The New Orleans Public Library is gearing up for the annual Summer Fun and Reading Challenge — two exciting months of events, activities, prizes and more for all ages, including adults.
Here's how you can participate:
1. Starting June 1, sign up for Summer Fun & Reading Challenge 2023. Either fill out a paper form at your neighborhood library location 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 requited activities, visit your neighborhood library for the completion prize, while supplies last. The last day for completion and picking up prizes is July 31.
Keep an eye on the library’s events calendar on the NOLALibrary App or at events.nolalibrary.org to attend dozens of free programs at locations all around the city.
From Magical Poodles to Crescent Circus, shoe-decorating workshops with the Krewe of Muses, traveling tech “petting zoos,” to author nights, and so much more, the library has something for everyone this summer.
Why should you participate? Libraries across the country host summer reading programs to encourage reading as a lifelong habit, maintain reading skills that children and teens have achieved throughout the school year, and increase interest in libraries. And, everyone likes a prize. This year, signing up gets you a free book, and completing the challenge is rewarded with a limited edition tote, designed by local artist Nichol Brinkman.
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.
Visit summerfun.nolalibrary.org for details and registration.
JOB HUNTING: Jobseekers across all fields and experience levels are invited to Workforce Warriors, a panel discussion led by career counselor Susan de la Houssaye at Rosa F. Keller Library and Community Center from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. on May 25. Attendees will learn about job readiness, job seeking and everything in between. Panelists include:
- Missy Sparks, vice president of talent management — workforce in human resources, with Ochsner Health System
- Sunae Villavaso, director of the mayor's office of workforce development
- Tracee Dundas, programs coordinator with Dress for Success
Visit events.nolalibrary.org or call (504) 214-8275 for information.
BIKE RIDE: The New Orleans Public Library’s African American Resource Collection is teaming up with Get Up N Ride and Sistahs on Wheels to host a wellness-centered community bike ride on May 30.
Cyclists should meet at the French Market about 7 p.m. for snacks, library giveaways and information, and to get to know each other before embarking on a fun and social journey.
The event is sponsored by the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library and Capital One Bank.
Jane LeGros is the director of marketing and communications for the New Orleans Public Library.