LOUISIANA BOOK FESTIVAL SCORES A HIT!

The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities will give major fund support for the 2914 Louisiana Book Festival to be held on Saturday, November 1 at Capitol Park in Baton Rouge.  The Festival opens at 9 am and closes at 5 pm.

This is the first time the LEH has inaugurated a new partnership with the Louisiana State Library's premier festival.  The LEH additionally will produce the 2014 festival program.  An original painting by the late artist George Rodrigue will appear on the cover of the LEH's magazine, "Louisiana Cultural Vistas," Fall Issue.The print is entitled Louisiana Legends 1991.  Four Lousianians honored by Louisiana Public Broadcasting are portrayed by Rodrigue:  cardiac surgeon Dr. Michael DeBaker, jazz musician Al Hurt, Marine Corps General Robert H. Barrow, Basketball Hall of Fame Bob Petit, and the artist himself. The original painting will be on display at the Book Festival.

Take a ride to Baton Rouge for one of the most splendid Book Festival in the nation!  This year you will be able to hear and to meet Rick Bragg, Jill McCorkle, Michael Pitre, Zachary Richard, James Carville and Mary Matalin among many others.

In addition to hearing and meeting many authors, you will be able to enjoy music, delicious Louisiana Foods, browse the Barnes and Noble tent where the authors will be signing, and just enjoy the day.  Sessions will take place throughout the Capitol Building, the Louisiana State Library, and the Louisiana Museum.

For more information about the 2014 Louisiana Book Festival visit www.LouisianaBookFestival.org.

SLIDELL LIBRARY GRAND REOPENING CELEBRATION

The ribbon was cut!  Donald Westmoreland, our Director, and Argiro Morgan, Chair of the Library Board of Control, flanked by our Parish President, Pat Brister officially opened the refurbished Slidell Branch of the St. Tammany Library on September 11.

Ribbon Cutting by Director Donald Westmoreland and Dr. Argiro Morgan, Chair of the Board of Control,  while St. Tammany's President, Pat Brister, holds the Grand Opening Sign

Steve Stefancik

Pastor Simmons and Donald Westmoreland bending his head in prayer

Pastor Barbara Simmers of the East Evangelical Lutheran Church
delivered the opening prayer.  Pastor Simmers prayed that the St. Tammany Library would find the funds for the opening of another library in south Slidell.  Prior to Katrina, there was a very well used library, but a tornado and flood destroyed the facility.  Other speakers included the Mayor of Slidell, Mayor Freddie Drennan, and Councilman, Steve Stefancik.

Immediately afterwards - and we do mean immediately - our Parish President praised the refurbished Slidell Library.

President Pat Brister

The dignitaries and patrons attending were thrilled to hear President Brister announce that her administration will be recommending that funds be set aside for such a new library in its next year budget.  She will be appealing for state funding and a matching grant to make the South Slidell Library a reality. 

Two days after over 1400 patrons crowded into the Slidell Library. Your Foundation was there to welcome everyone and a drawing took place for a basket of goodies filled with local donations.

The Foundation Table

 The day was filled with something for everyone. 

Music by the New Orleans Vipers

• The Calliope Puppet Theatre
• Crafts and Activities for Children
  
   
• Guided Story Walks in the Herb Garden
• Swing Dance Instruction 
  

  
  

  
  

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• Many delicious and refreshing desserts 
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• And sparkling mugs as souvenirs. 
  

It was a special day - filled with smiles, happy, happy children, hip-hop teens, computer users, and readers.

What a wonderful day.  Everyone had a glorious time and the staff and our Board were so glad to share their joy.