New initiative offers free book, performance ticket to participants

The St. Charles Parish Library and The Dr. Rodney R. Lafon Performing Arts have collaborated on a collision of books and performances, with the new adventure beginning April 1.

Page Meets Stage, a new book discussion series for adults, is the partnership between the library and the arts center.

“I had the idea from starting a small book club with two of my dearest friends,” Lafon Center Director Chris Aucoin-Melohn said. “When I presented the idea to the library I was not prepared for how excited they were to partner with us on this project.”

Page Meets Stage will allow participants the opportunity to attend the April 1 performance of Step Afrika! at the Lafon Center. On April 4 participants will meet and discuss the show and the book Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi while enjoying dinner. This book conversation will also take place at the Lafon Center.

Registration is open now for the free event. The book, show ticket, book discussion and dinner are included as a part of this community program. The program is supported by the Friends of St. Charles Library, a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting, advocating for, and raising funds for the St. Charles Parish Library.

Maria Bilello, the library system’s adult programming and outreach librarian, said the program gives participants the unique opportunity to connect a book with a show.

“We’re excited to provide more opportunities for our adults in the community to read … and when you get a chance to discuss what you read with other people it just deepens the experience,” she said. “We’re trying to make sure our adult patrons are having fun at the library.”

Bilello said Page Meets Stage will encourage participants to connect the two forms of entertainment, which should help them enjoy a deeper experience with each activity. More Page Meets Stage events are in the works, she added.

“We are overjoyed that we have the opportunities to reach new audiences and form deeper connections with current patrons,” Aucoin-Melohn said. “This initiative will offer participants a unique experience to connect with their peers both at the performance, but also at the dinner and allow them share, hear, and hopefully leave invigorated for the next one in May.”

To register for Page Meets Stage visit myscpl.org.