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 continues throughout July, with more special guests and one-of-a-kind activities.

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, Facebook (St. John the Baptist Parish Library), or pick up a newsletter at any of our branches.

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 2 at the Central Library and at 2 p.m. at the Garyville Branch. He also performs at 10 a.m. July 3 at the Reserve Library and at 2 p.m. at the Edgard Library.

The Wetland Express is a mobile educational program that offers an up-close, hands-on experience with some of our wetland’s most important inhabitants. Patrons will learn about the wildlife that depends on the wetlands for their homes, meals and nurseries. The Wetland Express helps patrons make connections to wetland animals and their habitats that will help foster future stewardship and protect one of Louisiana’s most important resources.

The animals will be visiting at 10 a.m. July 9 at the Central Library and at 2 p.m. at the Garyville Library.

Mad Science Rocks is the leading science enrichment provider for children in kindergarten through grade 6. Their mission is to spark imaginative learning in children of all ages. Please join us to learn some STEM subjects and enjoy experiments while doing so at 10 a.m. July 17 at the Central Library and at 2 p.m. at the Reserve Library and again at 10 a.m. July 18 at the Garyville Library and at 2 p.m. at the Edgard Library.

Animal Architects bring a fun and interactive animal show to the library system, educating and entertaining with positive interactions between animal ambassadors and the audience.

The show customizes to fit the individual needs and circumstances of the viewing audience. Patrons of all ages are invited out July 23 at 10 a.m. at the Edgard Library and at 2 p.m. at the Reserve Library and again July 24 at 10 a.m. at the Central Library and at 2 p.m. at the Garyville Library.

The BUG Mobile is a mobile education program brought to you by Audubon Zoo educators.

The interactive educational program offers up-close encounters with arthropods from your backyard and around the world.

Patrons can connect to science benchmarks, such as life-cycle, habitats, classification and much more with age appropriate lessons and activities. The animals will be visiting at 10 a.m. July 27 at the Edgard Library and at 2 p.m. at the Reserve Library.

Elizabeth Vidos, also known as “Lady Chops,” is bringing her one woman drumming show to the library. She is a talented percussionist whose past work includes performing in the hit Off-Broadway show “STOMP.”

Her program, “Drum Roll Please,” is energetic, interactive and fun for all ages as she incorporates more than 15 instruments including buckets, body percussion and the Cajun rubboard. She will perform at 10 a.m. July 31 at the Reserve Library and at 2 p.m. at the Central Library.

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