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In September, we will be celebrating Library Card Sign-Up Month. Celebrate with us by getting your very own library card. Visit our website (stjohn.lib.la.us), fill out an application to receive an e-card or call your local branch to receive a full-service library card. Also, check out our social media platforms for stories and crafts related to library cards. There is nothing more empowering than getting your own library card. It gives you access to technology, resources and services to pursue your passions and dreams. It is also the most important school supply, so make sure that students have access for the back to school season.

Returning to school during the COVID-19 pandemic may not feel like normal but having safety plans and necessary resources can help. Remember that the library is always here to help serve the community. Our resources and friendly staff are here to make things easier for parents, students and teachers.

Virtual programming is still going strong on our social media platforms. For the month of September, we will offer a plethora of programs.

Dawn Monica, library associate at the Norris J. Millet, Sr. Library (LaPlace) will be offering “Emergency Preparedness Tips” for hurricane season. Each week a video will be uploaded to our social media accounts showcasing plans of action that will help patrons prepare for hurricane season. For more information, call (985) 652-6857.

Marilyn Scott, library assistant at the Norris J. Millet Sr. Library will create a video explaining how to create a “Fall Vegetable Garden” in your backyard. She will use four fall crops that are easy to maintain. For more information, call (985) 652-6857.

Olivia Boudreaux, library assistant at the Leroy D. Williams Library will create video monthly showcasing interesting books that our library system has to offer in her “Obscure Reading” segment. This will also be a way for patrons to learn more about our staff. For more information, call (985) 652-6857.

Shanel Morris, library assistant at the Leroy D. Williams Memorial Library (Reserve) will be offering air frying cooking tips during her “Quick and Easy Meals” segment on our social media platforms. Each month, she will be creating a different simple dish that anyone can learn. For more information, call (985) 536-4107.

“Walking For Your Health” is back! Lillian LeBlanc, library assistant at the Leroy D. Williams Memorial Library will be bringing one of the easiest and free methods of reducing stress to our social media platforms monthly. For more information, call (985) 536-4107.

Children from birth to age 11 will be introduced to new and amazing books weekly during our “Book Sharing” program. Trina Smith, our children’s/outreach librarian, will be leading this program. For more information, call (985) 652-6857, ext. 1501.

Smith will also host “Crazy 8s Bedtime Math Club” virtually to get kids fired up about math. Children, ages 5 to 10 years will build stuff, run and jump, make music, make a mess all while learning math. For more information, call (985) 652-6857, ext. 1501.

A video about “Library Card Sign-Up Month” will be created by DeeJaye Miller, library assistant at the Norris J. Millet Sr. Library. It will showcase how important Library Card Sign-Up Month is for libraries and why every child should have access to a library card. For more information, call (985) 652-6857.

LaDean Troutt, reference assistant at the Frazee-Harris Memorial Library will host a “Simply Paint” session where children, ages 8 and up are able to paint a beautiful Fall themed photo. All supplies will be provided for pickup. For more information, call (985) 535-6868.

Story time will be hosted weekly. This is a time for young children (age 1 to 5) and their parents or caretakers to interact in a comfortable setting. Each session will include stories, rhymes, finger plays and sing-alongs. If you’re interested in stimulating your young one’s mind, join us on social media! For more information, call Trina Smith at (985) 652-6857, ext. 1501.

Please join us for these programs by following St. John the Baptist Parish Library on Facebook, Instagram (stjohnparishlib) and Twitter (StJohnLib4). All programs will be posted throughout the month of September. Also, our new website will be launching very soon; so, follow us on social media for more information.

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