New Orleans libraries are inviting the community to celebrate summer’s arrival in several ways.
Teens can start their time off right on May 29 at the Main Library for the School’s Out Cinema afternoon.
Stop by the library, 219 Loyola Ave., to dream of being a singing sensation, eat snacks and enjoy the Disney Channel Original movie, “Let It Shine.” The fun starts at 3:30 p.m.
At Alvar Library, 913 Alvar St., all ages are invited to Fun in the Sun, a free family-friendly afternoon June 1 from 2-3 p.m.
Stop by to sign up for the library’s annual Summer Fun & Reading Challenge and enjoy outdoor activities like puffy sidewalk paint, chalk, giant Jenga, bubbles, snacks and more.
Everyone who registers for Summer Fun will get a free prize, with more to come when you complete the challenge of reading 800 minutes and do a variety of fun library-related activities. Visit summerfun.nolalibrary.org for details.
In addition to the many free events, programs and activities, the library will start accepting submissions for the 2024 Summer Fun Adult Writing Contest on June 1. Enter your short story or poem through 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.” Visit nolalibrary.org/for-writers for details.
TEEN YOGA: Yeah! Yoga will visit the Main Library, 219 Loyola Ave., on June 2 for a free hourlong yoga class for teens. The workshop starts at 2 p.m.
Attendees will learn how to build strength and tools for mindfulness that they can use in their daily lives.
This program is open to teens ages 11-18. Yoga mats will be provided. Participants will receive a certification of completion and be entered into a drawing for a yoga mat. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library.
Registration is required; visit events.nolalibrary.org for details.
REOPENING CELEBRATION: Central City Library is holding a grand reopening event on June 1. Stop by 2020 Jackson Ave. between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. for free books, free shoes and more.
The Ali Mae Williams Multi-Service Center building, where the library is located, closed last August due to HVAC issues. During the closure, mold was found in the system, which resulted in a total HVAC replacement. Repairs were finished and the library’s facilities were cleared to reopen after passing air-quality inspections in April.
The staff is looking forward to reconnecting with the neighborhood.
VIRTUAL AUTHOR TALK: Smithsonian curator Matt Shindell will visit the library via Zoom for a virtual author talk at 1 p.m. on June 3. The National Air and Space Museum curator will discuss his new book, “For the Love of Mars,” which introduces historical figures across eras and around the world who have made sense of this mysterious planet.
Visit nolalibrary.co/matt-shindell to register.
TEEN YOGA: Yeah! Yoga will visit the Main Library, 219 Loyola Ave., on June 2 for a free hourlong yoga class for teens. The workshop starts at 2 p.m.
Attendees will learn how to build strength and tools for mindfulness that they can use in their daily lives.
This program is open to teens ages 11-18. Yoga mats will be provided. Participants will receive a certification of completion and be entered into a drawing for a yoga mat. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library.
Registration is required; visit events.nolalibrary.org for details.
LEARN EMBROIDERY: The Nix Library, 1401 S. Carrollton Ave., will host a beginner-friendly embroidery workshop on June 4 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. With the help of an in-person instructor and a video tutorial from Creativebug, attendees will learn various embroidery stitches needed to complete a project.
Participants will receive a free embroidery kit that includes a 6-inch embroidery hoop, fabric, thread and a needle.
Registration is recommended as embroidery kits are limited. Walk-ins are welcome for any remaining space, visit events.nolalibrary.org for details.
Jane LeGros is the director of marketing and communications for the Orleans Parish Library.