Patrons have selected a design by Mandeville resident Elizabeth Lewis for the face of a special St. Tammany Parish Library card to be issued in tribute to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
The design by Lewis is quite detailed and displays everything requested of contest submissions: patriotism, America’s 250th and the library.
This limited edition card — only 2,500 of them — will be available starting in July.
Last month, the library launched the library card art contest and drew 76 designs. Of those, a review committee selected 10 finalists and left it to patrons to choose from among those. Although voting was quite close, especially for the top three, Lewis came out the winner.
The library will be offering more ways to celebrate this monumental year, with special America 250 programs and events. The library’s Summer Reading Guide, available at sttammanylibrary.org/SummerReading for review — and in branches starting May 22, denotes the special programs with an America 250 logo. Some programs include patriotic performances for kids by the “Ukulele Lady,” Melissa Spinosa; a special presentation on spies in WWII for teens; and patriotic crafts for adults.
All St. Tammany Parish Library offices and branches will be closed on May 25 in honor of Memorial Day and reopen the following day.
In other notes of military issues, journalist, author and retired Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Judy Silverstein Gray will present her book, “Unwavering: The Wives Who Fought to Ensure No Man is Left Behind,” at the Slidell library, 555 Robert Blvd., on May 23 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The program will be held over Zoom, and patrons can watch in the library branch or from the comfort of their own homes. After Gray’s presentation, she will offer time for audience questions. Register at https://bit.ly/4tygVKI to receive the Zoom link or to reserve a seat at the Slidell branch for this event.
Other events
Lit Wit’s Book Club: Join the Abita Springs branch book club on May 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to discuss “The Quiet Librarian” by Allen Eskens. No registration is needed.
Senior Jewelry Craft: CenterWell will host a Senior Jewelry Craft event on May 21 at the Covington branch from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Attendees will enjoy a craft with all supplies provided and hear a short presentation about CenterWell’s Value-Based Care offerings. Visit https://bit.ly/3Pg3QI7 to register.
Summer Reading Kickoff: Families and patrons of all ages are invited to the library’s biggest events of the year — the Summer Reading Challenge Kickoff Parties. Full of crafting, performances and special guests such as the Dinosaur Experience from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on May 21 at the Madisonville branch and on May 22 at the Slidell branch.
Jean Lafitte: The fourth discussion about Louisiana’s most notorious pirate, and the lore and legend surrounding Jean Lafitte, will be held at the Covington branch on May 26 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Visit https://bit.ly/4uRu0QA to register.
