From laser tag and escape rooms to storytime ballet performances and gardening workshops, the St. Charles Parish Library is offering a wide range of activities this summer through its “Plant a Seed, Read” summer reading program.
The summer calendar includes programming for children, teens and adults, along with all-ages entertainment and educational events. The events are free and open to the public, though some require advance registration. Registration for eligible programs opens 14 days before each event.
Several traveling performers and special guests will visit library branches during June and July. The Crescent Circus will bring magic and circus arts performances to multiple branches beginning June 10. New Orleans children’s musician Johnette Downing will perform concerts celebrating Louisiana culture June 17, while Ballet Images will present storytime ballet performances June 27.
Other featured guests include storyteller MaMa SaBa, Bright Star Theatre, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and percussionist LadyChops.
Children’s programming includes weekly storytimes, sensory play activities and hands-on STEM and craft events. Younger children can attend programs such as Baby Bubble Bash, Digging in the Dirt and Preschool Fun and Fitness, while older children can participate in LEGO Club, egg drop challenges, escape rooms and gardening-themed crafts.
Teen programming includes gaming events, crafts, gardening activities and themed movie nights. Teens can participate in laser tag, Dungeons & Dragons adventures, Jackbox game nights and an overnight Animal Crossing-themed lock-in at the East Regional Library. Craft activities include fairy jars, mini piranha plants, handmade journals and bath salts.
The library also plans family activities, including a video game truck, farm-themed bingo and a Sno-Ball Social scheduled for July 25 at the East Regional Library to celebrate the end of the summer reading program.
Adult programming includes book clubs, craft workshops, gardening classes, fitness activities and presentations connected to America’s 250th anniversary. Adults can also participate in cookbook clubs, mystery-themed socials, yoga classes and Makerspace workshops focused on laser cutting, sewing and crafting projects.
Lauren Campo-Pitz said the reading challenge also runs through July 31. Participants can register through the Beanstack app or at a library branch to start tracking their reading minutes.
“Everyone gets a prize when they sign up as well as a completion prize after reading 360 minutes,” Pitz said. “There are three grand prize winners for each age group, and these prizes are sponsored by the Friends of the St. Charles Parish Library.”
A full calendar of events and registration information is available at myscpl.org.
