(Joplin, MO) – The Joplin Public Library, in partnership with local organizations, is excited to begin its month-long campaign Joplin Reads Together 2025. The chosen book, The Lager Queen of Minnesota became a National Bestseller in its first week of release, was named one of the best books of 2019 by NPR, USA Today, and Booklist, and won the 2020 WILLA Literary Award from Contemporary Fiction. A contemporary fiction novel, it features two sisters living in Minnesota navigating the ups and downs of life, family, and brewing beer. This community read aims to foster a shared reading experience and spark meaningful conversations about family relationships, small business, the importance of community, and life in the Midwest.
Community members are encouraged to read the selected title and have the opportunity to further explore the themes and topics in the novel by attending book discussions and programming events offered throughout the entire month of April. This year’s lineup includes the following:
- Thursday, March 27, 5:30–7:30 pm @ Post Art Library: My Midwest Art Reception (art display runs March 27 to April 27)
- Tuesday, April 1, 6:00–8:00 pm: Chat & Craft: Cookie Cutter Stamped Tea Towels
- Monday, April 3, 5:30 pm @ Chaos Brewing: Friends of Joplin Public Library Presents From Page to Pint: Celebrating The Lager Queen with Local Brews. This is a Friends member-only event.
- Tuesday, April 8, 6:00–7:00 pm @ Joplin Public Library: Missouri Southern State University’s Dr. Megan Bever presents “Beer, Bodies, and Being: Gender and Identity in American Culture.”
- Wednesday, April 9, 11:00 am @ Joplin Public Library: Take-Home Kit: Painted Cork Coasters (while supplies last)
- Saturday, April 12, 2:00–3:00 pm @ Chaos Brewing: Board Games & Brews
- Tuesday, April 15, 6:00–7:00 pm: Pie-Making with Carla from Big R’s Pies
- Thursday, April 17, 11:00 am @ Joplin Public Library: Makerspace Take & Make Kit: DIY Bread in a Bag (while supplies last)
- Thursday, April 17, 1:00–2:00 pm Let’s Dish Book Discussion
- Thursday, April 17, 6:00–7:00 pm Let’s Dish Book Discussion
- Tuesday, April 22, 2:30-3:30 pm @ Missouri Southern State University’s Spiva Library: Missouri Southern State University’s Dr. Megan Bever presents “Beer, Bodies, and Being: Gender and Identity in American Culture.”
- Tuesday, April 22, 6:00 pm: Dontcha Know Midwest Trivia Night
The program culminates with a visit from author J. Ryan Stradal on April 24, at 6pm, at the Joplin Public Library, where he will discuss his book and sign copies.
Community members can participate by reading the book, contributing to the Joplin Reads Together group on Facebook, and joining programs offered by the Library and its community partners throughout the month of April. Community partners include Friends of the Joplin Public Library, Post Art Library, and MSSU Spiva Library.
Joplin Public Library has purchased additional copies of the book in physical, ebook, and audiobook form, to ensure interested patrons have the opportunity to participate. Books are also available for purchase at the Library thanks to the Friends of the Joplin Public Library.
For more information about Joplin Reads Together, click here or contact Sarah Turner-Hill or Lori Crockett by phone at 417.623.7953 or email at sturnerhill@joplinpubliclibrary.org or lcrockett@joplinpubilclibrary.org.
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:
Sarah Turner-Hill, Adult Programming Coordinator
Joplin Public Library
417.623.7953, ext. 1030
Lori Crockett, PR and Marketing Assistant
Joplin Public Library
417.623.7953, ext. 1019
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