Library outreach is a special service that is almost behind the scenes. It covers a lot of territory geographically for all ages. Most importantly, there is no charge for these services and programs.
Twice each month, I visit several nursing homes where I read aloud to the residents in group settings and one-on-one. Once each month I teach reading techniques to parents of young children and share ideas with them on how to help their children develop good reading habits. Other outreach activities include attending school programs and back-to-school events to promote literacy.
For homebound residents, the library offers books-by-mail. Three books a month are mailed to the home addresses of qualified persons who are unable to come to the library.
In addition to submitting a weekly newspaper column, I contribute to an online newsletter, publish book reviews, and announce library activities through several print and media outlets.
Pam Carlisle, History and Outreach Specialist for the History Center, has a very busy schedule as well promoting local history through programs and events. During Archaeology Month she conducts hands-on workshops for children with fun things like archaeology digs, craft making, and storytelling.
If you have been to any of the other library branches you may have noticed the exhibits. Pam creates the displays using artifacts that have been donated by Bossier Parish residents.
Ms. Carlisle is directly involved in writing grants to bring history related programs to the Center which are free to the public. She is also responsible for contacting the local media about the special programs and events taking place at the History Center.
Visit the Library and History Center this week or go to www.bossierlibrary.org.
Make a note:
- Call the Bossier Central Library at (318) 746-1693 for more information about these upcoming events.
- Thursday, March 14, from 4:30-5:30 p.m., teens ages 13-18 are invited to the Bossier Central Teen Video Gaming Program. Contact Tonya Oswalt.
- Saturday, March 16, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Family Storytime for children 0-12 years old and their parents will be held at the Bossier Central Library Kid Zone.
- Monday, March 18, at 6 p.m. in History Center meeting room, the Shreveport Opera Xpress presents a free performance of The Ugly Duckling sponsored by Dr. & Mrs. Doug Peterson.
- Wednesday, March 20, from 2-3p.m., the Beaker Kids Science Club for homeschooled children ages 8 - 12 years has no more spots available however, there is a waiting list. Call Jessica McCart.
- Thursday, March 21, from 4:30-5:30p.m., for ages 13-18, the Book Match Teen Book Discussion Group will meet in the History Center Meeting Room. Contact Tonya Oswalt.
New Books
Fiction
“Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker: A Novel” by Jennifer Chiaverini
“The Last Runaway” by Tracy Chevalier
“Invisible” by Carla Buckley
“Love Saves the Day” by Gwen Cooper
“A Good Death” by Christopher R. Cox
“Man in the Empty Suit” by Sean Ferrell
“Anything He Wants” by Sara Fawkes
“Kinsey and Me” by Sue Grafton
“Great North Road” by Peter F. Hamilton
“Building from Ashes” by Elizabeth Hunter
Nonfiction
“Feed Your Best Friend Better” by Rick Woodford
“Witness to Fitness” by Donna Richardson Joyner
“Nathan Turner’s American Style” by Nathan Turner
“Mojo Workin': The Old African American Hoodoo System” by Katrina Hazzard-Donald
“The Steampunk Gazette” by Major Tinker
“The Art of Betrayal: The Secret History of MI6” by Gordon Corera
“Roe v. Wade” by N.E.H. Hull
“Plastic Free” by Beth Terry
“Dr. Ruth’s Guide for the Alzheimer’s Caregiver” by Ruth Westheimer
“Time Cure: Overcoming PTSD with the New Psychology of Time Perspective Therapy” by Philip G. Zimbardo
Vickie Hardin is Outreach Specialist for the Bossier Parish Library. She can be reached at
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