Alex P. Allain-Franklin � Amelia � Bayou Vista � Berwick � Centerville � Patterson � West End-Baldwin St. Mary Parish Library Newsletter stmarylibrary.org December 2015

This free program allows parents the opportunity to share books every day with their child. The goal is to read 1000 books before your child starts kindergarten. Reading to or with your child daily helps them develop the pre-reading skills necessary for them to be successful readers in kindergarten. Families with babies and children not yet enrolled in kindergarten are invited to

come to the library and register their children. Upon registration you will receive a reading packet complete with program information, reading logs, bookmark, and incentives for the start of a fun reading journey.

FRANKLIN BRANCH LIBRARY “EVENING AT BAYOU CHENE”

DECEMBER 2nd at 6:00 p.m.

Author of the acclaimed memoir Atchafalaya Houseboat, Gwen Roland, will present readings and visuals of her adventures living in the Atchafalaya Basin aboard a houseboat in the 1970’s during a special program to be held on December 2 at the Alex P. Allain Library in Franklin. Roland’s newest book, Postmark Bayou Chene, will be available for sale and signing during the program. Postmark Bayou Chene, set in 1907, is Roland’s first novel that brings back to life that vibrant place and time where “the thump of a log against a houseboat’s hull” and the “smell of freshly tarred nets” were a part of daily life among Atchafalaya Basin communities. It was inspired by numerous requests from her readers for more tales and details from her memories aboard the Atchafalaya Houseboat. Roland will also talk about the difference between writing a memoir and a novel, drawing upon her own experience to benefit those who are interested in documenting their own ancestral history. “There is so much interest in researching family history these days,” Roland says. “Why not turn that research into some biographical fiction that will entertain family members as well as educate them about their history?” Please call 337-828-5364 for more information.

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BERWICK BRANCH LIBRARY “REMEMBERING OLD BERWICK” PRESENTED BY MRS. IRIS GI LLIS BERRY

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5TH FROM 9:30 TO 11:30 A.M. Iris G. Berry, 85 year old native of Mendenhall, Mississippi, now resident of Berwick, Louisiana, is known to most as Miss Iris. She has reared three children and is a proud grandmother of eight and great-grandmother to eleven great-grandchildren. Iris has been writing for many years, packing the work away until recently discovered and was encouraged to publish. Iris has served as a board member for the St. Mary Historical Society, St. Mary Genealogical Society, Literacy Council, Fairview Hospital and the Everett S. Berry Lighthouse Board. She was the first woman to serve as council woman at the Town of Berwick. Please join us for this special presentation. For more infor- mation please call 985-385-2943.

BERWICK BRANCH LIBRARY MONDAY, DECEMBER 7TH AT 6:00 P.M.

“DONKEY OTIE’S FOREVER BIRTHDAY STORY” PRESENTED BY VICKY C. BRANTON

Even as a young child, Vicky Branton imagined herself in the entertainment industry. Vicky came to life on the stage as both an actress and singer, but more importantly, she envisioned creating and producing family film and television programs as her future. In 1979 she moved to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue a career in entertainment. While experiencing various facets of the “business” of entertainment including music recording and publishing; film and video production; talent representation and casting, Vicky honed her skills as a publicist and writer preparing her for the complex job of writing and producing. Vicky Branton Entertainment LLC, an intellectual property development company was formed in 2011. Donkey Otie’s Forever Birthday Story is her first publishing venture whose team of creative professionals is poised to produce a full-length, animated version of the story.

Please join us for this special presentation. For more information please call 985-385-2943

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BBEEDDTTII MM E E SSTTOORRY Y HHOOUURR

BAYOU VISTA BRANCH Candy cane wishes, and sugarplum dreams Join us for a Bedtime Story Hour, filled with sweet things Serving up Christmas stories, milk and cookies! Bring your stuffed animals, friends, and family And come wearing your favorite Christmas Jammies!! Santa will be making a special visit from the North Pole on December 1st at 6:00 p.m. Children of all ages are invited! For more information please call 985-399-9866.

FRANKLIN BRANCH All aboard for The Polar Express: Join us on Friday, December 18th at 6:00 p.m. for Christmas stories & snacks. Children ages Toddlers to 3rd grade are invited to wear their favorite pajamas and bring your favorite stuffed animal. For more information please call 337-828-5364

St. Mary Parish Library

presents

“Discover Violin” Christmas Recital

Join us on

Saturday December 19, 2015

10:00 – 11:00

at

Berwick Library 3527 Fourth Street- Berwick, LA

for

Music, Refreshments, Christmas Spirit and Fun!

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AFTER S��L AC�I�I�I�S!!!

AMELIA BRANCH For information please call 985-631-2262

*Bring a chair, a blanket and yourself to watch the Christmas classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas” on Friday, December 4th from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Everyone in the family is welcome to attend! *Picture Bingo will be held on Friday, December 18th at 4:00 p.m. *Word Bingo will be held on Monday, December 21 at 2 p.m.

BAYOU VISTA BRANCH For information please call 985-399-9866

*Ho, Ho, Ho...Christmas time is finally here, let’s spread some crafty cheer! Join us on December 17th at 3:30 p.m. to create your own Christmas ornaments using paintbrushes. (All Ages) *Children of all ages are welcome to join on December 10th at 4:00 p.m. for Word Bingo.

BERWICK BRANCH For information please call 985-385-2943

*It’s the final countdown!...’til Christmas! Join u s for a Christmas countdown craft on December 3rd at 3:30 p.m. (All Ages)

*Don’t be a cotton-headed ninny-muggings and miss out! Kids of all ages are welcome to come make a personalized Elf with us on December 8th at 3:30 p.m.

CENTERVILLE BRANCH For information please call 337-836-1717

*Come join us on December 8th at 3:30 p.m. for Christmas Bingo. (All Ages) *Children of all ages are welcome to get into the Christmas spirit with us on December 17th at 3:30 p.m. to do a Christmas Tree craft.

Registration is preferred due to limited space and supplies . For more information please contact the Branch where it is being held.

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AFTER S��L AC�I�I�I�S!!!

FRANKLIN BRANCH For information please call 337-828-5364

Join us on December 3rd at 4:00 p.m. for our after school program open to all ages. We will have a variety of craft supplies for you to make a unique one of a kind Christmas ornament for your tree!

PATTERSON BRANCH For information please call 985-395-2777

*Christmas Word Bingo will be held on December 7th at 3:30 p.m. Any child who can read a bingo card or has help from a parent, friend, or sibling is invited to attend. Prizes will be awarded to winners and all participants will receive a snack. *Children in 1st grade through 3rd are invited to join us to make a snowman ornament. This adorable little fellow will add a special memory to your 2015 Christmas tree decorations. The program will be held on December 1st at 4:00 p.m. *Young adults in 4th grade and up are invited to make a

Santa Christmas bulb ornament. This little Santa will be a jolly addition to your 2015 Christmas tree decorations. The program will be held on December 3rd at 4:00 p.m. Participation is free, but registration is preferred on craft projects due to limited space and supplies.

Due to time limitations, participants arriving 10 minutes or more after the craft begins will not be allowed to participate.

WEST END BRANCH For information please call 337-923-6205

*Children in 1st grade and up are welcome to join us on December 17th at 4:00 p.m. to make your very own Christmas Ornament for your tree!

*Come join us on December 21st at 4:00 p.m. for Christmas Bingo. (All Ages)

PUBLIC TODDLER TIMEPUBLIC TODDLER TIMEPUBLIC TODDLER TIME

Registration is preferred due to limited space and supplies . For more information please contact the Branch where it is being held.

Amelia Branch December 8th and 15th at 10:00 a.m.

Bayou Vista Branch December 4th, 11th and 18th 10:30 a.m.

Berwick Branch December 2nd, 9th and 16th at 10:30 a.m.

Franklin Branch December 4th, 11th & 18th at 10:30 a.m.

West End Branch December 2nd and 16th at 10:30 a.m.

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ADULT PROGRAMSADULT PROGRAMS

WEST END BRANCH LIBRARY Add some Christmas cheer to your front door, by joining us on Tuesday, December 7th at 10:30 a.m. to create your own decorative wreath.

BAYOU VISTA BRANCH LIBRARY Who says a wreath has to be round? Join us, at the Bayou Vista Library on Friday, December 11th at 6:00 p.m. for an ADULT ONLY PROGRAM creating Christmas wreaths using old photo frames. If you have a special frame or some old Christmas ornaments, bring them and turn your old frames and ornaments into a beautiful wreath. Some frames and ornaments will be provided. This is a SIGN-UP ONLY program, to register, please call 985-399-9866

Jingle, Jingle

Get Crafty and Mingle

BERWICK BRANCH LIBRARY Do you want to build a snowman? If so, come join us on Saturday, December 12th at 10:00 a.m.

AMELIA BRANCH LIBRARY While drawing between the lines was once reserved for children, coloring is now being used as a form of alternative therapy to help adults relieve stress and anxiety. So come relieve some stress and join our Adult Coloring Club on Monday, December 28th at 10:00 a.m.

“THE BOOK HEADS” AMELIA YOUNG ADULT BOOK CLUB

The Book Heads will meet on Friday, December 11th at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the book Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. Anyone interested in joining this young adult book club or would like more information, please call the library at 985-631-2262.

FRANKLIN BRANCH ADULT BOOK CLUB The Franklin Branch Library will meet on Thursday, December 10th at 4:15 p.m. to discuss the book Call Me Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber. For more information or to register for this book club, come by or call the Franklin Library at 337-828-5364.

PATTERSON BRANCH ADULT BOOK CLUB

The Patterson Book Club will not meet in the month of December. Book club meetings will resume on January 21st at 5:30 p.m. We are sorry to announce that we are now at our capacity for our Adult Book Club.

CENTERVILLE BRANCH ADULT BOOK CLUB

The Centerville Branch Library Book Club for Adults will not be meeting in the month of December. If you are interested in joining or for more information, please call the Centerville Branch Library at 337-836-1717.

WEST END ADULT BOOK C LUB The West End Branch Library Book Club for Adults will meet on Tuesday, December 15th at 5:00 p.m. to discuss the book The Unfinished Gift by Dan Walsh. If you are interested in joining or for more information, please call the West End Branch at 337-923-6205.

BERWICK BRANCH ADULT BOOK CLUB The Berwick Branch Library Book Club for Adults will meet on Thursday, December 17th at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the book The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. If you are interested in joining or for more information, please call the Berwick Branch Library at 985-385-2943.

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BOOK CLUBSBOOK CLUBS

Memorials & Donations

In Memory Of: Lois B.R. Kidd

Donated by Dr. Roland Degeyter

Senator & Mrs. Bret Allain The Classroom Management Book

The Southern Book The Southerner’s Cookbook Recipes, Wisdom, And Stories

Marcie Little Donated by

Dr. Roland Degeyter Louisiana Through My Lens

James “Snowball” Melancon Donated by

Dr. Roland Degeyter 100 Things Every Homeowner Must Know: How To Save

Money, Solve Problems And Improve Your Home DONATIONS

Hardcover Books

Emmett Brown Pam Chauvin

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St. Mary Parish Library 206 Iberia Street Franklin, LA 70538

do someThing @

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LIBRARY CLOSING On Thursday, December 24th through Saturday, December 26th all branches of the St. Mary Parish Library will be closed for the Christmas Holidays. We will re-open for our regular scheduled hours on Monday, December 28th. Also, all branches of the St. Mary Parish Library will be closed for New Year’s Eve on Thursday, December 31st and New Year’s Day on Friday, January 1st. As of print deadline, St. Mary Parish Libraries may or may not be open on Saturday, January 2nd. Please check with your local branch regarding the libraries opening on this day. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. Have a very Merry Christmas and a safe holiday season!