The St. Tammany Parish Library is the place for research, with more than half a million titles at patrons’ fingertips, and books are still a mainstay. But today’s library is more than books; it is replete with online databases and online courses, streaming entertainment, eBooks and eAudiobooks just a library card away.

Libraries also serve as community spaces for events, training and meetings via reservable meeting rooms at five of the 12 branches. For smaller groups or individual quiet spaces, some of the branches also have study rooms or stand-alone quiet pods.

Events are a huge draw at the library with fun and interactive events for all ages.

Crafts, history, and even dance classes can be found on the in-person event calendars at some branches. During the recently concluded Summer Reading program, there were painting classes offered in which each participant walked away with their own painting created at no cost. This same type of program normally costs from $15 to $45 at local businesses. The library does not seek to replace those businesses but instead offers this type of experience to patrons who may not be ready to invest in that service or lack the funds to do so.

The crafting events are notorious for full registrations, since space is always limited. The library also helps with access to CreativeBug, an online video source for crafting. Users can learn to crochet to make holiday decorations. Learn how to sign up and use this service at sttammanylibrary.org/CreativeBug.

Some lesser-known, in-person services provided by the library staff include test proctoring, genealogy research assistance, and tech help with mobile devices. The Reference Department assists patrons with these services and more. See a complete list at the library website, sttammanylibrary.org.

Community meetings 

Last month, the library held four community input meetings, two to help inform the Slidell branch renovation and two for the Lacombe branch replacement. At each meeting, Library Director Kelly LaRocca and Assistant Director of Support Services Tanya DiMaggio presented close to eighty concepts that had been recommended from earlier community input. Following the meeting, attendees were asked to vote for concepts they most wanted to see in their branch. Afterward, those unable to attend the meetings were able to vote for two weeks inside the Slidell and Lacombe branches.

These results are currently being reviewed, and the library expects more community input meetings in the future to steer the design process.

A Friends sale

The Friends of the Library of West St. Tammany will hold their monthly Used Book Sale on Aug. 15 and 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at their building located at 1301 N. Florida St. in Covington, near the St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds.

Some items start as low as 25 cents. Find books, DVDs, music and audio CDs, and puzzles, with a large selection of homeschool items and children’s books. All proceeds support St. Tammany Parish Libraries.

Other Events

LEGAL: A volunteer attorney will discuss why creating a will is important, along with the steps to drafting a will, on Aug. 13 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Slidell branch. Afterward, attendees can ask questions of the presenter. Register at http://bit.ly/4mzBOCr.

PUZZLE: The Jigsaw Juncture Puzzle Club meets at the Mandeville branch on Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This event is a great opportunity for puzzle enthusiasts to connect and share their love of jigsaws. No registration needed.

BOOKCLUB: The Lacombe BookMarkers Book Club will meet at the Lacombe branch on Aug. 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This month’s discussion will be on “Hillbilly Elegy” by J.D. Vance. No registration needed.