstered chairs, three newly recovered window seats and a fresh and fun play carpet. After being open eight years and having more than 1.5 million visitors through the Library’s doors, many of those being families who frequent the Children’s Library, the space was due for some upgrades.

For the furniture, the Friends of the Joplin Public Library and Arvest Foundation came together in a collaborative effort, with Friends of the Joplin Public Library contributing $20,000 and Arvest Foundation donating $6,270. There are new chairs by the computer area and by the window seats, plus three chairs near the play area have been reupholstered. The ones by the computer area replace rocking chairs and are both larger, and easier to clean. The new chairs by the window seats also offer an easier to clean fabric, and replace chairs that were unfortunately malfunctioning, as the bearings were going out.   

For the circular window seats, the Library contracted with Branco Enterprises Inc to frame out and ready the window seat frames and Ken’s Kustom Upholstery to create brand new seats. The previous seats had separated from the walls and had several rips.

“These popular seats are such a favorite spot in the Library!  We knew they needed to be done correctly to ensure they’d stand up to years of wear and tear from book reading kids,” said Christina Matekel-Gibson, Youth Services Librarian.  Lastly, one of the most popular spots in the Library, the Children’s play area, located near the Storytime Room, has a newly installed large oval carpet for children to sit and play on.  The carpet features Pete the Cat, a well-known picture book character.

Thanks to the updates, the space has a fresh new feel and is ready to take on additional years of use from children and caregivers!

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Avoid Passport Scams: How to Stay Safe When Applying for a Passport

 

As a passport acceptance facility, we wanted to make you aware of a scam where websites are taking advantage of travelers.  These websites

, which often come up first in passport searches, offer “personalized passport instructions” and charge for resources that are already freely available on government websites.

For a NEW passport application, fees must be paid at the acceptance facility, by check or money order.  To RENEW a passport, you may 

pay a fee online, but only through the official government website:  travel.state.gov.

First-time applicants sometimes believe they have already paid their passport fees online, only to realize their money went to a fraudulent company.  Unfortunately, they must still pay the official application and execution fees. Always verify that payments are made through official government websites.  

Free Passport Resources Exist 

Passport instructions, application forms, and status updates are all available for free from official U.S. government sources.  

  • Application Instructions: Travel.state.gov provides step-by-step guidance on how to apply, what fees to pay, and what documents are required. 
  • Passport Forms:travel.state.gov offers a free questionnaire to help applicants select and complete the correct form, which they can then p
    rint and bring to a passport acceptance facility. 
  • Application Status Updates: After applying, travelers can check their status at Passportstatus.state.gov, which provides updates on processing and mailing information. 

Online Passport Renewal is Real—But Beware of Scams 

Online Passport Renewal is now available, making it easier to update passports. However, scammers may use this opportunity to steal private information. Always use the official site: travel.state.gov/renewonline. Again, renewal applicants may pay online, but only through the official government website.  

Emergency Passport Appointments Are Free 

If urgent travel is within two weeks, qualified applicants may be able toschedule a free appointment at a passport agency (the nearest passport agency office is located in Hot Springs, AR) by:  

  • Calling the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 

Appointments cannot be bought, sold, or transferred—beware of third parties offering to book one for a fee.

Approved Hand-Carry and Courier Services 

For urgent passport needs, travelers who cannot visit a passport agency may use an approved hand-carry or courier service. Before paying any company, verify its legitimacy at travel.state.gov/couriercompany. 

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed 

If you suspect you’ve been scammed, take action immediately:  

  • Request a refund from the company. 
  • Contact your credit card provider to dispute the charge. 
  • Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov or IdentityTheft.gov. 

Bottom Line: Stick to “.gov” Websites 

To ensure you’re getting accurate information and avoiding scams, only use official government websites ending in “.gov” when applying for a passport.  

For official passport services, visit travel.state.gov. 

By staying informed and using the right resources, you can keep your travel plans on track and avoid unnecessary costs or delays. If you have questions, you may always call the Library at 417-623-7953.  Safe travels! 

UniversalClass Offers 600+ Continuing Education Courses

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Joplin Public Library is pleased to announce that library patrons can now grow their skillsets and explore new hobbies and passions through continuing education service UniversalClass.

Through the library’s website, patrons can access more than 600 courses in 35 subject areas, many of which offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

accredited by International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). Patrons have unlimited access and can complete courses at their own pace, anytime on any device. Real human instructors grade assignments and provide feedback to build deeper understanding and mastery of subject matter.

The wide range of subject areas serves both professionals looking to upskill and lifelong learners exploring new topics for fun. Subject areas include Arts and Music, Cooking, Computers and Technology, Exercise and Fitness, Entrepreneurship, Health and Medicine, Home and Garden Care, Homeschooling, Job Assistance, Law and Legal, Parenting and Family, Pet and Animal Care, and many more.

Use your Joplin Public Library card to register with UniversalClass and access these courses for free!

2025 Youth Media Awards Winners

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2025 Youth Media Awards Winners

by SLJ Staff

2025 Youth Media Award Winners

John Newbery Medal
Honors author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly

 

Randolph Caldecott Medal
Awarded to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.

Chooch Helped illus. by Rebecca Lee Kunz, written by Andrea L. Rogers

 

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award
Honors to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished American book for beginning readers published in English in the United States.

Vacation by Ame Dyckman, illus. by Mark Teague

 

Children’s Literature Legacy Award
Honors an author or illustrator whose books, published in the United States, have made, over a period of years, a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children through books that demonstrate integrity and respect for all children’s lives and experiences. 

Carole Boston Weatherford

 

Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media
Given to a digital media producer that has created distinguished digital media for an early learning audience.

Carl the Collector, produced by Fuzzytown Productions and Spiffy Pictures for PBS Kids

 

Robert F. Sibert Medal

Awarded to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished informational book published in the United States in English.

Life After Whale: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale Fall by Lynn Brunelle, illus. by Jason Chin

 

Mildred L. Batchelder Award
Citation awarded to an American publisher for a children’s book considered to be the most outstanding of those books originally published in a foreign language in a foreign country, and subsequently translated into English and published in the United States. 

John the Skeleton, published by Yonder, an imprint of Restless Books for Young Readers, written by Triinu Laan, illus. by Marja-Liisa Plats, translated by Adam Cullen

 

ALSC Children’s Literature Lecture Award
Given to an author, critic, librarian, historian, or teacher of children’s literature, of any country, who shall prepare a paper considered to be a significant contribution to the field of children’s literature. 
Cynthia Leitich Smith

 

Pura Belpré Awards
Presented to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth. 

Illustration
The Dream Catcher, illustrated and written by Marcelo Verdad

Children’s Author
Lola by Karla Arenas Valenti

Young Adult Author
Shut Up, This Is Serious by Carolina Ixta

 

Michael L. Printz Award
Presented to a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature.

Brownstone by Samuel Teer, illus. by Mar Julia
Odyssey Award
Given to the producer of the best audiobook produced for children and/or young adults, available in English in the United States.

Children’s (0-14) Award
A Place of Hope: The Inspiring Story of Chef José Andrés and World Central Kitchen, produced by Andy T. Jones for Dreamscape Audio, written by Erin Frankel, illus. by Paola Escobar

Young Adult (12-18) Award
How the Boogeyman Became a Poet, produced by Abigail Marks for HarperAudio, written by Tony Keith Jr., narrated by Tony Keith Jr.

 

YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults
Honors the best nonfiction book published for young adults (ages 12-18) during a Nov. 1 – Oct. 31 publishing year.

Rising from the Ashes: Los Angeles, 1992. Edward Jae Song Lee, Latasha Harlins, Rodney King, and a City on Fire by Paula Yoo

 

William C. Morris Award
Honors a debut book published by a first-time author writing for teens. 

Not Like Other Girls by Meredith Adamo

Margaret A. Edwards Award
Honors an author, as well as a specific body of his or her work, for significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature

Tiffany D. Jackson

Alex Awards
Books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults, ages 12 through 18

Beautiful People: My Thirteen Truths About Disability by Melissa Blake
Big Jim and the White Boy: An American Classic Reimagined by David F. Walker
Daughters of Shandong by Eve J. Chung
Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djeli Clark
How to Solve Your Own Murder: A Novel by Kristen Perrin
I Feel Awful, Thanks by Lara Pickle
I Was a Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones
The Witch of Colchis by Rosie Hewlett
The Witchstone by Henry H. Neff
Woman, Life, Freedom by Marjane Satrapi

Coretta Scott King Book Awards
Recognize outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values. 

Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement
Carolyn L. Garnes

Coretta Scott King Author Award
Jason Reynolds for Twenty-four Seconds from Now…

Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award
C.G. Esperanza for My Daddy is a Cowboy, written by Stephanie Seales

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award
Craig Kofi Farmer for Kwame Crashes the Underworld 

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award
Jamiel Law for Jimmy’s Rhythm & Blues: The Extraordinary Life of James Baldwin 

 

Stonewall Book Awards
Given to English-language works of exceptional merit for children or teens relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender experience. 

Children’s Literature
Lunar Boy by Jes and Cin Wibowo

Young Adult Literature
Canto Contigo by Jonny Garza Villa
Schneider Family Book Awards
Honors an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences. 

Younger Children
A Little Like Magic by Sarah Kurpiel

Middle Grade
Popcorn by Rob Harrell

Young Adult
Chronically Dolores by Maya Van Wagenen

 

Sydney Taylor Book Awards
Recognizes titles for children and teens that exemplify high literary standards while authentically portraying the Jewish experience.

Picture Book
An Etrog from Across the Sea by Deborah Bodin Cohen and Kerry Olitzky, illus. by Stacey Dressen McQueen

Middle Grade
The Girl Who Sang: A Holocaust Memoir of Hope and Survival by Estelle Nadel and Sammy Savos with Bethany Strout

Young Adult
Night Owls by A.R. Vishny

 

Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature
Honors and recognizes individual works by Asian/Pacific American authors that highlight Asian/Pacific American cultures and experiences. 

Picture Book 
Aloha Everything by Kaylin Melia George, illus. by Mae Waite

Children’s Literature
Continental Drifter by Kathy MacLeod

Young Adult Literature 
Everything We Never Had by Randy Ribay

The American Indian Youth Awards are presented biennially. The next winners will be announced in January 2026.