September is Library Card Sign-Up Month.

The American Library Association’s annual campaign to encourage patrons to enroll for a library card began nearly 30 years ago. Signing up for a library card with the St. John the Baptist Parish Library System is an easy process.

Patrons who meet the criteria, such as being a resident of the parish, own parish property, work in the parish or are enrolled in a school within the parish, may apply for a card.

A library is a temple of learning, and a library card is the key that unlocks a treasure chest full of knowledge and information. Library card users have a multitude of privileges that they can take full advantage of with their cards, such as checking out books, e-books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks and other material.

During the month of September, a system-wide program for all patrons, either with an existing library card or for those signing up for a new library card, will qualify to get a Frequent User Card. Each time a patron uses his or her library card to get at least two items, the back side of the Frequent User Card will be stamped.

When the card is stamped six times, an entry is made into a drawing for a prize. There is no limit to the number of Frequent User Cards a patron can fill through the duration of the month.

Drawing for prizes will take place on Oct. 3 at each library branch.

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. This is a time where people recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and celebrate their heritage and culture.

Hispanics have had a profound and positive influence on our country through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work and service. They have enhanced and shaped our national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural customs of their community.

Today, 55 million people or 17 percent of the American population are of Hispanic or Latino origin.

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the Central Library will host a celebration on Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. In this family-oriented program, worry dolls will be made by any interested patron, and nachos and drinks will be served.

At the end of the program, a piñata will be hung from the ceiling as a fun activity for all those in attendance.

Banned Books Week is celebrated Sept. 25 to Oct. 1. It is the national book community’s annual celebration of the freedom to read. Hundreds of libraries and bookstores around the country draw attention to the problem of censorship by mounting displays of challenged books and hosting a variety of events.

Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries.

According to the American Library Association, more than 11,300 books have been challenged since 1982.

There were 311 challenges reported to the Office of Intellectual Freedom in 2015 and many more go unreported.

To celebrate Banned Books Week, the Central Library will host a Book in a Jar Contest for the entire week. Books will be shredded and deconstructed to fit inside of a jar; patrons will have the opportunity to guess the title of each book.

A grand prize will be given to the winner once chosen. There will be a multitude of programs at each library branch for the month of September.

For a full list, please refer to our online calendar on our website (stjohn.lib.la.us) or pick up a newsletter at any of our four branches. I hope you all can attend some of the spectacular programs offered at St. John the Baptist Parish Libraries.

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