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.

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.