The Joplin Public Library would like to thank the community for the success of the inaugural Joplin Read Together! This year was the first year that the Library’s first community read, featuring Shelby Van Pelt’s novel Remarkably Bright Creatures. The program met and/or exceeded the goals that the library set, and they can’t wait to continue this program next year. The stats from the program are as follows.
Participation
Registrations for the program totaled 321. The Joplin Reads Together webpage had 46,730 page views from 12,820 users.
Circulation
Remarkably Bright Creatures was remarkably popular! Library patrons checked out hardcover editions of the book 68 times, audiobooks four times, and book kits six times. The Libby eBook version was checked out 21 times and the Libby eAudioBook edition was checked out 20 times.
Library Events
During the program, 409 participants attended the nine different events that the Library and its partners hosted. Participants came from all over the region and even from places across the midwest, including from Pittsburg, Kansas; Baxter Springs, Kansas; St. Louis, Missouri; Columbia, Missouri; Chicago, Illinois; and Branson, Missouri.
Author Visit
This final, signature event of the Joplin Reads Together program featured an author visit and book signing with Shelby Van Pelt on Thursday, April 27. Over 150 individuals were in attendance and Van Pelt signed 105 books. Feedback for the event, and the program in general, was excellent with some of the participants saying:
- “Well-panned with many options, and well organized!”
- “Looking forward to this being replicated in the future!”
- “Excellent book selection with a fun author!”
- “Creative events and fun to talk about the book!”
Community Engagement
The Joplin Reads Together program was featured in different news programs and across local mediums. The Library staff made appearances on Living Well, Good Morning Four States, and on Missouri Southern State University’s Newsmakers program.
Community partners also covered the program in The Joplin Globe, Zimmer Marketing’s NewsTalk KRZG, Joplin Business Outlook, the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce’s weekly newsletter, and KRPS Radio.
Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who participated in Joplin Reads Together!
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.
Reference:
Joplin Public Library
417.623.7953
joplinpubliclibrary.org
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