Health & Wellness Library of Things Additions

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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.

  

Spring Cleaning with JPL!

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Spring Break with JPL

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Women’s History Month

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Joplin Reads Together 2024 Book Selection

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Blind Date with a Book

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Black History Month at JPL

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5 Star Reads for 2023 and Most Anticipated for 2024

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A new year, a new you, a new hobby!

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Hobbies can be a great way to unwind, foster creativity, and make new friends.  They offer an opportunity to pursue passions and set goals unrelated to our professional lives.  As children, our free time was consumed with hobbies such as arts and crafts, playing sports, and games.  While juggling the demands of adult life, we often push aside leisure activities due to time constraints and financial considerations.  However, studies have demonstrated that engaging in a hobby can contribute to long-term physical and mental well-being.

Joplin Public Library is a great resource to help you discover a new hobby or get back into a past favorite.  It can be tempting to splurge on expensive supplies after seeing a fun project online (hello, Pinterest!).  However, there is a risk that the hobby may not be ideal for you, and you end collecting expensive gear you never use.  By utilizing books, digital resources, The Makerspace and The Library of Things, trying out new hobbies doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. 

For example, if you’d like to try out digital photography, a DSLR camera and lens can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars.  The Library of Things has one you can check out, countless books on photography and even a Great Courses series on photography through our digital resource kanopy.  Laser engraving is a fun pastime and a great way to personalize items, but again, the machine is expensive, takes up a lot of space and needs special ventilation.  The Makerspace offers this service and help using the machine when you bring your own supplies!

Another reason to utilize the library when looking for a new hobby is that we’re a trusted source for information. Have you ever tried a recipe you found online, only to realize it was missing a key ingredient or step? Books undergo a rigorous review process, ensuring that recipes or instructions for a project won’t lead to disastrous results like in this article from Good Housekeeping. Also, magazines and blogs are often sponsored by companies that promote specific products. The library, on the other hand, has no such agenda. We don’t care which brands you use, as long as you’re having fun!

Start the new year with a new hobby and enjoy all that Joplin Public Library has to offer in 2024!

WiFi Improvement Grant Approved!

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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