It's a busy summer at Orleans Parish Libraries, which are helping keep kids of all ages involved in fun and educational events.
For teens and tweens, local filmmakers including Dawn Logsdon, known for her award-winning "Faubourg Tremé: The Untold Story of Black New Orleans," will lead a hands-on workshop on the fundamentals of video storytelling at 1 p.m. June 14 at the Main Library, 219 Loyola Ave., and at 4:30 p.m. June 15 at the East New Orleans Regional Library, 5641 Read Blvd.
Participants will learn video-making skills and then shoot short videos of community members sharing stories about their experiences with the library and what it means to them. Attendees will get to share their own library story, learn how to interview others, and earn a $25 gift certificate.
This workshop is open to youths ages 11 to 18. No prior filmmaking experience is needed. Registration and signed video release forms are required. Visit events.nolalibrary.org for details and to sign up.
TWEEN ROBOTICS: LEGO and robotics-loving tweens (ages 9-12) can combine the two at Central City library’s three-part introductory workshop. Attendees will learn to assemble, program, and problem-solve using LEGO Robotics from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. June 14, 21 and 28.
Registration is required. The library is located at 2020 Jackson Ave.
KIDS AND DANCE: Children can explore the rhythms and movements that have influenced New Orleans with an interactive drum and dance experience at two workshops presented by Congo Square Preservation Society at the Rosa F. Keller Library, 4300 S. Broad St., from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. June 14, and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. June 20 at the Robert E. Smith, 6301 Canal Blvd.
SUMMER CHALLENGE: 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.
Explore stories through the performing arts with Young Audiences of Louisiana as their artists tour library locations throughout the city:
- 10:30 a.m. June 14 at the Alvar Library, 913 Alvar St.
- 10:30 a.m. June 15 at the Hubbell Library, 725 Pelican Ave.
- 10:30 a.m. June 20 at the Latter Library, 5120 St Charles Ave.
These interactive workshops provide a unique learning experience for children ages 6 months to 5 years old and their caregivers.
Sign up for Summer Fun & Reading Challenge at summerfun.nolalibrary.org. And, explore all the free programs happening at the library all summer at events.nolalibrary.org — including visits from Audubon Zoo, stuffed animal sleepovers, tech expos, and more.
GUN SAFETY: The New Orleans Public Library, Health Department, Children's Hospital, and the National Be Smart Program will host two gun lock giveaways and provide safety information. The first will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. June 15 at Norman Mayer Library, 3001 Gentilly Blvd. The second is from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 15 at East New Orleans Regional Library, 5641 Read Blvd.
Supplies are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Available to Orleans Parish residents 18 and over. Please note that guns or other weapons are not allowed in the library.
Visit events.nolalibrary.org for more information.
Jane LeGros is the director of marketing and communications for the New Orleans Public Library.