By Jennifer Holmes

Contributing Writer

LAPLACE – The central branch of the St. John the Baptist Parish Public Libraries will be hosting a discussion called “Louisiana Purchase: Impact and Legacy” as part of the Readings in Literature and Culture program from March 28 through May 2.

The RELIC program is a six-week thematic discussion of the Louisiana Purchase will be lead by Dr. Paul Leslie of Nicholls State University. Participants in the program will be given a syllabus and various books to read pertaining to Louisiana history. The group will meet weekly to discuss the readings and express their opinions on the subject matter.

The discussions will cover various topics including but not limited to “Controversies Over the Louisiana Purchase: International Intrigue” and “Exploring the Louisiana Purchase: The Lewis and Clark Expedition.”

“It’s like a miniature college course,” said Lisa Poncia, a library employee. “It brings people together to discuss history.”

The program originated in 1983 and is part of the adult reading program sponsored by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. It is active in 63 parishes across Louisiana and has enrolled nearly 93,000 people.

The program is free and open to the public.

Advanced registration at the library is required.

According to Poncia, “The purpose of the program is to enlighten and educate and more importantly, encourage book discussion.” Poncia added, “It’s a wonderful program. It really is. The discussions get deep. We usually fill up the roaster very quickly.”