Applications Open for 2024 Writers’ Faire

/in /by

The Joplin Public Library and Post Art Library are accepting applications to fill booths for the 2024 Joplin Writers’ Faire, an event scheduled for Saturday, October 12th from 10am-1pm inside the Library.

Applications opened August 1st and close Saturday, August 31st. Applying is free and open to all writers and writers’ groups, including published and non-published, emerging and established, writers working in any form/genre, and writing-related organizations. Successful applicants will be notified via email by Friday, September 13th and receive a booth – at no cost to them – during the 2024 Joplin Writers’ Faire. A library card is not necessary to participate.

Apply online!

Established in 2017, the Joplin Writers’ Faire aims to connect all sorts of writers to their existing and potentially new audiences while encouraging community support of local and regional writers. The 2024 Joplin Writers’ Faire is a collaboration between Joplin Public Library, Friends of the Joplin Public Library, and Post Art Library.

JPL Welcomes New Teen Services Librarian

/in /by

The Joplin Public Library is delighted to welcome Jill Williams as their new Teen Services Librarian.  Williams’ background, education and enthusiasm make her an exciting addition to the Library team. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and English from Grandview University, and is certified in Speech, Theater and Communications. She received her Masters of Library Science from Central Missouri State University.  Her most recent work experience includes thirteen years with McDonald County School District as the high school librarian.

During her tenure at McDonald County High School, Wiliams used her passion and enthusiasm for literacy to provide opportunities, like author visits and collaborative banquets, so students could discover the magic of reading. Williams also excelled at teaching students how to use research information and databases to enhance their learning. 

“I am excited to be here and to be taking on this role. I look forward to introducing new programs to Joplin area teens and helping them explore the wonderful world of literacy. Joplin Public Library staff are passionate about their work and I’m eagerly anticipating collaborating with them and creating partnerships with the community,” said Williams. 

As the Teen Services Librarian, Williams is responsible for managing all aspects of the Library’s Teen Department. The main functions of her role include assisting teen Library users, selecting materials and resources, managing the departmental budget and collaborating with Library staff and community partners to develop, plan, and host programs and events for teens. 

Summer Beach Reads

/in /by

It’s not too late to get hooked on one of these glorious summer beach reads!  What’s a summer beach read you ask?  It’s the kind of book that keeps you hooked, but you can read while keeping an eye on those playing in the sand.  They tend to be books emphasizing plot and characters over heavier themes or sophisticated writing.  Dictionary.com states it’s “a book, usually fiction, that one might enjoy during a vacation or a day at the beach because it is engaging, entertaining, and easy to read”.

Sounds perfect to me!

FREE Summer Meals for Area Kids

/in /by

Joplin Public Library is proud to partner with the Joplin School District’s Nutritional Services department to provide free lunches to area children starting Monday, July 1.  Any child, under 18 years, is eligible to receive a sack lunch.  Lunches will be handed out Monday through Friday, from 11:00-11:30am, while supplies last, in the vending area of the Library, located at 1901 E. 20th St.  They will be provided on a first come, first served basis, with the program running through August 16, 2024.  All food must be eaten onsite. 

 

Remembering JPL Teen Librarian, Beth Snow

/in , /by

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce Beth Snow, beloved Teen Services Librarian of Joplin Public Library, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2024 after a long battle with cancer.  

Known for her encouraging words, her joyful spirit, and her commitment to the Library and its patrons, Beth devoted her career to ensuring that every teen felt welcomed and supported by libraries. Beth spent over 20 years of her life working in libraries, eight of those at Joplin Public Library.  Her memory will live on in those that knew and loved her.

During an interview in 2022, she explained her passion for Teen Services, “The Teen Department offers a safe space, free of judgment for teens to grow, to explore, to deal, to connect, or to just “be”.  Building relationships is the foundation, the bulk of what happens here.  Teen Services can be as incredible, beautiful, heart-breaking, messy, and glorious as adolescence itself!”

Beth’s visitation will be Thursday, June 20, from 6:00-7:00 pm at Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Crematory.  Her funeral will be held Friday, June 21, at 2:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church in Joplin.  Her full obituary may be viewed here.  

The library will be closed Friday, June 21, from 1:00-6:00 pm to allow staff to attend the funeral.  Webb City Public Library has graciously agreed to host the Children’s program, Bobby Norfolk Storyteller, scheduled for 2:00 pm on Friday.

Patrons are encouraged to visit the Library to sign a memorial card that will be shared with Beth’s family. Also, individuals may participate in a memory-sharing activity in the teen department as a tribute to Beth.

Coming Soon: Summer Reading 2024

/in /by
Read more

Joplin Reads Together Results

/in /by

Thank you all for a wonderful second year of Joplin Reads Together.  JPL is proud of the connections formed during this shared experience, and want to thank everyone who participated!  Also, thank you to our community partners, Post Art Library, Friends of the Joplin Public Library, Joplin Chamber of Commerce, and Missouri Southern State University Spiva Library, with special thanks to Friends of the Joplin Public Library for their sponsorship of the Author Visit!  Take a look at our results!

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

/in /by

Joplin Public Library wants to spread the word that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is now available to ALL Missouri Children age 0-5.  This was made possible by legislation (Section 178.694 RSMo) that identifies school districts as the local partner for this initiative. Full funding was included in DESE’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget to establish and administer Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for all children in Missouri age 0-5. There is no cost to parents or schools for the books or the postage to deliver them.

Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book-gifting program in the world. The flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has gifted over 200 million free books in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and The Republic of Ireland. This is achieved through funding shared by The Dollywood Foundation and Local Community or State Partners. The Imagination Library mails more than 2.6 million high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children’s homes each month. Each child enrolled in the program receives one book per month from birth to age five – at no cost to families. 

Dolly envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading and inspiring children to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More. The program’s impact has been widely researched, and results demonstrate its positive impact on early childhood development and literacy skills. Penguin Random House is the exclusive publisher of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. For more information, please visit ImaginationLibrary.com.

The library’s role in this project is to help promote the program to area children and families.  From birth to age five, registered children receive a free book each month. To learn more and register, visit https://imaginationlibrary.com/usa/affiliate/MOSOUTHWEST/

If you need help signing up for the program, please come into the library and our Children’s Service Desk would be happy to assist you.