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With the turning of the page on a new calendar year, most people decide to make New Year’s Resolutions. The first day of a new year brings with it a renewed state of mind to accomplish wholesome goals, such as losing weight, becoming more organized, and spending quality time with friends and family, just to name a few worthwhile promises.
At the library, a promise one person could make is to become a more voracious reader. Reading is not only fundamental, but essential to accomplishing attainable goals. The library has a plethora of books—in a wide variety of formats, such as audiobooks, e-books and Playaways at your fingertips.
The Norris J. Millet, Sr. Library will be hosting “Outdoor Story Time” at local parks in the parish every Wednesday in January at 1 p.m.
⦁ January 5 at the Juan Anthony Joseph Memorial Park in Edgard
⦁ January 12 at Cambridge Park in LaPlace
⦁ January 19 at Belle Pointe Park in LaPlace
⦁ January 26 at the Thomas Daley Memorial Park in LaPlace
“Story Time” will also be held for children, ages 1 and up, every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Leroy D. Williams Memorial Library (Reserve). This weekly program is a time for young children and their parents or caretakers to interact in a comfortable setting. Each session will include stories, songs, rhymes, finger plays and other activities. “Spanish Storytime” will also be offered on every second Friday of each month virtually. On every first and third Friday of each month, our “First Chapter Fridays” will be hosted. Our Children’s Librarian will read the first chapter of a different, high-interest book. This month’s “Make Shoppe” will feature a fabric floral broach. Patrons can pick up make and take craft bags from the Reserve and Edgard libraries from January 12-14. Tweens and teens are invited to create a craft from the comfort of their homes for our “Smart Art” program. Contact Rona Joseph at rjoseph@stjohn.lib.la.us to reserve a kit and choice of branch for pickup.
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month! Cervical Cancer Awareness Month is a great time to join in on the conversation about how yearly pap tests and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines can help prevent cancer. A video about symptoms, treatments and ways to prevent cervical cancer will be uploaded on our social media platforms. Teens are also invited to join us on social media for a video detailing the “Importance of Budgeting.” Patrons of all ages are welcome to pick up a make and take bag filled with information for putting together a seven-day eating healthy plan using Keto. This “New Year, New You” program is a start for you to lead a healthier and more meaningful life. For more information, call the Roland Borne, Sr. Memorial Library (Edgard) at 985-497-3453.
The Leroy D. Williams Memorial Library (Reserve) will have a display featuring “Mr. Bingle” for the entire month of January. Children of all ages are invited to pick up a grab and go bag to create a Mr. Bingle puppet while supplies last. Videos showcasing interesting books that our library system has to offer will be featured on our social media accounts during our “Obscure Reading” program. An informative video including the benefits of walking will also be featured on our social media accounts titled “Walking Into 2022.” Teens are invited to create a “Squid Game Craft.” Can you break out the umbrella, star, circle or triangle without breaking the shape? Stop by the Reserve or Edgard libraries to pick up a make and take bag while supplies last. For more information, call 985-536-4107.
The Frazee-Harris Memorial Library (Garyville) will host “Virtual Storytime” weekly on our social media platforms. Teens are also welcomed to check out a video on how to make “Hot Chocolate Sticks.” For more information about these programs, please call 985-535-6868.
I hope you all can interact with some of the spectacular programs offered at St. John the Baptist Parish Libraries.

Kearston Poché is communication manager for St. John the Baptist Parish Libraries. For a full list of all programs, please refer to the online calendar at stjohnlib.com, Facebook (St. John the Baptist Parish Library) or pick up a newsletter at any branch.