Book Premieres: Louisiana Short Stories

Join the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge on Sunday, February 11, 2-4 p.m., for the premiere
of Louisiana Short Stories: An Anthology from America’s Most Storied State. This book was
the culmination of ACGBR’s fall Creative Aging Writers’ Workshop, facilitated by award winning author, Rannah Gray. The Louisiana-based short stories reflect the culture and resiliency of the state
and its people written by the 20 participants, all age 55 and older. The diverse group was a mixture of previous workshop participants and first-timers, including six PhDs. Copies of the book will be available at the event and are also available on Amazon.com. Proceeds benefit the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, which provides resources and support to artists and arts organizations in 11 parishes.

March Garden Discoveries

The Baton Rouge Botanic Garden Foundation will host a FREE Garden Discoveries series event,
“Creating a Bird-Friendly Yard,” at the Main Library at Goodwood on Saturday, March 9 at 10 a.m.,
led by Jane Patterson, an avid birder, amateur photographer, and Master Naturalist, who loves to share her knowledge of birds with others. When we think about bringing birds to our yards,
putting out bird feeders often comes to mind. And while feeders can be very effective, there are other ways to attract our feathered friends that will ensure a larger variety. This program will describe various types of bird feeders and bird houses, as well as water sources that benefit birds. Jane will also discuss gardening with birds in mind; offering plants that provide cover and nesting opportunities; and enticing food sources. Special focus will be given to the importance of using native plants in our home landscapes. Weather permitting, a tour will follow of the Baton Rouge Botanic Gardens adjacent to the Library. Registration is available at ebrpl.com/calendar, or call 231- 3750 for registration assistance. Learn more at ebrpl.co/garden.

Edible Book Festival

The Edible Book Festival is an international celebration of books, food, and bad puns! In conjunction with the Library’s 2024 One Book One Community selection, Tasting History, the 3rd annual Edible Book Festival will be held during the One Book One Community Kickoff Party on Friday, March 8, 5-7 p.m., at the Main Library at Goodwood. Participants are invited to choose a book and create an edible representation of its title or wordplay on its title. Join us as we gather to view the bookish fare concocted to amuse, amaze, or, yes, even disgust onlookers and fellow participants. Vote for your favorites in categories such as Best in Show, Wittiest Wordplay, Least Appetizing and more! Winners will be announced at 6:45 p.m. and prizes will be awarded! To submit an entry, just bring your punny, edible creation to the Library on Friday, March 8 between 4 and 4:30 p.m. to be displayed! Here are a few previous winners. Can you “beet” them? Come on, “cake” a chance! Give us something to “taco” ‘bout! “Gouda” luck!

West Feliciana Historical Society and Museum

Nearby West Feliciana Parish is steeped in lush beauty and history. As part of the Library’s Special Collections Lecture Series, join Kristy Small, Executive Director of the West Feliciana Historical Society and Museum, at the Main Library at Goodwood on Wednesday, March 20 at 6 p.m. She will discuss the history of West Feliciana with a focus on St. Francisville and Bayou Sara. In addition, Kristy will share the Historical Society’s mission, which is to preserve and promote West Feliciana historically, culturally, and architecturally through education and stewardship. Please feel free to browse historical photos of West Feliciana Parish on the Library’s Baton Rouge Digital Archive at ebrpl.com.

EBR Master Gardeners Bluebonnet 2024

“Bees and the Plants They Love to Need” and “It’s Time to Get Rosy” will be presented on Thursday, February 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Bluebonnet Regional Branch. Master Gardener Debi O’Neill is a native of Baton Rouge and has been a bee keeper since 2016. She is passionate about gardening and loves the wildflower gardens she plants in her yard that encourage and feed her bees. Come learn about the short life cycle of the bee and how their needs change with the season.
Perhaps you can help get things buzzing around Baton Rouge, too. Our second presenter is Master Gardener Carol Paine. She discovered a beautiful hidden rose garden in her first home and knew she must learn how to take care of them. She now has about 35 rose bushes in her yard and loves sharing her knowledge of them. Many people are afraid of roses because some do require special care, but
today there are many varieties that are truly easy to grow. Learn about the wide variety of species, how and when to prune them, what diseases commonly affect them, and how to make them a centerpiece of your yard.

EBR Schools Talented Music

Join EBR Schools’ Talented Music for a musical performance at the Main Library at Goodwood on Sunday, March 3 at 3 p.m. Students from Glasgow Middle School’s and Baton Rouge Magnet High School’s Talented Woodwind Ensembles will entertain with music from Brave, “Kingdom Dance” from Tangled, “Simple Gifts,” Chaconne and Intermezzo from Holst’s “First Suite in E-Flat,” plus assorted other piano, violin, and woodwind solos.

Press Start

East Baton Rouge Parish Library’s Press Start! Ready, Set, Read! program equips children ages 2-4 with early literacy skills that will enable them to enter kindergarten with confidence! Parents and caregivers can stop by the Children’s Room of any Library location to pick up a booklet full of
fun activities that focuses on beginner reading and math concepts. Children start with Booklet One, work their way through the program at their own pace, and earn rewards along the way. Each monthly Press Start booklet:

  • Features a new letter, number, color or concept
  • Follows state curriculum guidelines for children ages 2-4
  • Includes simple activities to incorporate into your daily routine
  • Highlights community events for kids
  • Offers helpful parenting tips
  • Recommends books for reading to your child
    This month’s Press Start! booklet is brought to you by the letter U; the number 18; and the concepts, Soft/Hard!

2024 One Book One Community Pick: Tasting History by Max Miller

Come explore the past through 4,000 years of recipes! From Babylon, circa 1740 BC, all the way to 20th century U.S.A, immerse yourself in cultures and cuisine! Join us this spring in reading our 2024 One Book One Community selection, Max Miller’s Tasting History! The 18th annual One Book One Community initiative will highlight Miller’s book as well as many other culinary and historical programs for all ages throughout the Library system. It all begins with a FREE Kickoff Party for the whole family on Friday, March 8, 5-7 p.m., at the Main Library at Goodwood, featuring live
music by RJ & Zydeco Smoove, free food, children’s activities, community organizations, and more!
The six-week celebration will culminate in a special presentation by Max Miller at the Main Library at Goodwood in April. For more information, please visit here.