We had an amazing Summer Reading Experience and August finishing up the summer months. September looks like it will be another amazing month full of interesting programming and activities.
A number of branches will be having programs to celebrate our “Read 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Program”. All children from birth to Kindergarten are eligible. A parent can read with their child daily and reach their goals quickly. After each 100 book milestone, you can visit the library to receive a reward. Once 1000 books are read the child will receive a diploma, a prize, and get their picture taken. We have also added two similar programs for different age groups “Read 500 Books before Middle School” for elementary school students and “Read 100 Books before Graduation” for grades 6 to 12. You child will be able build their vocabulary, critical thinking and reading comprehension skills and improve their test scores.
Did you know that September is one of two months out of the year in which you can have your fines forgiven? No fines will be charged for most items returned late during September. Fines for the following items are not included: Hotspots, iPads, laptops, Lauchpads, Nooks, Playaways, Views and video games. You can pay for a lost item by bringing in non-perishable food and grocery items or pet food. These items will be donated to local food banks and animal shelters. You can ask at the library desk to see how many items you will need to bring to cover your costs.
The month of September is also Library Card Sign Up Month. Start the Fall and school year off right by coming in to sign up for a new library card. This year our theme for the signup month will be Walt Disney’s Elemental. When you visit our branches this month, you will be invited to take a library lover personality quiz which will determine your element! Once you discover your element, take a photo with our element-themed props and grab a souvenir button to show off your element pride! Throughout the year, public librarians and library staff assist parents and caregivers with saving hundreds of dollars on educational resources and services for students. From free access to STEAM programs/activities, educational apps, in-person and virtual homework help, technology workshops to the expertise of librarians, a library card is one of the most cost effective back to school supplies available. A gift bag of fun materials will be included for each new library card containing bookmarks, pens, etc.
We also encourage our current library card holders to come in and sample the outstanding programming we have slated for September. They can request programming calendars at the library or check this online. All our branches will be having programs to celebrate National Good Neighbor Day. Many branches will be making crafts to give to your friends like bookmarks, kindness rocks, bracelets and door hangers. Larose will be sponsoring a Kindness challenge in which patrons can pick up a log and do five days of challenges consisting of self care or helping others. These activities can range from cleaning of rooms for children, going on a nature walk or doing an act of kindness for someone. Those completing these will receive a prize.
Individual branches are each organizing their own unique programming.
Bayou Blue has line dancing at 9:30 am on Wednesdays. Choctaw will be doing mini drones for kids between the ages of 8 and 11 from 3:00-5:00pm September 27. No registration is required.
Gheens will be doing Mindfulness Movement sessions at 9 am on certain days of month. Activities will range from mediation, yoga, line dancing, cardio exercises, etc. in order to place patrons into a peaceful state of mindfulness.
Larose will be doing Bilingual Bingo in Spanish and English for children and teens ages 5-17 yrs September 6 and 27. No registration is required.
Lockport will be doing manicures September 2 at 1030am and September 18 at 100pm. Registration is required.
Thibodaux is doing Lego Robotics, ages 6-12, September 2 and 30. Registration is required.
Raceland will be doing Hispanic style pottery for adults Sept 18 at 4 pm and no registration is required.
This is just a small sampling of the specialized programming we are offering in September. Hope to see you at our branches.
- Van, Reference Librarian