St. John the Baptist Parish Library System’s Summer Reading Program is in full swing.

There have been performers, crafts, story times and lectures done at each library branch for patrons of all ages. The program continues throughout the month of July, with more special guests and one-of-a-kind activities. Performers for the month of July include Animal Architects, Lady Chops, Aqua Van, Bug Mobile and Rosa Metoyer.

Animal Architects will bring a fun and interactive animal show to the library system, educating and entertaining patrons with positive interactions between animal ambassadors and the audience.

The show customizes to fit the individual needs and circumstances of the viewing audience.

Patrons of all ages are invited out at 10 a.m. July 3 at the Edgard Library and 2 p.m. at the Reserve Library. Also, July 17 at 10 a.m. at the Central Library and at 2 p.m. at the Garyville Library.

Elizabeth Vidos, also known as “Lady Chops,” is bringing her one woman drumming show to the library. The talented percussionist’s work includes performing in the hit Off-Broadway show “STOMP.” Her program, titled “Drum Roll Please,” is energetic, interactive and fun for all ages as she incorporates over 15 instruments including buckets, body percussion and the Cajun rubboard.

She will perform at 2 p.m. July 5 at the Central Library and 10 a.m. July 6 at the Garyville Library.

The Aqua Van will bring the excitement of the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas into our library. Patrons will explore the natural treasures of a tropical rainforest, discover an ocean teeming with life and even meet some animal neighbors from their own backyard.

The Aqua Van comes with amazing animals, enthusiastic presenters and an endless fascination of nature’s wonders. The program will feature live aquatic or terrestrial animals and interactive hands-on displays. The animals will be visiting at 10 a.m. July 10 at the Garyville Library and 2 p.m. at the Central Library.

The BUG Mobile is a mobile education program brought to you by Audubon Zoo educators. The interactive educational program offers up-close encounters with arthropods from your backyard and around the world.

Patrons can connect to science benchmarks, such as life-cycle, habitats, classification and much more with age appropriate lessons and activities. The animals will be visiting at 10 a.m. July 13 at the Reserve Library and 2 p.m. at the Edgard Library.

Storyteller Rosa Metoyer will visit the libraries to tell stories that teach, heal, inspire and entertain, all under the heading of the Butterbean Tales.

They include African and African-American folktales, Bible stories, fairy tales, Anansi tales and stories from around the world. Join us to hear some interesting stories at 10 a.m. July 20 at the Reserve Library and 2 p.m. at the Edgard Library.

Parents please bring your children to the libraries to enjoy the festivities and sign them up to be a part of the Summer Reading Program if you haven’t already. There will be a multitude of other programs hosted at each library branch throughout the month.

For a full list of all programs, please refer to our online calendar on our website, Facebook (St. John the Baptist Parish Library) or pick up a newsletter at any of our branches.

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