St. John the Baptist Parish Library System’s Summer Reading Program is in full swing. There have been performers, crafts, story times and lectures done at each library branch for patrons of all ages. The program will continue throughout the month of July, with more special guests and one of a kind activities. Performers for the month of July will include Astronomer Kevin Manning, Capoeira-Brazilian Martial Arts Group, Magical Entertainment by Tammy & Frank, Matthew Noel, and Louisiana Art and Science Museum-Mobile Planetarium.

Astronomer Kevin Manning founded his “Look Up to the Stars” program with a mission to generate interest and foster scientific literacy nationwide through the delivery of awe-inspiring, educational and entertaining programs. He will bring his knowledge to the Norris J. Millet Sr. Library (Central) at 7 p.m. July 1. Children will go on an unforgettable cosmic journey through the universe with Kevin Manning as their captain, expertly able to field a meteor shower of diverse questions and to push back the dark side with the latest scientific knowledge. Please join him for this great event.

The Capoeira-Brazilian Martial Arts Group is the first contemporary Capoeira group on the Gulf Coast and has been in the area since December 2006 with the arrival of Mestrando Cocada. The group has set out on a mission of creating awareness of Brazilian culture through Capoeira in New Orleans and surrounding areas. The group specializes in Brazilian martial artS for children and adults. Participants will learn music, dance, and culture at all four of our library branches. The performances will be held at 10 a.m. July 8 at Norris J. Millet Sr. Library and at 2 p.m. at the Leroy D. Williams Memorial Library (Reserve). It will also be shown at 11 a.m. July 15 at the Frazee-Harris Memorial Library (Garyville) and at 2 p.m. at the Roland Borne Sr. Memorial Lirbary (Edgard).

Magical Entertainment by Tammy & Frank provides full-time children’s entertainment consisting of professional balloon art, creative face painting, children’s magic and puppetry. They have been providing fun for children and making them smile for over 20 years. Join them at 10 a.m. July 9 at the Norris J. Millet Sr. Library and at 2 p.m. at the Leroy D. Williams Memorial Library. They will also perform at 11 a.m. July 11 at the Frazee-Harris Memorial Library and at 2 p.m. at the Roland Borne Sr. Memorial Library.

Matthew Noel is a New Orleans entertainer who artfully brings his stage show to audiences of all ages using magic, yo-yos, juggling, and comedy. His passion for performance keeps his show progressing and changing year after year.  He hopes to inspire kids to follow something that they love, do it with passion, and share it with others. He will perform at 10 a.m. July 16 at the Norris J. Millet Sr. Library and at 2 p.m. at the Leroy D. Williams Memorial Library. He also will perform at 10 a.m. July 17 at the Frazee-Harris Memorial Library and at 2 p.m. at the Roland Borne Sr. Memorial Library.

The Louisiana Art and Science Museum-Mobile Planetarium invites children and parents to gather around their “campfire” and learn about stars and constellations in the local nighttime sky. After this educator-led, interactive sky presentation, sit back and enjoy a featured planetarium show. Patrons of all ages are invited at 2 p.m. July 17 to attend this wonderful show at the Norris J. Millet Sr. Library.

Parents please bring your children to the libraries to enjoy the festivities and to sign them up to be a part of the Summer Reading Program if you haven’t already. There will be a multitude of other programs hosted at each library branch throughout the month. For a full list of all programs, please refer to our online calendar on our website and Facebook, or pick up a newsletter at any of our branches.

Also, please contact your local branches for information on the activities that will be held to close out the Summer Reading Program.

Norris J. Millet Sr. Library (LaPlace) – 985-652-6857

Leroy D. Williams Memorial Library (Reserve) – 985-536-4107

Frazee-Harris Memorial Library (Garyville) – 985-535-6868

Roland Borne Sr. Memorial Library (Edgard) – 985-497-3453

 

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