Louisiana Library Logs 2,400 Reading Hours This Summer

Summer vacation just got a whole lot brighter for readers in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana. From June 1 to July 11, library patrons logged nearly 2,400 hours of reading while enjoying free workshops, animal encounters, and family activities through the library's Summer Reading Program.

This year's theme, "Plant a Seed, Read," drew families to events like the Dinosaur Experience, visits from The Reptile Krewe's snakes and lizards, and K-pop drawing classes. The library also partnered with local organizations including St. John Theatre, River Parish Community Theatre, and the LSU AgCenter to offer everything from Makerspace workshops to beaded crafts.

Five grand prize winners emerged from different age groups after completing the reading challenge. Charlotte Lemoine won in the youngest category (ages 0-3), while adult winner Hayley Falgout proved you're never too old to rediscover reading. Other winners included Giada Falgoust, Ava Lowe, and Kori Rich, who each received prizes tailored to their interests.

Local restaurants Chick-fil-A LaPlace, Raising Cane's, and Sonic sweetened the deal by providing completion rewards for all participants who finished the challenge. The support turned reading goals into celebrations that kids could taste.

The Ripple Effect

The summer program did more than fill quiet hours with stories. It reminded entire families that libraries offer gathering spaces where learning feels like play, not work.

Now the library is building on that momentum with August programming including a Community Connections Book Club, after-school hangouts for tweens and teens, and guided workshops on HP printers, laser engravers, and sewing machines. Parents heading into the school year can also access Homework Louisiana and other digital tools to keep the learning going.

Communications Manager Brooke Cantrelle summed up the summer's success simply: "Reading can be both educational and fun." In St. John Parish, 2,400 hours of proof suggests she's absolutely right.