“I was working in the library late one night when my eyes took in a special sight. 

Lots of readers choosing books to read, to fill their summer reading need!

They took a book.  A really good book!  That’s all it took.  And now they are hooked!

So read a book–Don’t give me that look!  You want a book–A summer reading book!”

That’s the song reading monsters will be thinking of during the St. Bernard Parish Library’s 5^th week of summer reading activities.  “Monster Mash” is the theme for the story program scheduled for Tuesday, July 3rd at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.  Readers will want to huddle under the covers for stories such as I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll and the American folktale, the Gunniwolf.  Wednesday’s story program will not be held as the library will be closed for the July 4^th holiday.  The library will reopen on Thursday, July 5^th.

Local author, musician and storyteller Johnette Downing will help listeners of all ages find a way to deal with those pesky bedtime monster problems when she presents ‘Pajama Party” on July 6^th as part of the library’s Fridays with the Arts series.  Johnette’s hour-long library slumber session will not lull listeners into a deep sleep.  Audience members will be singing, clapping and staying wide awake.  Funding for Ms. Downing’s visit is from a grant 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.

All programs will take place at 2600 Palmisano Blvd., in Chalmette.  Summer readers are urged to continue working on their star-studded activity sheets.  Readers can redeem their completed forms for participation certificates and McDonald’s coupons by visiting the library Monday thru Thursday, 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. or on Friday or Saturday, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.   Pre-readers thru 12^th graders wishing to be included in the July 13^th prize drawing must turn their activity sheets in by 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 12^th.  Winners must be present at the prize drawing to claim their prize.  Adult readers have until Saturday, August 4^th to submit their completed activity sheets to be included in the August 6^th prize drawing.  Adult winners will be notified by phone.  Prize sponsors are as follows: :  Audubon Zoo, Chalmette Movies, J & M Jewelers, Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours, Kiwanis Club of St. Bernard-Arabi, Louisiana Children’s Museum, McDonalds, National World War II Museum, and Tony’s Po-Boy Restaurant.

For more information, please call 504-279-0448, stop by the library or visit its website at www.mysbpl.org.