Joplin Public Library — Attraction in Joplin

I've visited the library just a few times, but most of my visits have been satisfactory except for this last time. This last time I had brought my own laptop to finish up some projects. During this time of day, school was in (i had thought this ahead) but I noticed that the few tables that were there to use were occupied so i went to the teen section that I had used in my previous visits because there was no one there just as my previous visits. After a few minutes I was approached by an employee stating that this was the teens from school use this area. So then i explained this area was the only area available, school is in, and I was going to be there about an hour just to finish and will be done way before school lets out. Then she stated well pupblic and private schools sometimes reserve it for their students also so then i asked is there a reservation at that time she stated there wasn't any that day. So then again I explained to her once I am done which would be before school lets out she stood there for a few minutes but at this point I become upset because of the way i was approached and stayed for about 10 minutes then left and guess what prior to that a few more ladies were also looking for a reading area and were searching for a place to read and that whole corner is empty and the employee that talked to me quickly got up from her desk and started stalking behind them around that area until they decided to leave as well. So, I've read some of the other reviews and one included that certain individuals that may "consider it as a shelter" were there and I read the response in regards to acceptance and I agree as well as long as they adhere to a conduct. So, when it come down to an actual Joplin resident, who is dressed to code, adheres yo the conduct, who owns their home and pays their real estate taxes that help "fund" this library since that seems to be a big response from the owner in regards to other comments why was I not able to use a chair and part of a table in this joplin PUBLIC libray that nobody else was using at the time and get approached in a rude way by your staff. If this is the case then you can return the funding you have received from the taxes or maybe it was because of...

I call this place my second home. I really do. I couldn't imagine life without a library. I'm probably inside the place at least once a week, if not more, checking out a book or occasional DVD. I think if I didn't live in Joplin and wasn't a resident I would still pay (and gladly pay) the $50 annual fee. I mean, c'mon, point to me where else in Joplin or the surrounding communities could you choose from tens of thousands of books and thousands of DVDs, audio books, music CDs and ready access to the Internet. Heck, Internet access alone inside a home or apartment would cost you $50 within five months time. My kids are grown up but I can only imagine what added benefits there are for young mothers and fathers with children visiting the library, considering all the great activities both the children's department and teen department offers. Best "bang for your buck" place in Joplin, hands down. I'm also happy they are moving to the new location, though because I work in downtown Joplin, I'm gonna miss being able to walk less than a block...

My kids absolutely love the Joplin Public Library—and as their parent, I do too! It’s one of my favorite places to visit because it’s packed with things they enjoy and it’s free! We’ve been there more times than I can count, and every visit feels fun for them!

There are shelves upon shelves of books to explore, hands-on arts and crafts projects, stickers, a coloring area, puzzles, computers, a play kitchen stocked with pretend food, building blocks for little imaginations, and more (I’m sure I’m forgetting a few things!).

The space is always clean and inviting, the bathrooms are well maintained, and the librarians are wonderfully friendly. They even tidy up the toys after the kids are done—a little detail that feels like a big gift to parents. It’s truly a gem in...