It Goes DOWN at the Public Library!

Hello good people! It's Friday!!!! I would like to give a shout out to Katrina Guidry, fashionista extraodinaire from New Orleans. I was running errands yesterday and I ran into her. She called me "The Natural Librarian"... I was looking all confused, then I remembered, "That's ME!!! The Afro Librarian"!!!! She let me know this thing is working! Yay!!!!! (Hugs Katrina!)

I am sitting in the Mid-City branch of the New Orleans Public Library, using their free wi-fi, writing this weeks edition of the Afro Librarian. Which is so very appropriate, cuz this week I'm discussing the wonderful yet overlooked services of the public library. I'm going to focus mainly on the New Orleans Public Library (NOPL), but you can be sure your local library has something similar. (I mean... you can learn to read Braille or do community yoga at the Chicago Public Library!!! Shutcho mouth!) I got this information from the NOPL website's events page. There are event's for adults, teens and kids! (You can "Google" your public library's website and look for the "events" link on the main page.)
(http://www.nolalibrary.org/events?_submit=&date=&branch=&category=4)



Let me start with the whole reason for this blog... Last week I was at the library to use their color printer (another great service) and I saw a flier for B.Y.O.B Wine and Coloring  hosted every 3rd  Monday from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm. Yes, the Norman Mayer Library (3001 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70122) is providing a space and place for adults to unwind, color and get their drank on! Yes... you have to BRING your own wine, but still... how cool is that???!!!

B.Y.O.B. Wine and Coloring

August 15th (and every 3rd Monday)
Norman Mayer Library 

I got so excited! Then I realized, the public library is a wellspring of activities, but people never think of them as a source for information and entertainment. So... I'm here to fix that! Look at all these cool events!

If you know me personally, you know I'm a serious bike rider, so the NOPL Back to School Bike Repair and Safety Workshop really got me in my happy place! It's open to all ages. You can bring your own bike and participate in an hour and a half workshop that teaches basic road safety and basic mechanics and maintenance of your bike! You will leave knowing how to fix a flat tire and your rights as a rider. The link above is for the workshop at the Keller Branch, but if you can't make that one, there are also these...

Saturday, August 13, 2pm @ Alvar Library

913 Alvar St, New Orleans, LA 70117

Saturday August 20, 12pm @ Keller Library and Community Center

4300 S Broad ave, New Orleans, LA 70125

Saturday, August 27, 12pm @ Algiers Regional Library

3014 Holiday Dr, New Olreans, LA 70131

Saturday, August 27, 1pm @ Norman Mayer Library

3001 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70122

NOPL also offers computer classes!

Wednesdays 10am - 11am, Saturdays 10am - 11am

Computer Class

East New Orleans Regional Library

Instruction in topics including: Internet surfing, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and more! Check our monthly calendar for upcoming classes. No registration required. Every Wednesday & Saturday. (More)

Thursdays 11am - 1pm

Basic Computer Training

Alvar Library

Learn the basics about computers in this class.Every Thursday. (More)

Wednesdays 11am - 12pm

Computer Class

Martin Luther King Library

Learn computer basics in this class. Every Wednesday. (More)

NOPL even offers FREE Notary Public Services! Who knew????

Wednesdays 6pm -7pm, Saturdays 10am - 12pm

Free Notary Public Services

Rosa F. Keller Library & Community Center

Free Notary Public services are offered in the sunroom. Please call 504-821-6633 to confirm availability. Every Wednesday & Saturday. (More)

You can even get free classes to help get your citizenship!!! (Whaaaat????) 

Saturdays 10am - 12pm

Citizenship Class

Rosa F. Keller Library & Community Center

This class assists those who want to become U.S. citizens in preparing for the naturalization test.Every Saturday. (More)

Last on MY list, (but not last on the long list of events and services the New Orleans Public Library offers)... are free conversational language circles. So you can get your "bi-lingual" on! 

Tuesdays 6pm -7pm

Louisiana French Class and Conversation

Rosa F. Keller Library & Community Center

Louisiana French Class and Conversation. Every Tuesday. (More)

Wednesdays 6pm - 7pm

Spanish Conversation Circle

Rosa F. Keller Library & Community Center

Improve your Spanish in this informal, supportive conversation circle. Perfect for shy beginners or those wishing to revive their rusty skills. Sponsored by the Broadmoor Improvement Association. Every Wednesday. (More)

Tuesdays 6pm -7pm

English Conversation Circle

Rosa F. Keller Library & Community Center

This group will provide a supportive, relaxed environment for those who want to strengthen their English-speaking skills. Join us for easy conversation and new friendships. Specifically designed for the ESL community. Sponsored by the Broadmoor Improvement Association. Every Tuesday. (More)

I hope this peeks your interest and motivates you to visit your local library's website. They have all kinds of services, workshops and events that are free and open to the public. You can find a million things for you and your family to do and you can encourage your children to value the library at the same time!

Y'all have a great weekend and GO VISIT THE LIBRARY!!!!

Peace and light

The Afro Librarian