New Penworthy STEAM Kits Announced

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Joplin Public Library has added twelve STEAM and phonics kits to their collection, thanks to a Missouri State Library-funded grant. These kits are geared toward children and teens, and library cardholders can check out one kit at a time for three weeks.

Four kits will be housed in the Teen Department and can be checked out at the Teen Desk or Reference Desk, and eight will be housed in the Children’s Department and can be checked out at the Children’s Desk.

The STEAM-to-GO kits contain high and low-tech toys and games from Penworthy books that are designed to foster hands-on learning. Available STEAM kits include: Money, Math, and Economics; Letters and Numbers; Yoga for Mindfulness; Tot Game Night; Green Energy; Building and Design; Explore the Outdoors; and Family Game Night. Available phonics kits include: Ready, Set, Kindergarten; Biscuit Phonics; Pete the Cat Loves Preschool; and Little Critters Phonics.

STEAM-based learning is foundational in helping children and teens develop a variety of skills, including problem-solving, collaborative learning and critical thinking through hands-on learning. Though the Library currently offers select STEAM kits, this grant allows the Children’s and Teen departments to meet the needs of more families in more diverse ways.

This 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.

For information on these kits or to reserve one, visit the Library’s catalog at https://www.joplinpubliclibrary.org and search “STEAM to go,” or contact the Children’s or Teen Departments (417-623-7953).

Chat with Alyssa about Chat & Craft

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What is Chat & Craft?

Chat & Craft is a monthly program offered by the JPL where crafters of all types are invited to come together over their mutual love of handcrafts. Many of the attendees have been coming since the program started in 2006. But they are very welcoming to new faces!

What do people do?

People bring in all kinds of things; there’s lots of crochet, cross stitch, knitting, needle felting, floral wreaths, we even have painters at times. If they sell the supplies at the craft store, chances are we’ve seen it at Chat & Craft.

Are you assigning crafts?

Generally, it’s bring your own project. We do offer group projects and classes at times. Back in June, I brought in a crochet pattern for a stuffed jellyfish – to tie in with summer reading – and people really seemed to like it. Next month, I will be bringing in supplies for everyone to make a small punch needle piece.

What changes have you made since you took over?

I took over the program early this year when the previous leader retired. I was grateful to have her foundation to build on. Since then we’ve done a re-brand, to make Chat & Craft more cohesive with the rest of our adult programming and I have been able to start providing supplies for classes, thanks to grant funding from the Lemons Charitable Trust.

When do you meet?

We get together on the first Tuesday of every month from 6 to 8pm in the library’s community room. Our next meeting will be September 6th, and we are learning punch needle embroidery.

Anything to say to those who might be interested?

I would say just give it a try! We really have a lot of fun, and there’s no pressure to be an especially good crafter – or even much of a chatter. Also, if you’re having trouble learning a new craft, someone here has probably tried it. Bring it in and we can get you on the right path.

 

Bargains Galore: The JPL “Sale Shelf”

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The Joplin Public Library already offers their community a tremendous value for their dollar with their daily operations, but did you know that the Library also has a place where you can BUY books, magazines, DVDs, and more?

The “Sale Shelf” located on the Eastern end of the main lobby presents our public with a browsable selection of donated and weeded items at hugely discounted prices. Part “bargain shop”, part “garage sale”, all good fun – who can resist the urge to buy a stack of new to you items at prices like these…?

HARDBACK BOOKS $1.00
SOFTBACK BOOKS $.50
TRADE PAPERBACKS $.50
PAPERBACKS $.25
CHILDREN’S HARDBACKS $.50
CHILDREN’S SOFTBACKS $.25
DVD’S $1.00
CD’S   $1.00
AUDIOBOOKS $1.00
DVD CASES $.10
MAGAZINES $.25
ALL CHILDREN’S MAGAZINES ARE FREE
MISSOURI CONSERVATIONIST, AARP MAGAZINES AND BULLETINS, SHOW-ME AND J-MAG ARE  FREE
ALL SALES ARE FINAL
PRICES ARE AS ABOVE UNLESS OTHERWISE MARKED
Visit us today to shop the sale shelf, no Library card is required. Joplin Public Library accepts cash, cards, and checks. Joplin Public Library also accept donations of new or like new, stain and odor-free materials, just bring them to us at the front desk or call 417-623-7953 to arrange a drop off.

Who gets a card and why?

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There is a Joplin Public Library card waiting for YOU

Learn about the types of Library cards, who gets one, and for how much!

Resident Library Card

  • Annual property tax from the residents who live within the city limits of Joplin provide a great deal of the Library’s funding. (THANK YOU JOPLIN!) Due to this, everyone who lives within the city of Joplin gets a “free” JPL Library card. To  apply, you must provide a photo ID. If the ID has your current address, you are good to go. If not, you also need to bring a computer generated piece of recent mail that has your current address listed on it to apply. It is that easy! Apply in the Library (1901 E. 20th Street), or online at joplinpubliclibrary.org

But, what about those who live outside of city limits? The Library has multiple types of “non-resident” cards that are incredibly affordable or completely free! Here is a list:

Non-Resident Library Card

  • Non-resident cards are VERY affordable. If you live outside city limits, none of your tax dollars currently help fund the Joplin Public Library. The application/membership fee amount charged is calculated as the average amount an in-city resident pays to the Library from their annual property tax payment.
    • Non-residents are asked to pay a fee of $50 per year for your whole household. (Only $4.17 per month), OR, an exciting new option is our “trial card” which costs only $12.50 (for your entire household) and is good for 3 months! 

Company Library Card

  • Anyone who operates a business within Joplin city limits qualifies for a FREE Company Library card! (Ownership of the business is not required.) The application must be conducted by the Owner, CEO, Director, or President and then that person and several authorized users can enjoy the benefits of checking out and downloading materials from Joplin Public Library! Any type of material can be checked out with this card.

Student Library Card

  • University or College students residing in student housing in Joplin are eligible for a FREE Library card!
  • K-12 Students who live outside of Joplin city limits, but attend a school in Joplin, qualify for a reduced rate card of $10 per student!
    • Proof of attendance at the school is required (student ID, report card, email from teacher/building, etc).

The powers of the Joplin Public Library card are limitless. With your Library card you can check out popular, interesting, classic, and new release books, DVDs (including films, documentaries, and TV shows), and more! With most card types the item limit is 50 items checked out, at a time, per card! Also, your card can access our Digital Resources – downloadable ebooks, audiobooks, and more – at no additional cost though fun, free, and convenient apps. Additionally, your card can access our Online Databases or expert Librarians for assistance with Job Hunting, Research and Genealogy, Language Learning, Cooking, DIY, and more. 

This is your Library, we can’t wait to meet you and unlock the Powers of a Joplin Public Library card in your life! Come and see us today (20th and Connecticut) or visit us online at joplinpubliclibrary.org. You may also call us at 417-623-7953. 

Joplin Public Library opens tomorrow’s doors today through diverse opportunities to learn, create, explore, and have fun.

Here to help you! JPL & Economic Security Corporation

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The local branch of the Economic Security Corporation’s official Mission statement is: To provide comprehensive services that will instill hope and share opportunities to eliminate the conditions of poverty and help neighbors achieve self-sufficiency. We also feel that this is a vital and essential mission of the Library. In the spirit of that partnership, an Outreach Worker from the Economic Security Corporation is available once per month (every third Friday) in the Library lobby from 1 to 3 pm.

Economic Security is an incredibly helpful community hub for any and all sorts of help. Some of the most common needs they work to meet include rental payment assistance and energy bill assistance for those struggling financially. They can even help to assist in ways such as providing a no cost smart phone, finding insurance or low to no cost medical or dental care, or even to connect to legal assistance. Other helpful resources fall under the umbrella of case management. In this instance, an Outreach Worker builds a complete relationship with a family and assists all of their needs. This resource can include helping search for employment, assisting in transportation for the family, looking into free or reduced childcare options (Headstart), and more!

ESC also runs a program called Housing Connect for people experiencing homelessness. They have resources for job searching and programs in place to lead these vulnerable community members out of the dangers of being unhoused, and into a safer and more stable future.

Economic Security is a LARGE, complex, and incredibly helpful organization. If you, or someone you know, are experiecing any types of stressors or obstacles due to financial situation, please visit us at the Library on Friday, August 20 from 1 to 3 pm OR visit their home office at 302 South Joplin Avenue ( in Joplin) or call them at 417-781-0352.

JPL Strategic Plan: 2025-2029

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The Joplin Public Library (JPL) has unveiled a updated strategic plan effective through the year 2029. The new JPL Strategic Plan describes the Library’s mission, core values, and vision for future success while also identifying key result areas where JPL will direct its energy and resources over the next several years.

 

Joplin Public Library
Strategic Plan 2025 – 2029

Approved by the Library Board of Trustees 

The Vision of The Joplin Public Library: Our Library is a welcoming community where learning and connection grow and lives are enriched.

The Mission of The Joplin Public Library: Our Library opens tomorrow’s doors today through diverse opportunities to learn, create, explore, and have fun.

At the Core of our Culture We Value:

  1. Respect

We present civility in all circumstances.

  1. Relationships

Connections broaden horizons. We are better together than we are alone.

  1. A Heart of Service

We help each other live and experience our Mission.

  1. Kindness & Friendliness

We care about each other and all we serve. We demonstrate empathy and compassion.

  1. Inclusion

We value diversity and the freedom of expression. We provide information without bias or discrimination.

  1. Collaboration and Flexibility

We work together to achieve the best outcomes and believe that adaptability is necessary to grow.

  1. A Safe Environment to Explore

The right to free inquiry prospers at our Library. We also foster a right to imagine and innovate, ask and question, seek and find without judgement.

 

Strategically, JPL Focuses On These Key Result Areas To Move Toward Our Vision, While Living Our Mission:

SERVICE

· Continue to streamline policies and procedures while focusing on the user experience

· Create and deploy next-level customer service experience training to include anticipating needs and broadening usage

· Effectively onboard new patrons to introduce and encourage engagement

· Retain current users by deepening relationships with them

AWARENESS

· Implement tactics that help staff feel empowered to promote the Library both inside and outside

· Create an active and viral Ambassador Program

· Maximize deep relationships with patrons by encouraging the act of influencing

 OUTREACH

· Staff attends community events to promote and represent the Library

· Each year fully engage with mission-supporting partners to bring betterment and enrichment opportunities to our community

 CONNECTIONS

· Stay aware of societal trends and bring opportunities to connect with those trends into the Library

· Develop emotional linkage with loyal patrons of our Library and share their stories of Library usage, learning, and enrichment

ENRICHMENT

· Ensure the Library has a broad range of materials to fulfill most Library user’s needs

 · Provide varied programs for all ages and abilities

· Create experiences that make visiting the Library fun

Binge Boxes for DVD-checkout

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We are introducing a Binge Box media collection, a new type of material offering that will help maximize the home movie experience for Library users. Binge Boxes are themed collections of DVD titles packaged together for ease and convenience. Each Binge Box contains anywhere from four to six different popular and/or nostalgic DVD titles pertaining to the Box theme. By checking out a Binge Box, Library users will be able to watch multiple movies with just one borrow.

An example of one of the collections is: “‘80s Imagination Movies”; included inside are the following DVD titles: The Goonies, Beetlejuice, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, Weird Science, and Ghostbusters. This Binge Box will count as one item and be eligible for a 7-day check-out period with possibility of renewal if the item does not have any other placed holds. There are more than 50 other Binge Box collections for checkout including “This Movie Will Self Destruct,” “Take a Look Under the Hood,” ”Superheroes,” and “The American Military.”

“Our new Binge Box collection makes movie check-out quick and easy,” said Library Director Jeana Gockley. “Select a collection, check it out and enjoy up to six great movies!” This new media collection was purchased using funds awarded through the Lemons Family Charitable Trust, which seeks to provide grants to local charitable institutions. Active Library users may check-out a Binge Box at the Joplin Public Library at 1901 E. 20th Street, during scheduled business hours, or may place a hold on the item using the online catalog found at joplinpubliclibary.org. Curbside pickup for items is also available. For more information about this new offering, please contact Chelsey Gatewood or Jeana Gockley by phone at 417-623-7953 or email at cgatewood@joplinpubliclibrary.org or jgockley@joplinpubliclibrary.org

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Since 1902, JPL has been fulfilling the information needs of citizens of Joplin and the surrounding community. JPL offers content to meet the informational, recreational, cultural enhancement and continuing educational needs of the general public.

Joplin Library News – Schooling at Home

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The Joplin Public Library is excited to announce a library-wide initiative to support learning this fall. The Children and Teen Departments have developed several programs and resources to support parents and caregivers with schooling at home in whatever form that may take.

Families can find curriculum help, homeschooling laws, virtual educational resources, social opportunities and more on our brand new “Schooling at Home” webpage: https://www.joplinpubliclibrary.org/schooling/

The webpage also includes a comprehensive list of virtual and remote learning information for local school districts, as well as state standards for Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Finally, the webpage includes an annotated list of electronic library resources, including test prep and homework help databases.

Joplin Public Library also offers the following services to supplement schooling at home: 24/7 wireless internet access in the Library parking lot, Inter-Library Loan services, and test proctoring.

According to a survey conducted by JPL, 60% of parents and caregivers who responded (61 responses total) plan to conduct school at home this fall in some fashion. An interest in homeschool resources provided by the Library was noted by 52% of respondents, and 23% hoped to see some type of online community of support from the Library on behalf of parents and caregivers schooling at home.

Library staff will use survey results to prioritize fall and spring programming offerings, with more details on programming for families, children, and teens coming soon!

The Teen Department’s first fall program is First Impact, a virtual education course for parents of new drivers, on Tuesday, September 1, from 6 to 7 p.m. via Zoom. The program is free, open to the public, and registration is required at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/first-impact-new-driver-parent-teen-education-program-on-zoom-tickets-113853099686.

For more information, call the Library at 417-623-7953