The Ouachita Parish Public Library continues a 65-year tradition by encouraging everyone to get a library card during September Library Card Sign-up Month. Started in 1957 by the American Library Association, a library card is a passport to the world of literacy and learning.
Clair Calhoun Roane, Young Adult Associate, said, "It is completely free, like all of our resources."
OPPL has 10 branches and a bookmobile with thousands of books, audio books, CDs, and DVDs to check out, plus access to computers, technology, and classes. Branches have full calendars of programming for children, teens, and adults. Cardholders can enjoy OPPL’s e-books and streaming services: cloudLibrary for e-books and e-audiobooks; Hoopla to download music, movies, and TV (plus more e-books and e-audiobooks); Flipster for magazines; Freegal Music (access to more than five million songs); Kanopy for entertaining and educational movies; TumbleBook Library for interactive children’s books, games and puzzles; and TeenBookCloud.
“Libraries play an important role in the education and development of children,” said Nancy Green, acting library director.” “We have library programs that serve students of all ages and backgrounds. It’s exciting when a child gets their own library card. It empowers them to explore subjects that interest them.”
Kid-friendly computers and interactive games are in the children’s department at OPPL branches. Each month is packed with activities to encourage children to read and learn.
Teens have educational resources, crafts, STEM/STEAM activities, movie time, virtual ACT practice tests, game nights, comics, and more. For adults, there are online and in-person book clubs, art sessions, guest speakers, and computer and typing classes. Career and job services include resume assistance and online tutoring. A library card offers access to genealogy websites and historical databases.
More resources and programs are available at oplib.org.
