Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The Stonewall Uprising was a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. In the United States the last Sunday in June was initially celebrated as “Gay Pride Day,” but the actual day was flexible. In major cities across the nation the “day” soon grew to encompass a month-long series of events. Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, and LGBTQ Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world. Memorials are held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.  In recognition of Pride Month, we’ve curated a list of materials you may enjoy!

The Joplin Public Library is pleased to announce a new service offering for the community of things meant to inspire creativity, learning, and fun. The aptly named “Library of Things” is a collection of non-traditional materials including tools, games, kitchen items, and electronics. The best part is all items are available to check out for free with a Joplin Public Library card. 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. 

The project got its start when a community member generously offered to purchase items to create four cooking kits. The cooking kits include equipment for making sushi, paella, madeleines, and muffins, plus each kit has an accompanying book that provides recipes and tips. The collection has continued to grow thanks to funding from the Joplin Library Foundation. Also, Library staff have applied for local grants with the hope of adding even more things. Library of Things smaller ticket items include puzzles, a tripod, a stud finder, and basic tools for home-based projects, while more expensive offerings include a digital camera, a projector, a food vacuum sealer, and a pickleball paddle set.

“Libraries have grown over the years to expand their offerings beyond “just books,” said Lori Crockett, the Public Relations and Marketing Assistant for the Joplin Public Library. “We are now a hub for community members to access digital resources, learn a new skill, connect with local services, and enjoy programs and events. The Library of Things is the next step to expand on and enhance these offerings. We hope this collection will encourage lifelong learning and creativity.”  

Users may borrow items from the Library of Things for one week and check out up to three Library of Things items at a time.  This service is offered at no cost to active Joplin Public Library cardholders.  

Each year the American Library Association (ALA) honors books, videos, and other outstanding materials for children and teens. Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, the ALA Youth Media Awards (YMA), including the prestigious Newbery, Caldecott, Printz, and Coretta Scott King Book Awards, guide parents, educators, librarians, and others in selecting the best materials for youth.

Selected by committees composed of librarians and other literature and media experts, the awards encourage original and creative work in the field of children’s and young adult literature and media.

JPL is proud to feature many of these award winning books in our collection, and we encourage our patrons to check them out!