Library says ‘aloha’ to summer readers

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, July 28, 2010

By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Participants in this summer’s reading program at St. John the Baptist Parish libraries have been treated to magicians, storytellers, singers and animals throughout June and July, but Friday the LaPlace branch hosted a unique event that really put the young readers in the center of the action.

In keeping with this year’s theme, “Make a Splash,” the activity room was transformed into a lush oasis as the library hosted a luau.

Over a dozen children donned their best Hawaiian outfits and partook in games both traditional — such as a limbo contest — and new — such as the beach-themed relay race.

It was unusual activity for a library activity in that there was no apparent literary connection to the event, but the children there did not seem to mind. For them it was a fun way to blow off some steam on a steamy Friday afternoon and break up the monotony that inevitably begins to settle as summer wears on.

Summertime treats such as fresh fruit and cookies helped them keep their energy up as they enthusiastically played games until their parents transported the reluctant travelers from their makeshift oasis back to LaPlace.

(Staff photos by David Vitrano)