St. John the Baptist Parish Library System is hosting its Summer Reading Program starting Friday (June 1) and ending July 31.

This year’s Summer Reading Program theme is “Libraries Rock!” and a talented group of performers will perform at all four branches of the library system.

Performers for June include the Aquavan, David Sepulveda, Mitch the Magician, the ZOOMobile, Harvey Rabbit and Friends, the Kabuki Dancers, Elizabeth Bragdon and the Hampstead Stage Company.

The Aquavan will bring the excitement of the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas into our libraries. Patrons will explore the natural treasures of a tropical rainforest, discover an ocean teeming with life and even meet some animal neighbors from their own backyard.

The Aquavan comes with amazing animals, enthusiastic presenters, and an endless fascination of nature’s wonders.  The program will feature live aquatic or terrestrial animals and interactive hands-on displays. The animals will be visiting at 10 a.m. June 4 at the Central Library and at 2 p.m. at the Garyville Library.

David Sepulveda is bringing his line dance class to St. John the Baptist Parish Library. Patrons of all ages are invited to learn new dance moves and break a sweat while doing so. Join the Line Dance King for this awesome event at 7 p.m. June 6 at the Central Library.

Mitch the Magician will bring a squeaky clean magic show to the libraries for patrons of all ages. Patrons will be entertained with magic, a bubble show and balloon tricks. There will be lots of laughs and plenty of audience participation. Please join us for this fun event June 7 at all four branches: Edgard Library at 9:30 a.m., Garyville Library at 11:15 a.m., Reserve Library at 2 p.m. and the Central Library at 3:45 p.m.

The ZOOmobile brings the Zoo and the wonders of the natural world to you. Patrons will have fun learning about exotic animals through interactive presentations and hands-on animal encounters. From rainforest animals in need of protection, to threatened species from around the world, ZOOmobile shows patrons that all animals are important and need our help.

The animals will be visiting at 10 a.m. June 11 at the Edgard Library and at 2 p.m. at the Reserve Library.

Harvey Rabbit and Friends features Harvey Rabbit, Cecil the Orangutan and T-Boy the Alligator with Laura and Tim Allured in a fun-filled, energetic show of ventriloquism, puppetry, music, magic, comedy and audience participation. There will be lots of laughs and plenty of audience participation.

Please join us June 11 at 10 a.m. at the Central Library and at 2 p.m. at the Garyville Library. There will also be performing at the Reserve Library at 10 a.m. and the Edgard Library at 2 p.m. on June 12.

The Kabuki Dancers are a group of performing artists dedicated to the improvement of the community through art. Soul stirring spoken word, energized drumming/beats, rhythm, movement, b-boy and beyond; they’ve got it all. Please join us as they bring it all together in a one-of-a-kind performance that is electrifying and personal. They will be performing at 10 a.m. June 19 at the Edgard Library.

Elizabeth Bragdon is a moving storyteller who tells a story and acts it out simultaneously, using creative movement, natural movement and Yoga. The audience follows along, doing the movements with her. There will also be a Rest/Meditative Cool Down after the story and a short Follow-Up Activity.

Patrons are invited to see her at 10 a.m. June 22 at the Central Library, 2 p.m. June 22 at the Reserve Library, 10 a.m. June 29 at the Edgard Library and 2 p.m. June 29 at the Garyville Library.

The Hampstead Stage Company will host an interactive educational tour at all four library branches with professional actors playing multiple roles and performing “Treasure Island” and “American Folklore.” The performances will be done at 10 a.m. June 25 at the Central Library and 2 p.m. at the Garyville Library. They perform again at 10 a.m. June 26 at the Reserve Library and 2 p.m. at the Edgard Library.

For a full list of all programs, refer to our online calendar on our website, Facebook (St. John the Baptist Parish Library) or pick up a newsletter at any of our branches.

Parents, please bring your children to the libraries to enjoy the festivities and sign them up to be a part of the Summer Reading Program.

Don’t forget, St. John the Baptist Parish Libraries now has an Instagram and Twitter account. Check us out!

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