While the New Orleans Public Library’s Summer Fun program officially comes to a close on July 17, your whole family can continue to have fun, learn, and explore with the library throughout the summer!  

Kids Book cover: Jabari Jumps 

For kids, summer means adventure and new experiences, like swimming. For younger ones, new experiences can be as nerve-wracking as they are exciting, and picture books on similar topics can help with those feelings. Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwell tells the story of Jabari, who is nervous to jump off the diving board, until his father patiently encourages him to conquer his fears. Jules vs. the Ocean by Jessie Sima is about Jules’ attempts to build mighty sandcastles, even as the waves keep smashing them.  

For older kids, Starfish by Lisa Fipps chronicles fifth-grader Ellie avoiding bullying and cultivating self-love by spending lots of time in the water –– with help from her dad, her therapist, and a new friend.  

Teens Book cover: Flood City 

Wrapping up the official Summer Fun activities is an exciting virtual teen program on July 16, 6 pm–7 pm. Author Daniel José Older will discuss and answer questions about his book Flood City. He will also address inclusion and diversity in apocalyptic teen fiction. Titles that also will be discussed are Skyhunter by Marie Lu and Orleans by Sherri Smith. All of these are available in e-book, audiobook, e-audiobook, and physical form so teens across the parish can read them all at the same time. 

Adults 

Among the exciting adult programs is Latter Branch’s July 17 morning Tai Chi class being held on the lawn. Virtually, there’s the Wine and Design class on July 21, 6 pm–8 pm. Participants registering by July 14 can collect a free acrylic painting kit that includes all supplies needed to create two animal portraits. Beginners are welcome to attend; BYO wine. See nolalibrary.org/events for details, advance registration, and more programs.  

Culture Pass Program 

Grown-ups can also check out our exciting Culture Pass Program for fun for the whole family. Culture Passes are available for the Audubon Nature Institute’s Zoo and Aquarium, the National WWII Museum, New Orleans Museum of Art, New Canal Lighthouse Museum, and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art.  

To reserve a pass, you must live in Orleans Parish and have a Library card. To get more information or reserve a pass, call any Library location or head to culturepass.nolalibrary.org. Before doing so, review each partner’s specific instructions for using the Culture Pass.

So, whether the rest of your summer looks like reading by the pool, checking out the zoo, or connecting virtually or outdoors, the library is here to help make it a great one!  

The 2021 New Orleans Public Library SUMMER FUN reading program is sponsored by the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library with support from the Eugenie and Joseph Jones Family Foundation, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, and the Entergy Charitable Foundation. 

Haley Hampton is Youth Services Librarian at the New Orleans Public Library’s Main Library, and Co-Lead of the Children’s Program Team.