The Post Library honors the late Winfred and Elizabeth Post, generous philanthropists who actively promoted history and the arts in Joplin.  The Posts had an incredible zest for life and loved to entertain, often dressing up in period costume and staging elaborate historical fetes.  They traveled extensively, collecting fine European antique furniture and artworks.

Their stunning English Tudor-style house, located at 2630 E. 15th, incorporated elements from buildings they had visited in England. Even toward the end of their lives, Dr. and Mrs. Post considered how they could continue to enrich Joplin's cultural resources.  They planned to leave their house and its contents as a museum for all to enjoy.  Although this dream was not realized, their wishes were carried out through the establishment of the Post Memorial Art Reference Library.