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Address: 1901 East 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 | Phone: 417-623-7953
Joplin Public Library
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About
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
EVENTS
GET THE BOOK

Join us for the first ever Joplin Reads Together!

Joplin Reads Together is proud to announce Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, as the 2023 Book.  This debut novel is a New York Times Best Seller, a Read with Jenna pick, and a nominee on 2022 Goodreads Choice Awards.

About the Book

After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago.
Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors—until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.
Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late. Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.
Read-a-likes

Library Hosted Events

April 4th, 6-8:00pm Chat and Craft & Makerspace Event

April 4th, 6-7:30pm Master Gardening Class

April 5th, 1-2:00pm Book Discussion

April 6th, 5:30-6:30pm Exploring Swedish Culture

April 6th, 6:30-7:30pm Post Art Library Opening Reception: Lost & Found- Remarkably Bright Objects

April 11th, 6-7:00pm Researching Your Roots

April 12th, while supplies last Adult Take-Home Kit

April 15th 10:30-11:30am Wonders of Wildlife

April 18th, 6-7:00pm Book Discussion

April 27th, 6:00pm Shelby Van Pelt Author Visit

1901 East 20th Street
Joplin, MO 64804

Phone: 417-623-7953

Operating Hours

Monday 9AM-6PM
Tuesday 9AM-8PM
Wednesday 9AM-6PM
Thursday 9AM-8PM
Friday 9AM-6PM
Saturday 9AM-5PM
Sunday 1PM-5PM

Latest News

  • NEW Virtual TourMay 18, 2023 - 10:12 am
  • Joplin Reads Together SuccessMay 16, 2023 - 9:22 am
  • Library of Things LaunchesMay 15, 2023 - 11:43 am
  • Iconic JoplinApril 24, 2023 - 4:08 pm
  • Youth Media Awards 2023February 8, 2023 - 10:00 am

Upcoming Events

Jun
5
Mon
4:00 pm Kindness Chapter Book Club @ Joplin Public Library--Storytime Room
Kindness Chapter Book Club @ Joplin Public Library--Storytime Room
Jun 5 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Our summer book club will highlight kindness and community through a book and related activities. We will be reading Amy Timberlake’s Skunk and Badger. Each child will receive a free copy courtesy of Friends of the[...]
Jun
6
Tue
10:00 am Summertime Play Date @ Joplin Public Library--Outdoor Classroom
Summertime Play Date @ Joplin Public Library--Outdoor Classroom
Jun 6 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Come play with us! We will enjoy the outdoors while playing, exploring, and learning! The first 30 attendees will receive a ticket for a free sack lunch provided by Bookhouse Cinema. Ages 2-5. This program[...]
6:00 pm Chat & Craft @ Joplin Public Library Community Room
Chat & Craft @ Joplin Public Library Community Room
Jun 6 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Whether you crochet, knit, stitch, draw, or paint, bring along your current project and chat with us! All crafts are welcome! We meet from 6 to 8 pm on the first Tuesday of every month[...]
6:00 pm Tuesday Knight Chess @ Joplin Public Library Teen Department
Tuesday Knight Chess @ Joplin Public Library Teen Department
Jun 6 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Know how to play chess?  Sharpen your skills with practice games and trade tips with other players.  We’ll meet in the Teen Department to play and strategize.  This activity is designed for teens who have[...]
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