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St. John the Baptist Parish Library is commemorating Small Business Month with free headshots and resume assistance, expanding upon an array of college and career preparation resources available at no cost to the community.

Open to teens and adults, Business Saturday will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. May 4 at the LaPlace Branch, located at 2920 Highway 51. Library staff will deliver digital copies of photographs via email.

Another upcoming program, FAFSA Day, is geared toward helping teens and adults prepare for secondary education. Financial aid counselors will be on site at the Garyville Branch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 25, to provide individualized assistance with completing FAFSA documents.

In addition to helping patrons reach college and career goals, these programs will promote educational resources available through www.stjohnlib.com with an active library card.

Virtual resources include but are not limited to the following:

Homework Louisiana — This resource offers live, free online tutoring to kindergarten students through adult learners from 10 a.m. to midnight. Homework Louisiana’s Career Center offers real-time assistance with your job search journey, from the application process to mock interviews.

Learning Express 3.0 — Skill-building references are offered from the fourth grade to college level. Prepare for college admission tests like the ACT or specialized exams. Study materials are available for allied health and social worker, civil service, CDL, cosmetology, hospitality, nursing, real estate, and teaching exams. Assistance is also offered toward obtaining high school equivalency degrees, in both English and Spanish.

LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) — Develop critical skills with business leadership, creative, and technical courses.

Pronunciator — Learn one of 80 languages, practice English as a Second Language or study for the citizenship test.

Adults ages 18 – 30 who reside in St. John and have successfully completed the eighth grade may be eligible to participate in a 21.5 credit online high school completion program through the Library. For more information, call 985-651-2450 or email excelHS@stjohnlib.com.

Educational programs are also offered on a weekly basis in-person at St. John the Baptist Parish library branches. Adults can gain basic computer skills and get answers to technology questions at 11 a.m. Tuesdays in Garyville, 5 p.m. Thursdays in Reserve, and 6 p.m. Thursdays in LaPlace. The Edgard Branch offers Chat GPT training on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. Spanish for Beginners classes are held from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. every Wednesday in LaPlace, introducing participants to basic vocabulary and phrases through simple, guided lessons. English as a Second Language classes are held at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays in LaPlace in
partnership with The New Neighbor Project.

For more information about St. John the Baptist Parish Library, visit www.stjohnlib.com or follow on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.