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.

Student Library Card Update

As required by ACT 436, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library has begun to issue new library cards for ALL minor children aged 0-17.  You may receive an email notification asking you to select the card category for your child, tween, or teen. You may also update the card status at your convenience at any library location this spring. 

Parents must choose between several card categories: 

Current, Standard Card 

For existing students, this card would retain the same check out policies as prior to 2024.  The Standard Card may be used to check-out print, AV, and other physical items, log in to use Library computers, and access databases within the appropriate collection—Juvenile (age 0-11), Tween (age 12-14), Teen (age 15-17), or Adult (age 18 and older)—based on the age of the cardholder:  

Juvenile   
(age 0-11) 
Juvenile Collection     
Tween     
(age 12-14) 
Juvenile Collection Teen Collection   
Teen       
 (age 15-17) 
Juvenile Collection Teen Collection Adult Collection, except for R-Rated Movies 

Computer Use Only Card  

This card may be used to access Library computers and database collections, either on site or remotely, within the appropriate collection—Juvenile, Tween, Teen, or Adult — based on the age of the patron. No loans of print, AV, or other physical items are allowed on a Computer Use Only Card.  

Restricted Card AKA “Bookshelf” Card  

This card may be used to check-out print, AV, and other physical items within the appropriate collection—Juvenile, Tween, or Teen—based on the age of the patron. No Computer Use, Internet or Database Access is possible with a Bookshelf Card.   

Unrestricted Card AKA “Explore” Card  

      This card may be used to check-out print, AV, and other physical items within all collections, including Adult. Exception: R-rated movies are only allowed on Adult cards. 

The implementation of this new set of tiered card categories will take place through June 1, 2024, at which time, all old cards will be blocked

In order to keep your child’s current card active as a Standard Card, a Computer Use Only Card, OR as a STUDENT eCard, parents or guardians may simply contact the Circulation Department at cardmaintenance@ebrpl.com to indicate this approved status. No new plastic card is required.  A form is also available on the website at ebrpl.co/parentalconsent.

In order to switch to either the new Restricted or Unrestricted status, parents or guardians must come in to the Library of your choice with their minor child and complete a new application; parents should present a photo ID and proof of current address to Circulation staff at that time.  

Book Premieres: Learning the Language of Positivity

Join author Nicholas Davis for the premiere of his book, Learning the Language of Positivity, at the Main Library at Goodwood on Sunday, February 18 at 7 p.m. Learning the Language of
Positivity
is like a daily roadmap to new beginnings. It’s a starting point of rebuilding and reconstructing to remove the things and people that won’t allow you to reach your next
positive dimension in life. In this 365-day journal, you will find daily inspiration and positive quotes, plus you will also be able to read and meditate on prayers connected to the affirmations and quotes on each page.

AARP Tax-Aide

Beginning the week of February 5 and running through the week of April 8, AARP will offer help with tax preparation at two Library locations. Service is by appointment only. Stop by the circulation desk at either location to make an appointment and pick up required paperwork. See dates/times and locations below:

Main Library at Goodwood
Tuesdays and Wednesdays
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Bluebonnet Regional Branch
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays
9:15 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Super Tax Day 2024

Receive FREE income tax preparation by certified VITA tax professionals at the Main Library at Goodwood on Saturday, February 3, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Please bring the following items with you on the day of the event:

  • Photo ID (for you and your spouse, if filing jointly)
  • Social Security Card or ITN for each family member of your household
  • All W-2 forms (wages) and all 1099 and 1098 forms
  • Child Care provider name, address, and tax ID number
  • Checking and Savings account numbers
  • Last year’s tax return
  • 1095-A Health Insurance Marketplace statement (if applicable)
  • Other relevant information about income and expenses Super Tax Day is sponsored by the Capital Area United Way, the IRS, and Entergy. For more details about the event, visit VITA’s website here.
    For inquiries, call (225) 382-3380 or email at breannap@cauw.org

Break N2 Tech Workshop: Upgrading Your Business Website

If you already have or are thinking about launching a business website, Break N2 Tech wants to make sure that you have all the tools you need to put together an effective and beautiful one! Join Helena Williams, Director of the Futures Fund, at the Main Library at Goodwood on Saturday,
February 3, 10 a.m.-Noon, where she will guide participants through building an audience profile, addressing website needs, preparing content, and focusing on items all websites need. Elevate your business above the competition!

Katrina Stokes, EBRPL Director

Join us in welcoming new East Baton Rouge Parish Library Director, Katrina Stokes! She comes to Baton Rouge from the Warren County Vicksburg Library in Mississippi, where she served as Library Director for seven years, during which she added new collections and oversaw significant renovations, among other accomplishments. Putting down roots in a new place is nothing new for Stokes, as she grew up in a military family that moved around frequently to different parts of the world. “I enjoy the adventure of exploring an unfamiliar place. There are so many things that make Baton Rouge unique and appealing. I’m really excited about living in a college town again.”
Stokes is eager to be a part of the mission of EBRPL and brings a “can-do” attitude with her. “I am a problem-solver. Whatever issues arise, I like working with others to bring about a solution.” One of her immediate goals is to get to know Library staff and strive to make the Library a truly enjoyable place to work. “Happy employees make good employees.” She also anticipates learning more about EBRPL’s Strategic Plan and how its vision can be carried out to impact the community in the most effective and positive way. “I love a challenge,” proclaims Stokes, “and I’m honored to serve as Director of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library.”

Say Cheese! with Dr. Chuck Boeneke

Discover the world of cheese-making with LSU’s Dr. Chuck Boeneke at the Jones Creek Regional Branch on Saturday, January 27 at 2:30 p.m. He will present a video on cheese-making, provide a live demonstration, and read The Stinky Cheese Man by Jon Scieszka. Registration is required.
To register, please call 756-1160. Following the program, there will be a drawing to win a family 4-pack of tickets to see a performance of The Stinky Cheese Man at the Manship Theatre.

FREE Bloodborne Pathogens Certification Class

Baton Rouge Community College Workforce Development is offering a free training opportunity, hosted at the Main Library at Goodwood on Saturday, January 27 at 1 p.m., to earn the Bloodborne Pathogens Certification from the American Red Cross. This industry-based certification is perfect for anyone who wants to up-skill their professional profile. The course will teach you how bloodborne pathogens are spread, how to avoid exposure, and what to do if you are exposed to infectious material. Registration is required. To register, please visit here. For more information, call 231-3733.