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ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH — As August begins, many parents, teachers, and students plan for the new school year. The start of the year can be exciting and stressful. St. John the Baptist Parish Library can help with many aspects of transitioning back to school. A library card is one of the best tools for you as a student! A library card grants access to a world of free resources to students of any age. Our library system offers a vast selection of books in-house, and many electronic resources are available at your fingertips. Our website has many online educational databases to help with homework research, online tutoring, test preparation, and so much more. Explora, Homework LA, Learning Express 3.0, Pronunciator, Typing.com, and World Book Online are a few resources at www.stjohnlib.com. Even for nervous first-time students, the dedicated library staff can assist in helping you get what you need to make the first day easier.

Going back to school shouldn’t be all work and no play! When you think about it, “playing” is also learning. Our library is brimming with fun activities to get you in the school spirit. Join us for our Power Ranger-themed programs to help you “Power Up” for school. Be sure to visit our branches from August 7 – August 12 to celebrate Ranger Week and wear the color of your favorite Rangers. Then, join us for Power Rangers Training Camp with martial arts school Gracie United Team Jucáo St. John.  After the session, meet the Red Ranger and take photos on

Saturdays, August 12 at 1 p.m. (Edgard), August 19 at 1 p.m. (Garyville) and 3 p.m. (Reserve), and August 26 at 2

p.m. (LaPlace)! Don’t miss making Power Coins and participating in an interactive movie, a scavenger hunt, and an online tournament. Get ready! It’s Morphin’ Time!

Also, many other programs will be hosted at each library branch throughout the month for children, teens, and adults. Storytime and back-to-school crafts such as time capsules and pencil toppers are great activities for kids. Teens can prepare for back-to-school by creating customized geometric water bottles, notebooks, and book bag tags. And don’t forget to pick up a back-to-school stress relief grab and geaux kit from August 14 – 19 at all library branches. Adults looking to improve their computer skills can join the staff at the Garyville Library on Mondays (5 p.m.) and Tuesdays (11 a.m.) for computer basics, the Edgard Library on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. for ChatGPT classes, and Thursdays at the Reserve Library at 3:30 p.m. and the LaPlace Library at 6 p.m. for computer and device classes. For more information, please call your local branch.

LSU AgCenter’s Area Nutritionist, Rinalda Rocquin, will also host classes on the Basics of the Mediterranean Diet: Healthful, Simple, and Delicious. The Mediterranean eating style emphasizes appropriate amounts of foods rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and unsaturated fats. In addition, this lifestyle values social connections and physical activity, which help to improve health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Join Rinalda on August 9 at 10:30 a.m. (LaPlace) or August 10 at 10:30 a.m. (Edgard) as she provides an overview of the Mediterranean diet, its influence on health markers (e.g., blood pressure, blood sugar, body weight), and how to adopt key aspects that work for you. Don’t miss this opportunity to become a better and healthier you!

St. John the Baptist Library, in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium, offers webinars and online events. You’ll enjoy a range of talks from bestselling authors and thought leaders. This month’s featured authors are Robert Jones, Jr. (“The Prophets”), Cassandra Clare (“Chain of Thorns”), and Jeffrey Selingo (“Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions”). To learn more and register for all upcoming events, use the link https://libraryc.org/stjohnlib.

For a complete list of all programs, please refer to our online calendar on our website

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

Remember, St. John the Baptist Parish Library has an Instagram (@stjohnparishlib) and Twitter (@stjohnlib4) account. Check us out! You may be surprised by all we have to offer!