Story courtesy of Marian Porter

Library officials have announced that the Washington Parish Library has been the recipient of a generous grant from the International Paper Foundation. This grant will go for children’s books at each of the system’s four libraries. These books will all be geared toward the 2019 Summer Reading Program’s theme of “A Universe of Stories,” as well as International Paper Foundation’s focus of support—children’s education, hunger, health and wellness, environmental needs, and disaster relief. Also included in the grant are incentives and giveaway books for the Summer Reading Program. Coloring books and activity books in subjects such as loving our world or recycling will be purchased and given to each participant in the Summer Reading Program.
“The Bogalusa Mill will award a $10,000 grant from the IP Foundation to the Washington Parish Library for lending books and to support the library’s summer reading program,” said Kalisa Hyman, Communications Manager, International Paper, Bogalusa Mill.
‘The IP Foundation supports efforts in the areas of literacy, hunger, health and wellness, and disaster relief in communities where its employees live in work.”
The Summer Reading Program is a yearly event of the Washington Parish Library that highlights local artists, musicians, dancers, and storytellers. Each week of the program, a different artist is highlighted to entertain and interpret the 2018 theme “Libraries Rock!” Each child that completed their goals, receives free books and selected items, all provided by the International Paper Company. In the summer of 2017, over 1880 children and adults participated in the six-week event, reading 4,275 books!
This summer, the 2018 Reading Program will follow the same schedule each week. Performances will be held: Wednesdays: 10 a.m. in Bogalusa Library and 2 p.m. in Enon Library, and Thursdays: 10 a.m in Franklinton Library and 2 p.m. in Thomas Library
Performers scheduled are:
June 6-7—“Across the Border” with Javier Juarez (dance)
June 13-14—Cajun Academy Freedom Productions (theatre)
June 20-21—Panorama Jazz Band (music)
July 4-5—NO PROGRAM
July 11-12—Each Library will have a surprise guest!
July 18-19—Graduation! Come be rewarded for your reading achievements!
ALL ages are invited to attend each performance. Please join us for these free, exciting cultural experiences right here in Washington Parish!
The Friends of the Washington Parish Library and the Library personnel wish to thank the International Paper Foundation for its continued support of the Library and its programs, as well as its support for the community of Washington Parish. It is through generous support like this that the library is able to offer events such as the Summer Reading Program, Story Times, Movie Matinees, and many other events. Check with your local library for events scheduled.