Crafting, gardening and a lecture on early American literature are all on the agenda this month as the library highlights three free programs for adults.
Adults can get creative during the Clay Creations Workshop at 6 p.m. June 15 at the Paradis Branch, where participants will make custom clay projects such as earrings and air fresheners.
The following morning, the West Regional Library will host How to Grow & Cook with Herbs, a workshop presented by LSU AgCenter staff. Beginning at 10 a.m., the program will teach participants how to grow fresh herbs and incorporate them into everyday cooking.
The West Regional Library will also welcome Dr. Michael Martin, associate professor of English at Nicholls State University, for his lecture “Early American Literature and Culture at the Nation’s Founding” at 6 p.m. June 18. The lectures explore how early American writers reflected the ideas and challenges of the emerging nation.
Assistant Library Director Lauren Campo Pitz said she is always working to bring more attention to the library’s offerings for adults.
“One of the misconceptions that I think people might have about adult programming at the library is that we don’t offer anything that they’d be interested in, but that is probably not true,” Pitz said.
The library hosts a wide range of monthly and weekly activities for adults, including cooking demonstrations, book discussions, craft programs and a Dungeons & Dragons group, she said. Residents can also participate in weekly yoga classes, senior exercise classes and a knitting and crochet group, while guest speakers regularly present programs on topics such as gardening, history and technology.
She encouraged residents to browse the library’s online calendar or monthly newsletter to discover upcoming events.
“Once they start looking at our online calendar or monthly newsletter regularly, I think they’ll find some events that will interest them,” she said. “And, if they don’t, we are always looking for programs and events to offer our community to encourage them to explore, learn, create, and connect—which is the mission of the library—so we are open to new ideas.”
Pitz added that all library events are free and open to the public, and attendees do not need a library card to participate.
“We have seen many friendships form during these programs,” she said. “So, if anyone is looking to meet new people, branch out and try a new craft, or just to learn about something they are interested in, attending a library event is a great way to do that.”