Link to the Friends of the Joplin Public Library website

Next month, the Joplin Public Library will celebrate five years at its East 20th St and Connecticut Avenue location. On Thursday, the newly formed Friends of the Joplin Public Library announced the launch of their membership drive. KRPS’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.

Over the past year, a six-member board – working in conjunction with the director of the Joplin Library, Jenna Gockley, and a member of the library’s board, Emily Stanely successfully established incorporation for the organization.

In addition, they drafted and adopted by-laws, attained 501(c)(3) status, and developed short- and long-term goals. The nonprofit group will raise funds via memberships to the Friends of the Joplin Public Library. The group aims to improve community awareness of the library’s offerings, encourage volunteer support, and sponsor special events, workshops, and other activities for all ages.

Yearly dues will start at $5 for students under 18, $10 for an individual, and $20 for families, all immediate household members included. Other giving levels range from $50 to $1,000. Find more information at friendsofthejpl.com.