St. John the Baptist Parish Library System will host its Summer Reading Program starting on June 1 and ending on July 1.

The kick-off event will be held on the first day of the program; featuring Mitch the Magician. Mitch employs magic as a tool to create positive lives through laughter, education and motivation. He will perform at the Edgard Library for 9:30 a.m., Garyville Library for 11:15 a.m., Reserve Library for 2 p.m. and the Central Library for 3:45 p.m.

His performance can be watched by patrons of all ages. Other performers/performances will include Queen Nur, Hey Now Hooping, Matthew Noel and Toni B.

Queen Nur is an incomparable storyteller who will present a tasty treat of stories, songs and dance, celebrating her African-American heritage with the accompaniment of African instruments.

She will perform June 3 at the Reserve Library for 10:30 a.m. and the Central Library for 2:30 p.m. This energetic and interactive performance is for audiences of all ages.

Hey Now Hooping is an organization that specializes in programming that utilizes the hula-hoop, not only for fitness, but as a conduit to playfulness and a way to build the community. Hey Now Hooping will hoop to our libraries June 8 at the Central Library for 11 a.m. and the Reserve Library for 2 p.m. There will also be performances June 10 at the Edgard Library for 11 a.m. and the Garyville Library for 2 p.m.

Matthew Noel is an entertainer, who artfully brings his stage show to audiences of all ages using magic, yo-yos, juggling and comedy.  He will perform June 30 at the Garyville Library for 10:30 a.m. and the Reserve Library for 2 p.m. His shows continue July 1 at the Edgard Library for 10:30 a.m. and the Central Library for 2 p.m.

His hope is to inspire kids to follow something that they love, do it with passion and share it with others.

Toni B is a Young Audiences educational performer who will bring her styles of dancing to the libraries. She has traveled the globe wowing audiences with steps from the old world and modern dances. Her performances will be July 12 at the Reserve Library for 1:30 p.m. and the Garyville Library for 4 p.m. She also performs July 15 at the Edgard Library for 1:30 p.m. and the Central Library for 4 p.m.

A multitude of programs are being hosted at each library branch throughout the summer months. For a full list of all programs, please refer to our online calendar on our website or pick up a newsletter at any of our four branches.

Parents, please bring your children to the libraries to enjoy the festivities and to sign them up to be a part of the Summer Reading Program.

Kearston Poche’ is the administrative services coordinator for St. John the Baptist Parish Library. She can be reached at 985-652-6587.