Grant Award Brings Switch Games to Teen Department

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Joplin Public Library is excited to add a new Nintendo Switch gaming cart for use in Teen programming, thanks to a recently awarded Bramlage & Willcoxon Foundation grant. The new gaming cart includes approximately 20 games designed to encourage collaboration and creative thinking. 

Because of the grant award, the Library was able to purchase the Nintendo Switch deluxe bundle, a mobile gaming cart and two controllers, all from Fully Loaded Entertainment. The gaming cart includes a 20” monitor and a lock box for the gaming console. Many of the games are multiplayer and require teamwork and critical thinking. The console does not have access to Wi-Fi and is in compliance with CIPAA requirements. 

According to Youth Services Librarian Christina Matekel-Gibson: “Studies show that games, including video games, can be especially beneficial for teens as a means of encouraging in-person socialization, building friendships, and fostering creative expression.”

The Bramlage and Willcoxon Foundation mission of “improving the lives of the people and communities it touches by focusing on health, education, and children” is in direct alignment with the Nintendo Switch gaming cart addition to the Teen area. Joplin Public Library is thankful for the award and the opportunity to enrich and improve the lives of a sometimes-overlooked demographic by providing access to unique educational and entertaining resources.  

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!