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.

Group Tai Chi Classes

Join us for free, hour-long Tai Chi sessions and meet friends through group practice. Together with the Tai Chi Club, we will explore the yin and yang of mind-body and find the way of nature in Tai Chi. By the end of the series you will have learned a full Tai Chi routine to practice on your own and share with people around you. This month’s sessions will take place on Sunday, February 25 at 6 p.m. Wear flat shoes and comfortable clothes!

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.  

Meet the Breeds

Meet the Breeds with the Louisiana Capital City Obedience Club! LCCOC was established in 1963 and is the oldest ongoing American Kennel Club dog club in Baton Rouge. Join us on Sunday, February 18 at 3 p.m. at the Main Library at Goodwood to learn about a wide variety of dog breeds.
All ages are welcome! Some of the dogs will perform pet tricks, agility exercises, and obedience activities. The members of the club will share about their experiences with their dogs in competitive events, pet therapy, tracking, and just enjoying a well-trained family pet. For more information, visit here.

Resume Writing Seminar

Adults are welcome to join us at the Main Library at Goodwood on Saturday, February 17 at 2 p.m. for a free Resume Writing Seminar. A Certified Professional Resume Writer from the Career Center will lead a workshop on how to write a great resume.

  • Learn to structure your resume so that it showcases your most valuable skills.
  • Learn formatting techniques that will make your resume look clean and professional.
  • Learn the biggest red flags that employers look for on resumes and how to avoid them.
    Registration is required. To register, visit here or call 231-3733

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 a 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 6:30 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!

Group Tai Chi Class

Join us for free, hour-long Tai Chi sessions and meet friends through group practice. Together with the Tai Chi Club, we will explore the yin and yang of mind-body and find the way of nature in Tai Chi. By the end of the series you will have learned a full Tai Chi routine to practice on your own and share with people around you. This month’s sessions will take place on Sunday, February 4 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, February 25 at 6 p.m. Wear flat shoes and comfortable clothes!

Free Saturday Tutoring

The Baton Rouge Magnet High School Beta Club will be offering FREE tutoring services on Saturdays, February 3, 17 & 24, 9:30-10:30 a.m., at the Main Library at Goodwood. Beta members will offer help to elementary, middle, and high school students. See subjects offered below. Only 60
spots are available each Saturday. Registration is required. Register online at here or call 231-3770.

  • Elementary students: English, Math, Science, and Reading
  • Middle schoolers (6th grade – 8th grade): English, Math, and Science
  • High schoolers: English, Math (9th – Calculus), and Science
  • Upon advanced request, they will provide tutoring in French, Spanish, and Latin

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.”