Joplin Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Program began May 30th and will run through July 23rd, with the theme “All Together Now”. 

No Library card is required to participate in the Summer Reading Program; however, for the third year, the Joplin Public Library is extending the offer of a free Summer Reading Library card to EVERYONE! No matter your age, or where you live, you are eligible for a free JPL card to be used from May 30 through July 31. You may check out physical items from the Library including books, DVDs, and more – AND – you can use the card to access our digital resources. As always, Joplin Public Library cards are always free for in-city residents of Joplin, simply bring a recent piece of mail and your photo ID to the Library to register.

The JPL Summer Reading Program is a free program designed to keep the public reading, learning, and discovering all summer. After sign-up, children, teens, and adults alike will participate by tracking the minutes they read or listen to their favorite materials (books, magazines, newspaper, audiobooks, etc) on a paper gameboard that is handed out in the Library, or on the easy, free, and fun “Beanstack” app. Goals for each age group are set accordingly, and are very achievable. Adults will allow pre-readers to participate by tracking the amount of time spent reading to the young child. As participants achieve their reading goals, and complete fun and interactive self-moderated activities, they will earn prizes, plus, entries into generous grand prizes giveaways that are made possible thanks to many local sponsors! All participation is self-guided and completely optional.

Another aspect of the Summer Reading Program is fun, educational, and theme-based Library-hosted events. Summer events include the Library’s regular child-friendly programs – storytimes, lego club, dog day afternoon reading times, and books clubs – but families can also enjoy special programs courtesy of nationally known speakers who will visit Joplin. The list includes The Fishin’ Magicians, Will Parker, Jay & Leslie’s Laughing Matters, Mad Science, and Fire Dog!  Teens will have several chances to connect thanks to partnerships – one with the Missouri Department of Conservation for an escape room program and two others with the Library’s Makerspace, which will allow teens to test out their creativity and undertake random acts of kindness. Plus, traditional offerings of chess and anime/manga will remain on the slate of events.  New to the lineup for adults are monthly opportunities for yoga, a crosswords and coffee, and an anime/manga meetup. The public is invited to participate in the variety of programs, as desired. Find the comprehensive calendar of events here: https://www.joplinpubliclibrary.org/calendar/

Registration for the Summer Reading Program is ongoing, visit joplinpubliclibrary.org/summer-reading to sign up today!