Friends of the Joplin Public Library plan annual “Spring for a Book” fundraiser

JOPLIN, Mo. – In celebration of National Library Week, the Friends of the Joplin Public Library will once again host a Spring for a Book fundraiser from Tuesday, April 1, through Saturday, April 12.

The funds raised during the event will go toward purchasing new books to add to the circulation. Here’s how it works:

• Donate $25 for the Friends group to purchase a single book.
• Donate $100 to purchase a stack of books.
• Donate $250 or more to purchase a shelf of books.
• Donors can elect to put their name on a special recognition decal to be displayed in the library.

The fundraiser focuses on adding more books to the Lucky Day collection – a selection of popular books that are in high demand.

“Through the generosity of Friends of the Library supporters, we were able to raise $2,500 during last year’s Spring for a Book fundraiser,” says Jeana Gockley, director of the Joplin Public Library. “The average hardcover fiction book costs $25, so with the generously donated funds, the library was able to add around 100 books.”

Donations can be made at the library’s circulation desk or on the Friends group’s website – https://friendsofthejpl.org.

Located at 1901 E. 20th St., library hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

National Library Week was established in 1958. The observance is sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries around the country each April. This year, the observance will be held April 6-12.

A nonprofit organization, the Friends of the Joplin Public Library was founded to provide financial support beyond the library’s operating budget. Membership is open to individuals, families, businesses and other organizations regardless of card-holder status or city of residence.