Special to The L’Observateur

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH – Modern day libraries, strive to become home away from home for everyone in the community and there’s more to experience this month at our branches. Check out November’s event highlights.

Children’s Storytime & Crafts

Celebrate children’s book week during the first week of November at all library branches by picking up an activity kit filled with puzzles, coloring sheets, story prompts, and a paper bag book craft.

The story time sessions for children up to age 5 are held weekly at all library branches – Mondays in Reserve, Tuesdays in Edgard, Wednesdays in LaPlace, and Thursdays in Garyville.

A special toddler time session is held at 10 a.m. on Thursdays in Reserve.The entire month, kids are invited to make their own sunflower art, turkey headbands, crazy corn husks, 3D paper pumpkins, and Native American Heritage month totem poles.

MakerSpace Workshops

Learn to use the equipment in the Reserve Branch MakerSpace. Workshops are held from 9 to 11 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. on most weekdays. This month, each workshop will be paired with a small craft.

Contact Kevin Travis at 985-536-4107 ext. 3106 for more information. MakerBot 3D printers – November 4-7, Sawgrass Sublimation Printer & Heat Press – November 12-14, Cricut Maker 3 – November 18-21, Epilog Laser Engraver – November 25-27

Lifestyle & Wellness Programs

Learn to cook heart-healthy Thanksgiving recipes using herbs and spices with the LSU AgCenter at 6 p.m. November 18 in LaPlace and 10 a.m. November 21 in Edgard. Then, enjoy a fresh pastry and learn horticulture hints related to house plant care at 11 a.m. November 19 at the Edgard Branch.

On November 25, there will be the first session of a “Dining with Diabetes” series, held weekly at 10 a.m. each Monday at the Garyville Branch through December 16. Form more healthy habits with Whole Body Wellness, a low-impact exercise program, November 13 and 20 at 10 a.m. at the Reserve Branch.

Special Guests

Our local Scouts Troop 317 is visiting the LaPlace Branch at 6 p.m. November 19 to demonstrate outdoor Dutch oven cooking. Outdoor enthusiasts can join Louisiana Trappers’ Association educator Gary Rochelle as he shares a lifetime of experience and tools of the trade at 6 p.m. November 13 at the LaPlace Branch.

CASA Recruiter Codie Witmer will visit two branches this month to present CASA 101. CASAs are volunteers who help abused and neglected children navigate through the court system while they are in foster care. Learn more November 13 at 11:30 a.m. at the Reserve Branch and November 20 at 5:30 p.m. at the LaPlace Branch.

The end of November marks the start of bonfire season in the River Parishes. Learn more about this tradition at the Reserve Branch at 5:30 p.m. November 21 with licensed tour guide Theron Oubre and Josh Weidert, a member of the popular “Blood, Sweat, and Bonfires” builders. Attendees will also hear about the Festival of the Bonfires and the Cajun Christmas Bonfire Celebration.

Book Talks & More

St. John the Baptist Parish Library’s monthly book club, The Literary Lounge with Javalyn LeBlanc, will meet at 5 p.m. November 21 in Reserve to discuss “A Song to Drown Rivers” by Ann Liang.

Reference Associate Carlos Diaz will discuss “Leave the World Behind” by Rumaam Alam (Nov. 14 at 5 p.m.) and “In the Distance” by Hernan Diaz (Nov. 27 at 5 p.m.) at the LaPlace Branch. Check out his book talks on St. John the Baptist Parish Library’s Facebook page and YouTube Channel.

During this month’s adult craft night, we are transforming terra cotta pots into gingerbread man candy jars. Space is limited, and registration with an active library card is required.

Seats are remaining in Garyville (November 13 at 6 p.m.), Reserve (November 14 at 6 p.m.), and Edgard (November 18 at 6 p.m.). Register using the online calendar at www.stjohnlib.com or call your local branch for assistance.

For more information about upcoming programs, refer to the online calendar or contact communications manager, Brooke Cantrelle at 985-652-5857 ext. 1106.