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May will be a wonderful time to visit St. John the Baptist Parish Libraries.  Children’s Book Week will be held from Monday, May 2 to Sunday, May 8.  Children’s Book Week is the annual celebration of children’s books and reading. It was established in 1919 and is the longest-running national literacy initiative in the country. The program is administered by Every Child a Reader and the Children’s Book Council, which is the anchor sponsor.

Every Child a Reader is a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring a lifelong love of reading in children and teens across America, and is supported by individual donations, grants, and foundations.  The organization creates and supports programs that strive to make reading and enjoyment of children’s books, an essential part of America’s educational and social aims.  To show support to the organization and celebrate Children’s Book Week, St. John the Baptist Parish Libraries will host programs throughout the week to highlight the “How Do You Book?” slogan.  A “Book Buddy” craft and a “How Do You Book Challenge” will be held at The Leroy D. Williams Memorial Library (Reserve).  The Roland Borne, Sr. Memorial Library (Edgard) will host a “Children as Authors” program.  A “Virtual Story Time” and “Gator Glasses Craft” will be hosted by the Frazee-Harris Memorial Library (Garyville).  Please call any of the branches for more details.

Mother’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday, May 8 and the library system will provide several programs the week leading up to Mom’s big day.  Craft bags will be available for pick-up from Sunday, May 1 to Saturday, May 7 at the Garyville Library to make “Mother’s Day Kitchen Towels.”

Any doting mother, grandmother, stepmother or mother-figure will love receiving something created with love especially for her.  This program is for children, ages 5 and under.  The Edgard Library will have “Survival Kits for Moms” for children ages 6 to 11.  All moms need a little something to get them through the day, and this kit will make them feel extra special.  The kits will also be available from Sunday, May 1 to Saturday, May 7.  The Central and Reserve Libraries will both have virtual programs honoring mothers.  Join us on Facebook Friday, May 6 for ideas on what unique things you can do or buy for that special someone in your life.

May is also known as the Month of the Short Stories.  Inspired by April’s “National Poetry Month,” May started to become identified with the short story, especially since May 2013, when the first organized International Short Story Month began.  Short stories make the perfect introduction to a new author’s work, a great way for readers to get a top-up from their favorite authors between novels, and a perfect impulse purchase on a smartphone or e-reader.  Please visit St. John the Baptist Parish Libraries and peruse through some great short stories during the month of May.  If the stories are not in physical form, they are available on our hoopla database.  All you need is your library card to get started.

For a full list of all programs, please refer to our online calendar on our website, (www.stjohnlib.com), or pick up a newsletter at any of our three branches.  I hope you all can participate/interact with the spectacular programs offered at St. John the Baptist Parish Libraries.

Here is how to keep up with us:

Facebook – St. John the Baptist Parish Library

Twitter – stjohnlib4

Instagram – stjohnparishlib

 

Kearston Poché is the communications manager for the St. John the Baptist Parish Library System. She can be reached at kpoche@stjohn.lib.la.us