On Saturday, April 28th parish voters will be asked to vote on the continuation of an important library millage. This renewal will ensure the future of the library and assist with the maintenance of a new facility in development. The millage renewal is vital to continuing the services the library offers to the public. This April 28th vote is not for a new millage but is a renewal of previously approved support for library services.
The St. Bernard Parish Library has been proudly serving the residents of St. Bernard Parish since 1957. From its humble beginnings in a single room inside the parish’s courthouse in Chalmette to its own pre-Katrina site on St. Bernard Hwy. to its current location on the grounds of Chalmette’s 9th Grade Academy, the library has provided service to countless patrons over the years. The library plans to continue serving residents in the future from a newly constructed, dedicated library to be built in Meraux, Louisiana.
Over the years library services have grown with the times. Books were the staple back in the day, but today’s users have access to a wide variety of materials ranging from time-honored books to streaming videos. The library houses nearly 60,000 items consisting of books, audios, DVDs, reference materials, and educational courses. We have four secure children’s computers that have more than 50 educational games and apps. The public can stay connected by using any of our 32 public computers or our free Wi-Fi that is available 24/7 with a current library card.
Today, library cards are for more than just checking out books and movies. With a card, you have access to thousands of e-books, e-audios, and e-magazines via Overdrive, RB Digital and Axis 360. Titles on these platforms can be downloaded for free to your device from wherever you have internet access. Our e-Learning page, “Learning for a Smarter Tomorrow”, connects patrons with educational opportunities from sources such as Gale Courses, Universal Class, and Learning Express. Online tutorials or instructor-led courses enable library users to study a variety of topics spanning from basic computer skills, Microsoft Office products, foreign languages, and web page design to anatomy and physiology, and cake decorating.
Online homework assistance is available from Homework Louisiana for the youngest elementary student to the college graduate applying for post-graduate studies. Adults in the workforce can also take advantage of the skills center to create resumes and brush up on job skills.
Families also have the opportunity to enjoy free programming throughout the school year as well as during the summer. The library sponsors events such as artist visits and seasonal events as well as a six-week summer reading program. Summer reading participants are invited to take part in weekly story craft programs, visit with community leaders, and enjoy a wide variety of artistic performances. All materials for these programs are provided and there is never an admission fee for performances.
Basic services such as photocopying, faxing, and scanning are also available for a nominal charge, however, all of the other offerings are provided free of charge thanks to the continued support of our parish residents who realize the value our public library adds to our parish.
Please stop by the library to browse our shelves, use our computers or attend our upcoming Saturday with the Arts program scheduled for April 28th at 10:30 a.m. Louisiana musician, Ann Vidrine will be at the library presenting her Cajun Experience program for audience members of all ages.
For more information, please visit the library at 2600 Palmisano Blvd., Chalmette, call us at 504-279-0448 or visit our website at mysbpl.org. Like our Facebook page for updates!
