July News and Events

Summer Reading

The Summer Reading Challenge has been full of fun and discovery so far – but there is still time to join in on the challenge. Patrons have until July 31st to register and complete the challenge and win prizes!

View the Summer Reading Guide to learn more about the prizes and how to win!

Happy Independence Day

This year we celebrate the Semiquincentennial of the Declaration of Independence, 250 years since the formation of our great nation.

Library offices and branches will be closed on July 3rd and July 4th in honor of Independence Day; however, you can still use our online tools and resources to learn more about this monumental anniversary.

View All Scheduled Holiday Closures

America 250 Cards Are Now Available!

Earlier this year, patrons voted on their favorite design to be our limited-edition America 250 Library Card. Cards are now available at all 12 branches!

Already have a card? No problem! Patrons can replace an old card with the new design at no cost.

Cards are limited and will be provided to patrons on a first-come, first serve bias.

Find a Branch Near You!

Northshore Food Bank 250 for 250 Food Drive

In honor of America’s 250th birthday, the Northshore Food Bank is holding the 250 for 250 Food Drive from July 6th to July 30th to restock the shelves for families in need within our community. The 250 for 250 Food Drive invites 250 community members, businesses, or organizations to donate 250 items or pounds to help keep shelves stocked.

The Library has partnered with the Northshore Food Bank by making all 12 branches collection sites for the food drive. Members of the community are encouraged to drop off nonperishable and unexpired food items in the designated drop-off boxes at each branch starting July 6th.

The most requested and needed items are canned peas, peanut butter, mac & cheese, and canned fruit.

Learn more about this Food Drive

Thomas Wharton Collins, The American Revolution, and Covington Presentation

Jack Terry will present “Thomas Wharton, the Revolution and Covington” on July 11th at 10:30 am at the Covington branch.

The presentation will re-examine the life of Thomas Wharton Collins from birth to his death in Canada, focusing specifically on his and his family's lives in Philadelphia, where he faced and survived several life-threatening events.

Adventures of Titan and Bandit: Reading and Q&A

Come meet Dena Wildy and Charleston Neal and their book "Adventures of Titan and Bandit", a story about a group of superheroes who each live with different disabilities and learn how their unique perspectives make them powerful heroes.

This event will be held at the South Slidell branch on July 16th from 2 to 3 p.m.

All ages are welcome to this event. Register online to save your seat!

Harvesting Your Story: A Writing Workshop with Joy E. Rancatore

Local award-winning author and frequent special guest, Joy E. Rancatore, will hold a writing workshop for adult patrons on July 9th at the Slidell branch (555 Robert Blvd.) from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

At the event, “Harvesting Your Story: A Writing Workshop with Joy E. Rancatore,” aspiring writers will learn about brainstorming, story organization, and realistic publishing expectations.

Latest Library Podcast Episodes

Have you heard or watched the latest library podcast episodes?

Last month, the library’s podcast, “Check It Out,” published its monthly book club episode and an episode with a special guest from the Louisiana Art & Science Museum.

Check It Out: Book Club: The Art of Hearing Heartbeats is the podcast’s first Book Club episode. This month’s episode, Susan, the Madisonville branch manager, and Julie, a member of the Madisonville Book Club, discussed “The Art of Hearing Heartbeats” by Jan-Philipp Sendker.

Check It Out: Unearthing the Stories of Fossils introduces paleontologist Mason Kirkland from the Louisiana Art & Science Museum. Kirkland provided insight on fossils and promoted the Museum's Dino Day on June 27th.

Take a Listen or Watch an Episode

Children

Teens

Adults

Summer KIDS Morning Programs will end the week of July 10th, and the Fall KIDS Morning Programs will return the week of August 24th.

The Friends of the Library of West St. Tammany's Used Book Sale will be on Friday & Saturday, July 17th and 18th, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at their new address, 321 W. 29th Ave., Covington, LA 70433.

Visit their webpage to see how you can help the Friends and view a list of all upcoming sales and current silent auction items.

Visit the Friend's Webpage

The Friends of the Slidell Library (FSL) will hold their monthly Used Book Sale on Friday, July 24th and Saturday, July 25th in the Slidell Library meeting room.

July 24th - Members' Preview Sale, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
July 25th - Public Sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Members' Preview Sale is for FSL members only. But as always, memberships will be available to purchase or renew at the door. Annual memberships cost $5 per person or $8 per family.

The Friends of the Slidell Library (FSL) will hold their SSSSale (Second Saturday Special Sale) on July 11th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Slidell Library, located at 555 Robert Blvd. This month's sale theme will be on items related to the U.S. Civil War and World War II.

The Friends’ used book sales, silent auctions, and other special sale events help raise funds to purchase items and fund events for the Slidell, Lacombe, Pearl River, and South Slidell Branch Libraries. For more information about FSL, activities, and membership, send an email to fsl70458@yahoo.com.

View the Friends of the Slidell Library's Webpage