Now closed library back in City’s hands

The former Joplin Public Library between 3rd and 4th on Main Street is back in the city’s hands again.

City officials reportedly confirmed that in a discussion with City Council members about the condition of city-owned structures.

The 4th and Main Library closed when Joplin’s new post-tornado Public Library opened  at 20th and Connecticut.

After that, the Main Street building was signed over to Missouri Southern State University who had planned to create a combined MSSU-Joplin Schools-Joplin Area Chamber effort called Project Launchpad. It was also going to serve as a regional economic hub.

Those plans went south last year when Chamber President Toby Teeter left his position.

MSSU also has problems of its own. The University recently cut just over 30 paid positions citing a significant drop in student numbers.