Summertime is here, and that means it’s time for Jefferson Parish Library’s summer reading program.
The kickoff at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, will take place from noon to 3 p.m. June 3. The kickoff at the West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, will be from noon to 3 p.m. June 4.
At each kickoff, children, teens and adults can sign up for activities that will occur from June 1 to July 31. Each kickoff event includes activities such as a scavenger hunt, a dunk tank (dunk the librarian!), cupcake walk, pickleball, corn hole, relay races, giant bubbles, carnival games and more.
Patrons will also get a sneak peek at the many items now available for kids and adults through the Library of Things.
Food will be available for purchase from Mo’s Fries food truck as well as complimentary popcorn and cotton candy.
To participate in the program, all ages can complete a bingo card by reading books and completing activities. Completion of the first line of bingo will earn the participant a groovy sticker, a groovy button and a free kid’s meal from Raising Cane’s or a coupon for a free book at the next Friends of the Library Big Book Sale.
All participants will receive free custom tote bags when they sign up. They will also receive a raffle ticket that can be entered to win various gift cards and gift baskets. Subsequent bingo completions will earn additional stickers, buttons and raffle tickets.
All library branches will feature performers and programs for all ages. For more details about the library’s summer reading program and to obtain the most up-to-date schedule of events, visit https://srp.jplibrary.net/.
SKYWARN CLASS: The National Weather Service will conduct a SkyWarn class at 6:30 p.m. May 30 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 West Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
SkyWarn is a volunteer program with nearly 290,000 trained severe weather spotters who help keep their communities safe by providing timely and accurate reports of severe weather to the National Weather Service. Since the program started in the 1970s, the information provided by SkyWarn spotters, coupled with Doppler radar technology, improved satellite and other data, has enabled the weather service to issue more timely and accurate warnings for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flash floods.
The National Weather Service encourages anyone with an interest in public service and access to communication, including HAM radios, to join the SkyWarn program. Volunteers include police and fire personnel, dispatchers, Emergency Medical Services workers, public utility workers and other concerned private citizens.
NATIVE PLANTS: Chris Dunaway, Jefferson Parish extension agent with the LSU AgCenter, will discuss “Native Plants and Low Maintenance Gardening” at two sessions — one on the east bank and on the West Bank.
The first presentation takes place at 7 p.m. May 25 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. The second will occur at 7 p.m. May 30, at the West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey.
He will discuss the best low-maintenance native shrubs, perennials, annuals and ground covers for a local landscape. He will be available after each presentation to answer questions.
CAREER PREP: “Library 101: Library Resources for Career Preparation” will take place at 3 p.m. May 26 at the Belle Terre Library, 5550 Belle Terre Road, Marrero. Patrons can use the library’s digital resources to help with job searches and career advancement.
SIT ON SHAKESPEARE: Check out the Shakespeare Bench in front of the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. It features 10 quotes from various Shakespeare plays. The bench, which measures 48 inches wide by 38 inches tall by 38 inches deep, is made of powder-coated steel plate covered by fiberglass laminate primed with white paint.