Summer Reading Program at parish library returns

The Evangeline Parish Library’s summer reading program is still happening but is different from past experiences, thanks to COVID-19. The library’s outreach director Suzy Lemoine said, this summer the program will be more of a take-home experience. “We know our stats are going to be very low this time, but we still want to encourage kids to read,” she said.
A big part of Summer Reading is performers. Lemoine said she did not cancel the performers who are paid for by a decentralized arts grant. She pushed the performers back to autumn and hopes to possibly have an outdoor event. “The reading experience will make another big splash with the performers in the fall,” she said. “We’re planning for November. We can do a lot of social distancing outside. This is just a bump in the road.”
This time for Summer Reading, they are giving each young reader who checks out at least two books a Welcome Back Goodie Bag with a reading log, an “Imagine Your Story” writing activity sheet and other goodies. This time they will not be tracking the number of books read, but they do hope kids will be encouraged to read all summer long.
Lemoine said they hope to “continue that connection that kids and parents have developed over the years. We want that continuity that the library is there for you, even under these unusual circumstances.”
She said the library still offers fax and copy services, and any kind of assistance over the internet without patrons having to enter the building.
Additionally, Lemoine said the Friends of the Library is offering the public the opportunity to leave a memory of their past library or life experiences in a special Memory Card catalogue, which will be enjoyed by patrons for the future. “If you wanted your great-grandchild to come to the library and look at a memory you may have had about some experience, we’ll keep it for you. We’ll be the keepers of the memories.”
The Ville Platte branch of the library plans to reopen Monday, but only to ten people at a time. Mask are not required, but strongly encouraged. Summer reading bags are available at the branches that are opened for curb-side services to kids who check out at least two books.