The New Orleans Public Library’s summer Fun & Reading Challenge is here, with two exciting months of events, activities, prizes, and more for all ages, including adults. Here are some of the upcoming events.
Pasta from scratch with Chef Maya: Celebrated New Orleans chef and Food Network contestant Maya Mastersson will lead a cooking class for 11- to 18-year-olds on June 7 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Rosa F. Keller Library and Community Center, 4300 S Broad St. Space is limited, and registration is required.
Sewing class for adults: Learn to sew a tote bag with instructors from ricRack, a local upcycling and fabric sustainability nonprofit June 7 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Nora Navra Library, 1902 St Bernard Ave. A limited number of sewing machines will be available for use, and fabric and supplies will be provided. Registration is encouraged.
Collage art for teens and adults: Internationally acclaimed collage and street artist FANCLUB 13 and several other collage artists will show their work and lead a collage-making workshop June 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Alvar Library, 913 Alvar St.
Reading buddies: Teenage volunteers in grades 7-12 are paired with kindergarten to second-grade students to read and do fun literacy-related activities from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. every Thursday at East New Orleans Regional Library, 5641 Read Blvd., and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays at Norman Mayer Library, 3001 Gentilly Blvd. Registration is encouraged for children and required for teens.
Art of henna/mehndi for teens: Henna artist Mehwish will share the traditional art of henna, share designs, and apply designs to participants June 8 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the East New Orleans Regional Library, 5641 Read Blvd. Registration is required.
Crescent Circus magic show: Kids ages 6-12 and their caregivers can see international award-winning magic and circus arts troupe perform tricks that will amaze and keep them laughing June 9 from 11 a.m. to noon at East New Orleans Regional Library, 5641 Read Blvd.
Visit summerfun.nolalibrary.org for details and registration and events.nolalibrary.org to explore all the great free programs happening at the library all summer. And it's not too late to sign up for the summer reading program. Here's how to participate:
1. Sign up for Summer Fun & Reading Challenge 2023 either by filling out a paper form at your neighborhood library or register online to track your reading and bingo progress digitally. Then, pick up your registration prize at your neighborhood library.
2. Read, complete activities, and log your progress on both. All reading counts —— books, audiobooks, being read to, etc.
3. After reading 800 minutes and completing the required activities, visit your neighborhood library location for the completion prize, while supplies last. The last day for completion and picking up prizes is July 31.
The Summer Fun & Reading Challenge is sponsored by the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library, with support from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, Inc., GPOA Foundation, the Eugenie and Joseph Jones Family Foundation, the Entergy Charitable Foundation, and Raising Cane’s.
Jane LeGros is the director of marketing and communications for the New Orleans Public Library.