Joplin Public Library Solidifies Role as Community Lifeline with Expanded Free Services and Modern Offerings

JOPLIN, Mo. — As libraries across the country continue to adapt to changing community needs, the Joplin Public Library continues to stand out by expanding far beyond traditional books into a true one-stop hub for learning, creativity, entertainment, and everyday practical support—all accessible for free or at very low cost with a library card.

The library’s “Library of Things” collection has seen significant growth, allowing patrons to check out items that would otherwise require expensive purchases or long-term storage. Popular additions now include a KitchenAid stand mixer for home bakers, digital cameras for photography enthusiasts, bird-watching kits, jigsaw puzzles, carpet cleaners, and more. These join an already diverse lineup of tools, games, kitchen equipment, and electronics.

“And actually we just expanded our library of things into the children's area as well,” Joplin Public Library Public Relations & Marketing assistant Lori Crockett added. “So stem kits, puzzles, phonics kits, things like that, you can take those home for your kids as well.”

Recreational programming keeps pace with modern interests. The library regularly updates its collection of popular board games—such as Zool and Splendor—based on annual patron feedback, encouraging family game nights and social learning.

Of course, the “Library of Things” is just one example of what separates the Joplin Library from others in the four-state area. 

“We are an area not just for people that love books, though of course we love the people that love books,” Crockett said. “But we have so many non-traditional services as well. … We have meeting rooms and study rooms for people to come in and use those spaces. And we're one of the last remaining spaces that you can come in and use things without any expectation of needing to pay for. All of our programming is free, our makerspace. We're just really proud of all the things that we have to offer the community.”

Upcoming events highlight the library’s commitment to cultural and community engagement. The annual All-Ages Black History Fair is scheduled for February 7, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the community room, featuring local organizations and individuals doing important work in Joplin’s African American community. 

In April, Joplin Reads Together will bring the community together through a shared reading experience, complete with book discussions and a visiting author. Partnerships with Missouri Southern State University and the Post Art Library continue to enrich these and other programs.

Accessibility and inclusivity have also seen major improvements. The library now welcomes food and drink, creating a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere that departs from the old “shhh-only” stereotype. 

A dedicated teen zone restricted to teens offers a comfortable space tailored to younger users, while expanded technology access—including public computers in adult labs and children’s learning centers—helps bridge the digital divide.

“As a mom of a teenager, I love knowing that my kids have a safe space to go to and it's not going to cost me a bunch of money,” Crockett said. 

Additional services include affordable printing (25 cents per color page, 10 cents black and white), test proctoring, notary services, and passport application assistance. In the makerspace, trained staff provide hands-on guidance for using the 3D printer and laser engraver, ensuring patrons achieve high-quality results. 

Personalized reader’s advisory—helping both children and adults find the perfect book—remains a hallmark of the staff’s service.

“We're a family place library where our librarians have really put a lot of thought into the items that we have available for play, the way things are displayed,” Crockett added. “We have a lot of computers now for people, not only in the general computer lab for adults, but we have them all the way down to learning centers. In the children's area, we have a dedicated teen space that we ask adults to stay out of, so the teens feel comfortable there.”

Membership is designed to be inclusive and sustainable. Joplin city residents can obtain a free library card with proof of address, unlocking full access to physical and digital resources, events, and borrowing privileges. Non-residents have the option of a $50 annual family card or a $12.50 three-month trial card, both offering the same benefits at a fraction of the cost of individual books, games, or entertainment subscriptions.

On the digital front, the library’s free Kanopy streaming service provides cardholders with thousands of movies, documentaries, independent films, classic cinema, and educational titles—plus a dedicated Kanopy Kids section. Many patrons report considering canceling paid streaming subscriptions after discovering the depth and quality of the library’s media offerings.

The library keeps the community informed through its website (joplinpubliclibrary.org) and active Facebook and Instagram pages, where regular updates on events, new resources, and services are posted. In-person tours are also available to help new and returning visitors explore the facility.

In a rapidly changing world, the Joplin Public Library has transformed itself into a dynamic, inclusive community anchor—offering free tools for creativity, education, and daily life, along with meaningful cultural programming and reliable support services. Whether someone needs a mixer for a weekend baking project, a quiet place to study, or a chance to connect through shared reading, the library continues to deliver exceptional value and relevance to every resident who walks through its doors.