(Joplin, MO) – The Joplin Public Library is pleased to announce a new service offering for the community: a collection that is meant to inspire creativity, learning, and fun. The aptly named Library of Things is a collection of nontraditional materials, including tools, games, kitchen items, and electronics. The best part is that all of these items are available to check out for free with a Joplin Public Library card! The heart of the collection includes items that library users would only potentially need once in a while or expensive items that individuals could benefit from borrowing to test before making an investment in their own.
The project got its start when a community member generously offered to purchase items to create four cooking kits. The cooking kits included equipment for making sushi, paella, madeleines, and muffins, plus an accompanying book for each kit that provided recipes and tips. The collection has continued to grow thanks to funding from the Joplin Library Foundation. Also, Library staff have applied for local grants with the hope of adding even more things. The Library of Things also has smaller ticket items including puzzles, a tripod, a stud finder, and basic tools for home-based projects as well as more expensive offerings like a digital camera, a projector, a food vacuum sealer, and a pickleball paddle set.
The Library will host a Meet the Things event on May 11 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm at the Joplin Public Library. This event will give the community a chance to browse the new collection and check out items for the first time. Staff will be on hand to show community members where the Library of Things items will be located and to answer questions about the new offering. The event is free, open to the public, and light refreshments will be provided.
“Libraries have grown over the years to expand their offerings beyond ‘just books,’” said Lori Crockett, the Public Relations and Marketing Assistant for the Joplin Public Library. “We are now a hub for community members to access digital resources, learn a new skill, connect with local services, and enjoy programs and events. The Library of Things is the next step to expand on
and enhance these offerings. We hope this collection will encourage lifelong learning and creativity.”
Users may borrow items from the Library of Things for one week and check out up to three Library of Things items at a time. This service is offered at no cost to active Joplin Public Library cardholders.
For more information and to check out all of the Library’s offerings, visit our Library of Things guide online.
About Joplin Public Library:
Since 1902, JPL has been fulfilling the information needs of citizens of Joplin and the surrounding community. JPL opens tomorrow’s doors today through diverse opportunities to learn, create, explore, and have fun.
References:
Lori Crockett, PR and Marketing Assistant
Joplin Public Library
417.623.7953, ext. 1019
Jeana Gockley, Library Director
Joplin Public Library
417.623.7953, ext. 1021
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