The library is currently closed at both the Palmisano and the East Judge Perez locations as our move to the new library begins. As we pack up, box up, and load up all of our belongings, we are doing our best to keep to our traditional Tuesday through Friday summer reading schedule as much as we can. We are planning activities with a little help from our friends and a bit of creativity here and there.
The 2025 theme is Color Our World…and All that Jazz, and with the move taking place, we are having to color outside the lines; march to the beat of a different drummer; think outside the box; do a little improv; and play it by ear!
We will hold Grab & Go Summer Fun Bag events at the library’s original location, 2600 Palmisano Blvd., on the first three Tuesdays in June (3rd, 10th, and 17th) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., weather permitting. Families can simply pull in the semi-circular drive and pick up their ‘Grab & Go’ Summer Fun Bags. Summer Run Bags will contain calendars of events, bookmarks, treats, sponsor info, and Color Your World…and All That Jazz activity sheets. Grab and Go Summer Fun Bags are one per reader and will also be available at all in-person events.
Additional programming info can be found on the Color Our World and All that Jazz event calendar. The calendar is included in the Grab & Go Summer Fun Bags and is pinned on the library’s Facebook Page. Participants are encouraged to take note of locations as they do vary and may be weather dependent.
The library owes a huge thank you to St. Bernard Parish Government for giving us space to hold our programs. As we began planning our modified program, it came to us that we had two libraries and were still without a gathering space! Luckily schedules for both the library and the Recreation Department blended so that they were able to offer us a summer home. The park-like setting is going to be the perfect backdrop for the library’s Trail Tales and other programs are timed so that anyone wishing to participate in the Recreation Department’s Free Throw events can.
Our summer program is being supported by so many local businesses. We are extremely grateful to have them help us with prizes year after year. This year’s sponsors are: Arlette and Wayne Nunez, Audubon Nature Institute/Zoo, Beignets and More, Coffee House, Crave, Creole Queen Paddlewheeler, Facials by Skin Diva, Mad Batter Bakery, Massages by Jamie, McDonalds, Mudbugs Snowballs, National World War II Museum, PJ’s Coffee, Raising Cane’s, Rock & Roll Car Wash, Shell Oil, Supa Southern Scentsations, the UPS Store, and Wow Café and Wingery.
Teen/Tween events and Friday family programming are part of the library’s Summer with the Arts series. These outstanding programs are made possible by generous grants and donations. The library has received a Louisiana Project Grant that is funded by the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council as administered by the St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.
We also receive a very generous donation from St. Bernard residents, Arlette and Wayne Nunez. They are long-time supporters of the library’s programing efforts. Their gift is matched by Shell Oil’s Gifting Program. This additional funding helps not only with our Summer with the Arts series, but with all other children’s activities held throughout the year. St. Bernard Parish Library is deeply honored to receive these much-needed funds. These grants and gifts make it possible for the library to offer this type of programming free of charge, close to home, and in a safe environment for everyone to enjoy.
We look forward to seeing all of our library families this summer. The Summer Fun Calendar can be found on the library’s Facebook page. Please check it for program locations. For more info, please call us at 504-279-0448, visit our website at mysbpl.org, or follow us on Facebook.