September is Library Card Sign-Up Month.

The American Library Association’s annual campaign to encourage patrons to enroll for a library card began nearly 30 years ago. Signing up for a library card at the St. John the Baptist Parish Library System is an easy process.

Patrons who meet the criteria, such as being a resident of the parish, own parish property, work in the parish or are enrolled in school within the parish, may apply for a card.

A library is a temple of learning, and a library card is the key that unlocks a treasure chest full of knowledge and information. Library card users have a multitude of privileges that they can take full advantage of with their cards, such as checking out books, e-books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks and other materials.

On Sept. 5, the Central Library will host a program from 4 to 5 p.m., allowing community members who do not already have library cards to sign up for one.

For more information, call children’s librarian Marta Siuba at 985-652-6857.

National Grandparents Day will be celebrated Sept. 10.

As the number of grandparents continues to grow, so does the impact they make on the lives of their grandchildren. St. John the Baptist Parish Library System will honor grandparents by inviting them out with their grandchildren to make a beautiful craft and enjoy refreshments while doing so.

The Garyville and Reserve Libraries will host their event Sept. 8 at 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The Central Library will celebrate with grandparents at 10 a.m. Sept. 11.

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. This is a time where people recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and celebrate their heritage and culture. Today, 55 million people or 17 percent of the American population are of Hispanic or Latino origin.

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the Central Library will host a celebration at 6 p.m. Sept. 18. In this family oriented program, a craft will be made by any interested patron and nachos and drinks will be served.

At the end of the program, a piñata will be hung from the ceiling as a fun activity for all those in attendance. There will also be a Latin Rhythms Class held every Tuesday for the entire month. Patrons are invited out to learn various Latin rhythms such as Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, etc.

Banned Books Week is celebrated Sept. 25 to Oct. 1 for the national book community’s annual celebration of the Freedom to Read. Hundreds of libraries and bookstores around the country draw attention to the problem of censorship by mounting displays of challenged books and hosting events.

According to the American Library Association, more than 11,300 books have been challenged since 1982. There were 311 challenges reported to the Office of Intellectual Freedom in 2015 and many more go unreported.

To celebrate Banned Books Week, the Edgard Library will host a Banned Book Week Crossword Puzzle at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 26 and a mugshot event at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 27. Tweens and teens are welcome to attend these events.

There will be a multitude of programs at each library branch in September. For a full list, please refer to our online calendar at stjohn.lib.la.us, Facebook (St. John the Baptist Parish Library) or pick up a newsletter at any of our four branches.

I hope you all can attend some of the spectacular programs offered at St. John the Baptist Parish Libraries.

Also, don’t forget that St. John the Baptist Parish Libraries now have a Twitter and Instagram account. Please follow us and like us!

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