Summer is here and so is the New Orleans Public Library’s annual Summer Fun & Reading Challenge. It's two months packed full of events, activities, prizes, and more for children, teens, and adults of all ages.
For the kids, the tradition is a fun way to combat the “summer slide,” or the tendency for students to lose some of the educational gains they made during the previous school year.
Everyone who signs up receives a prize, and kids get a free book for their age group, a fun incentive to kick off reading time. This year’s registration prize for adults is their choice of either a multiuse charger or a reading light. Teens have their pick between a YA book, the charger, or the reading light.
Logging 800 minutes of reading and completing a variety of library-themed bingo activities will earn participants another prize — including a limited-edition tote bag designed by local artist Tamisha Anthony.
The library is also accepting submissions for the 2024 Summer Fun Adult Writing Contest. Enter your short story or poem by July 31 for the chance to win a gift card and be featured in next year’s edition of “Renewed: A New Orleans Public Library Anthology.”
This year’s theme is “adventure.” From camping or a trip to Mars, forging a trail through a magical realm or turning toward a new path in life, or anything in between — writers are invited to interpret this theme however they like.
Visit nolalibrary.org/for-writers for more information.
Summer Fun also features dozens of events for all ages and interests at library locations across the city. See below for a sample of upcoming programs, or visit events.nolalibrary.org to check out the full calendar:
Early literacy?
Mini Masters at the Norman Mayer Library, 3001 Gentilly Blvd., June 17, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
A four-part series in collaboration with the New Orleans Museum of Art for 2-5 year olds and their caregivers to combine art and literacy. Registration required, visit nolalibrary.org/early-lit for details.
Kids?
NOLA Capoeira for Kids and Families at the Smith Library, 6301 Canal Blvd., June 15, 11 a.m. to noon
Learn beginner moves to the music of Capoeira, a Brazilian dance and martial art.
Teens?
Video Editing for Social Media at the Latter Library, 5120 St Charles Ave., June 13, 2-4 p.m.
Learn how to be a filmmaker, content creator, and editor, all using just your smartphone, in this hands-on workshop with New Orleans Video Access Center.
Adults?
Composting Class With Barcelo Garden at East New Orleans Regional Library, 5641 Read Blvd., June 15, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Learn how to start your own composting system, regardless of the size of your outdoor space.
Summer Fun & Reading Challenge is sponsored by the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library, with support from the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, the GPOA Foundation, and Raising Cane's. Visit summerfun.nolalibrary.org or any library location to sign up.
Jane LeGros is the director of marketing and communications for the Orleans Parish Library.