NEW: Play Touch Table

/in , /by

Joplin Public Library is excited to add a new Play Touch Table in the Rosemary Titus Reynolds Children’s Library, thanks to a recently awarded Bramlage & Willcoxon Foundation Grant. The new Play Touch Table features games encouraging eye-hand coordination, brain development, and teamwork.  

Because of the grant award, the Library was able to purchase the state-of-the-art, interactive, 32’ Play Touch Table, along with 13 games. Many of the games are educational, such as Words’Touch, which helps children practice spelling, organization, and gain confidence in their vocabulary.  Some of the games are multiplayer, which allows children to connect with other kids in the Library and foster a sense of community.

“It’s important to have a variety of resources available to our patrons, from books, toys, and electronic items, like the new Play Touch Table,” said Christina Matekel-Gibson, Youth Services Librarian.  “Having a fun, free, inviting space tailored to children is part of welcoming kids into the library and ensuring the next generation has an appreciation for learning and community.” 

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 Play Touch Table addition to the Children’s Library. Joplin Public Library is thankful for the award and the opportunity to enrich and improve the lives of our youngest patrons by providing access to unique educational and entertaining resources.  

Health & Wellness Library of Things Additions

/in , /by

Joplin Public Library is launching a new Health & Wellness category as part of their Library of Things collection, thanks to a recently awarded Bramlage & Willcoxon Foundation Grant.  Library of Things is a collection of non-traditional materials including tools, games, kitchen items, electronics and more — all available to check out for free from the Library. The collection has previously included items in four topic areas – Arts & Crafts, Tools & Tech, Kitchen Gear, Fun & Games. The heart of the collection includes items that library users would only potentially need once in a while or expensive items individuals could benefit from borrowing to test before an investment is made.

Dot Willcoxon with some of the new items in the Health & Wellness category.

Because of the grant award, twenty new items were purchased for the newly added Health and Wellness category, including such items as a professional grade carpet cleaner, a blood pressure monitor, light therapy lamp, exercise equipment, and more.  The new component to the Library of Things is available April 1, 2024.

“The Library of Things has been an extremely popular collection since its debut in May of 2023, and we believe that adding this category to the collection will only increase its usefulness to our patrons,” said Lori Crockett, PR/Marketing Assistant.  “We want each member of the community to have resources available to them to not only increase their awareness surrounding health and wellness topics, but also be able to provide some physical resources that will help. Inclusivity is important to the Library and this collection will be available for all community members that have a Joplin Public Library card.” 

The Bramlage and Willcoxon Foundation mission of “improving e lives of the people and communities it touches by focusing on health, education, and children” is in direct alignment with the Health & Wellness addition to the Library of Things. Joplin Public Library is thankful for the award and the opportunity to enrich and improve the lives of our community members by providing access to health and wellness resources.

  

WiFi Improvement Grant Approved!

/in , /by

The Joplin Public Library was Awarded a Grant to Upgrade Wi-Fi Access for Faster, More Secure Connectivity from Missouri Library Association.

Joplin, MO – 1/3/24 – Joplin Public Library is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a WiFi improvement grant to enhance its wireless internet access by upgrading to faster and more secure Wi-Fi access points. This initiative will improve connectivity for patrons, ensuring a seamless digital experience for learning, research, and community engagement.

With the growing demand for reliable and high-speed internet access, the Joplin Library recognizes the importance of keeping up with technological advancements. The grant will enable the library to replace outdated Wi-Fi equipment with state-of-the-art access points, offering improved speed, security, and coverage throughout the facility.

“We are thrilled to receive this generous grant, which will allow us to better serve our patrons with enhanced internet access,” said Justin Kelly, IT Manager. “Whether for job searching, online learning, telehealth appointments, or simply staying connected, reliable Wi-Fi is an essential service we are committed to providing to our community.”

The upgraded Wi-Fi system will include stronger encryption and security protocols to protect users’ data while ensuring a more robust and stable connection. The enhancements will particularly benefit students, job seekers, and community members who rely on the library’s free internet service for critical online activities.

Installation of the new access points is set to begin immediately and is expected to be completed by the end of the month. Library patrons may experience brief interruptions during the transition, but the library staff will work to minimize disruptions and assist users in navigating the new system.

For more information about the Wi-Fi upgrade or other services offered by the Joplin Library, please visit www.joplinpubliclibrary.org or contact Justin Kelly jkelly@joplinpubliclibrary.org

EOL Shouldn’t stand for End of Library – Grant Approved!!

/in , /by

The Joplin Public Library Secures Grant to Replace Critical Computers for Automated Book Sorting System

Joplin, MO – 10/24/23 – The Joplin Public Library is pleased to announce that it has received a grant to replace two essential computers that support the library’s Automatic Material Handlers (AMH). These machines are vital to the seamless check-in and sorting of books and materials returned by patrons, ensuring efficient circulation and quick access to library resources.

The funding, provided by the Library Services and Technology Act, will allow the library to upgrade outdated computer systems that are integral to the operation of the AMH. These replacements will enhance reliability, reduce downtime, and improve service for the thousands of books, DVDs, and other materials processed daily.

“We are incredibly grateful for this grant, which allows us to maintain the ongoing operation of our automated systems,” said Justin Kelly, IT Manager. “By ensuring that our sorting technology remains operational, we can continue providing a seamless experience for our patrons and staff.”

The AMH system plays a crucial role in the library’s daily operations by quickly sorting returned items and preparing them for the next borrower. This upgrade will help sustain the efficiency of the library’s circulation process, ultimately benefiting the entire community.

The Joplin Public Library extends its sincere appreciation to LSTA and Tech Logic for its generous support and ongoing commitment to public libraries. The upgrade is expected to be completed by the end of the year, ensuring continued excellence in library services.

This technology improvement project is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Missouri State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.