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April is an exciting time to attend St. John the Baptist Parish Libraries as we celebrate National Library Week from April 4-10. National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. The American Library Association theme for this year is “Welcome to Your Library.” This theme promotes the idea that libraries extend far beyond the four walls of a building and that everyone is welcome to use their services.  Activities will be held throughout the week to celebrate.

The Norris J. Millet, Sr. Library (Central) is hosting “If You Love Your Library, Leave a Heart” for the entire week. Children ages 5 and over are welcome to decorate a paper heart to be placed on a paper quilt. The Central Library will also host “What I Love About My Library.” Patrons of all ages will be able to leave opinions and suggestions on sticky notes and place them on a heart shaped plaque in the foyer of the library. A “Scavenger Hunt” will be held at the Leroy D. Williams Memorial Library (Reserve) for patrons of all ages. A list of questions and clues about the library or items around the library will be given to all who would like to participate. Once the form is completed, turned in, and correct, patrons will be eligible to win a prize. The Frazee-Harris Memorial Library (Garyville) will also host a “Scavenger Hunt.”  Painted rocks will be hidden around Garyville that are decorated to look like books. Once found, patrons can bring their rock to the library to check out the book illustrated on the rock and receive a prize.  The Garyville Library will also host “Puzzle Week.”  Mazes, word searches and crossword puzzles for all ages will be available at the library.  The Roland Borne Sr. Memorial Library (Edgard) will host “Welcome to Your Library.” Patrons who visit the library on Tuesday, April 6, are welcome to talk to the new staff members about program ideas, book suggestions or any other information that would be valuable to the library.  For more information about National Library Week, please call 985-652-6857.

St. John the Baptist Parish Library System is proud to celebrate “National Poetry Month.”  National Poetry Month was inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996.  Schools, publishers, libraries, booksellers and poets throughout the United States banded together to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture.  Help us celebrate National Poetry Month at the Central Library by creating “Book Spine Poetry.”  Simply arrange books so their titles can create a poem.  Don’t forget to take a picture, post on your social media platforms and tag St. John the Baptist Library.  Patrons are also welcome to add a short poem to “Grow Our Poet Tree.” The tree will be located inside of the Children’s Book bayou. For more information, call Trina Smith at 985-652-6857, ext. 1501.

The Garyville Library will host a “Middle School Poetry Contest.” Middle school students in grades sixth through eighth, are invited to participate. Poems must be original and emailed to garyvillelibrary@stjohn.lib.la.us by Thursday, April 15. A winner will be chosen in each grade level and prizes will be given.  For more information, call Dawn Monica at 985-535-6868. “Poetry In Motion” will be held at the Edgard Library.  Patrons can share an original poem, their favorite poem, or best loved poet and tell how each piece is meaningful to them.  Submissions must be emailed to

edgardlibrary@stjohn.lib.la.us. For more information, please call JoAnn Proctor at 985-497-3453.

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

 

Kearston Poche’ is communication manager for St. John the Baptist Parish Libraries. For a full list of April Programs, please refer to our online calendar on our website (stjohnlib.com), Facebook (St. John the Baptist Parish Library) or pick up a newsletter at any of the four branches.