Summer Reading Fun in Full Swing at Franklinton Branch Library

Published 12:00 pm Friday, July 4, 2025

Mime, Murals, and More as Program Reaches Week Four

The Franklinton Branch Library’s Summer Reading Program is heating up with fun, learning, and creativity, as it wrapped up a vibrant Week Four packed with performances, local experts, and hands-on activities.

Last week, families were treated to an unforgettable performance by Chatty the Talking Mime, who brought magic, music, juggling, and laughter to the library. Her interactive show had kids and adults alike joining in the fun, and after the applause settled, everyone contributed to a colorful community popsicle stick mural—Chatty herself even personalized a stick to leave her mark on the project.

The library extended a warm thank you to all who attended and to the organizations that made this event possible: the Washington Parish Friends of the Library, the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Greater Baton Rouge Arts Council. A special thank you also goes to Jack Brown’s for generously providing popsicles to help everyone cool off.

The week before, the spotlight was on local nature and storytelling. Karen Wallsten, author of The Adventures of Shiko & Walter: A Southeastern Louisiana Backyard Tale, led the theme with her book about Louisiana’s native plants and animals. To enhance the experience, the library invited several guest presenters: Mary Helen Ferguson from the LSU AgCenter gave an engaging demonstration on wild plants, complete with samples to smell and touch. Karisan Lott and Kira Alsobrooks from Bogue Chitto State Park introduced kids to common park wildlife, while Baxter Rowley, Ben Spears, and Danny Bickham of the Forestry Department explained their work protecting forests. The program ended with an exciting outdoor demo of forestry equipment in action.

Looking ahead, the library is excited to welcome Christopher DiBenedetto, author of Tanner the Turtle Learns to Swim, for their next event. He’ll be visiting the Franklinton Branch at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, followed by a second appearance in Thomas at 2:00 p.m. the same day.

For more information and weekly updates, be sure to follow the Franklinton Branch Library on Facebook. With a mix of education, entertainment, and community spirit, this summer’s reading program continues to delight and inspire readers of all ages.

Summer Reading Program 2025 Summer Schedule

Washington Parish Library has announced this year’s Summer Reading Program line up and it is jam-packed with fun.

Color Our World is the theme set for this summer with performances by artists from many different talents.

The schedule of events are as follows:

Christopher DiBenedetto

Bogalusa Library: July 2 at 10 am

Enon Library: July 2 at 2 pm

Franklinton Library: July 3 at 10 am

Thomas Library: July 3 at 2 pm

Pandorium Belly Dance Company

Bogalusa Library: July 9 at 10 am

Franklinton Library: July 9 at 2 pm

Library Choice

Enon Library: July 10 at 2 pm

Thomas Library: July 10 at 2 pm

Graduation Ceremony

Bogalusa Library: July 16 at 10 am

Enon Library: July 16 at 2 pm

Franklinton Library: July 17 at 10 am

Thomas Library: July 17 at 2 pm

This program is made possible by a grant from 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 Parish Commission on Cultural Affairs. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.