As the end of the fall semester approaches, students and parents prepare for a winter break for the holidays, patrons can count on the St. Tammany Parish Library for age-appropriate programs and resources — most of them to educate as they entertain.
Parents of children ages 2 to 8 can build a strong foundation for academic success with ABCmouse, an educational platform with more than 10,000 learning activities that target reading, math, science, social studies, art and music. ABCmouse can be shared by up to three children in a household, each with their own avatar.
For children ages 8 to 13, parents can use their library card to create a free account for Adventure Academy. After making a new account, parents can download the app and create avatars for multiple children in their household. Adventure Academy was created by the same company as ABCmouse and presents learning in a fun and interactive digital world. The platform curriculum focuses on reading comprehension skills, vocabulary development, mathematical operations, fractions, world geography, U.S. history, physical science, life science, Earth science and scientific inquiry.
Visit sttammanylibrary.org/kids to view more library resources and activities for school-age children.
Santa visits
The library also offers in-person events for children and their grown-ups this holiday season. Santa and Mrs. Claus visits will continue through Dec. 20. Each event lasts for one hour. Santa will be at the Covington Branch at 10 a.m. on Dec. 17; the Bush Branch at 11 a.m. on Dec. 18; the Abita Springs Branch at 10:45 a.m. on Dec 19; the Madisonville Branch at 2 p.m. that day; and concluding with the Causeway Branch at 10 a.m. on Dec. 20. Visit sttammanylibrary.org/Santa to view the full schedule.
Crafting
Crafting opportunities on Dec. 22 for children include Shrink Art from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Covington Branch; Needle Felting from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the South Slidell Branch; and a Holiday Make It Party from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Madisonville Branch. On Dec. 23, another Holiday Make It Party will be held at the Causeway Branch from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Breakout Box crafting from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Mandeville Branch. Some events may require registration, so visit sttammanylibrary.org/events to see all the available event details and check out registration requirements.
A Friends sale
The Friends of the Library of West St. Tammany will hold their monthly Used Book Sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 19 and 20 at their building located at 1301 N. Florida St. in Covington near the St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds. Cash and checks are accepted for all sales.
Holiday closures
St. Tammany Parish Library offices and branches will be closed Dec. 24 through Dec. 27 for the Christmas Holiday and on Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day.
Other events include:
Read with a Pup: From 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Dec. 18, children ages 5 to 9 can read with a pup for a 15-minute, one-on-one session at the Lacombe Branch. Call them at (985) 882-7858 to register for a time slot.
Recipe Swap: The Folsom Branch will hold this month’s recipe swap from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 19. No registration needed.
Chess Club: Adults can play a game of chess with fellow players from 2 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 22 at the South Slidell branch. No registration needed.
Journey to Narnia: A magical family drop-in program with Narnia-themed crafts at the South Slidell Branch from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 23. No registration is needed.
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