Joplin Public Library

Our play space continues to be widely loved by families with young children in our community. The children's department provides several family friendly spaces throughout our library. The main play space is an open play area with toys based on different types of play. We have another that contains a LEGO table and a train table. The tops of these tables are reversible and used during programming events. We have a play kitchen near our play space. Flexible seating areas that include space designed for adults and children complement these areas. All our spaces are used extensively and families love them! Our library is a space where families come daily to play, have a play date, read, write, or use their imagination to create. Our picture book collection is front facing and sorted by categories, making them more kid-friendly and browsable. Our staff continues to embrace families and welcome them to the library, making it safe for children to be children. The atmosphere in the library makes it easy for staff to build relationships with families; in fact, families often comment on the welcoming nature of the staff, as well as how much growth they observe in their child after coming to the library regularly. The library has always been a destination for families due to the many programs offered here; however, our status as a Family Place Library has cemented our role in the community as a hub for early learning. Our parent-child workshops have connected parents and caregivers with essential services for their children. In November of 2024, three families were able to connect with an early intervention specialist at First Steps through the parent-child workshop.