The Origin of Mardi Gras (2-15-2023)
Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is upon us! Now, most of us are aware of the origin of Mardi Gras in this state and it’s association with Catholicism and Lent, but did you know that other countries have their own version of this pre-Lent celebration? And it’s not on Tuesday at all!
Apparently in Poland, Fat Thursday, or Tlusty Czwarkek, is celebrated on the Thursday preceding Ash Wednesday. It is also commonly called Paczki Day due to the tradition of consuming paczki during this celebration. Paczki are a Polish pastry, similar to jelly-filled donuts, which are typically filled with p... Read Full Blog
Black History Month and its Early Days Bossier (History Ctr Column)
Why is Black History Month celebrated in February and not some other month, such as January, the month of Martin Luther King Jr. Day? Because February has the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass and Black History Month began before MLK Jr. was even born. This special recognition of Black history was begun by Dr. Carter G. Woodson (1875 – 1950), a Harvard-trained historian whose parents had been enslaved. Dr. Woodson believed black people had a culture and tradition that scholars should investigate and artists should use as inspiration. He challenged all Americans to understa... Read Full Blog
National Freedom Day (Comm Eng Column)
It’s officially February…or it will be within a few days, depending on when you read this. That means that Black History Month has kicked off, and it starts with National Freedom Day!
I’m not sure if this holiday is a familiar one to any of my readers, it’s only vaguely familiar to me since it doesn’t get printed into any of the calendars or planners I’ve purchased over the years, but it seems like an important one to celebrate. It’s one of the few official holidays I’ve written about in recent memory, and with its reminders of our history and its celebration of freedom, shouldn’t... Read Full Blog
The Dreaded Jake-Leg and Prohibition (History Ctr Column)
In the United States from 1920 to 1933, a nationwide constitutional law, the Eighteenth Amendment, prohibited the manufacture, sale and transportation of intoxicating beverages. It did not outlaw the possession or consumption of alcohol. The Volstead Act, the federal law that provided for the enforcement of Prohibition, had enough loopholes and weaknesses to open the door to countless schemes to evade the “dry” mandate. Several of these schemes flourished in the backwoods, fields and even towns of Bossier Parish and northwest Louisiana. Reports in the local newspapers show that Bossier Pari... Read Full Blog
Hey Knitting Enthusiants! (BPT Column)
The dates don’t necessarily work out to allow for celebrating this next random holiday on the actual date it falls on, but I can’t resist writing about it anyway because it’s tangentially related to knitting which is one of my hobbies. So, without further ado: it seems that since 2008, January 8th has been celebrated as National Argyle Day…at least in Scotland. And why not celebrate it here too?
Argyle, the pattern, is derived from the tartan of Clan Campbell of Argyll in western Scotland. This pattern consists of diamonds in alternating colors, typically only 2 color but nowadays... Read Full Blog
The History of Braille (BPT Column)
Happy New Year! Let me first start by hoping that everyone is experiencing an excellent start 2023. And now on to the first library column of the new year, which is all about the history of Braille in honor of World Braille Day on January 4.
World Braille Day is celebrated every year on January 4 because that day is the birthday of its inventor, Louis Braille. Louis Braille, a Frenchman, lost his sight as a child after an accident with an awl. He was sent to be educated at the Royal Institute for the Blind Youth in France when he was 10; this is where he developed his writing syst... Read Full Blog
Student Success with Your Library
Are you getting ready to head back to school? Don't forget your library card! Whether you're a student or an educator, we've got you covered! Read on to discover how your library card is the most important school supply of all. With resources for students, educators, homeschool students & educators, and everyone else, your library is here to support your success.
For the StudentsDid you know that all students enrolled in a public school in Bossier Parish automatically receive a Student eCard with us as part of our student success initiative? &n... Read Full Blog
Baller Budget Bites: Upgrade Your Ramen
Sometimes nothing beats a classic bowl of ramen, am I right? Whether you prefer it with eggs or chicken, or anything in between, we've got you covered for whatever suits your budget and tastebuds.
Make It a MealRamen is a great snack, but it's a better meal. Fill out your ramen by adding some protein to your bowl.
Try poaching an egg! Cook your ramen according to the package instructions. Remove the pot from heat, then crack a raw egg into the noodles. Don't stir! Cover with a lid for 1-2 minutes, then enjoy.
&n... Read Full Blog
ACT & SAT Test Prep Resources
Gale Courses, Homework Louisiana, and Learning Express offer extensive online test prep resources We also have a large selection of books & other resources to assist with SAT & ACT Test Prep. Access to these resources is free with your library card.
Gale Courses
Gale Courses offers a wide range of highly interactive, instructor-led courses you can take online. Courses run for six weeks, and new sessions begin every month.
SAT/ACT Prep Course (part 1) - Reading, Writing, English, & Science ... Read Full Blog
Curbside Pickup Service
Available during regular operating hours at all Bossier Parish Libraries locationsHow Does it Work?
Use the MY ACCOUNT feature to place a hold on an item; OR, call any of our locations and staff will be happy to place holds for you.Receive notification that your hold is available for pickup.Drive to the location you chose as your pickup location.Park in the designated curbside pickup space.Call us and we'll bring your items out to you! You have 3 business days to pick up your holds before we move to the next person on the waiting list or return the items to our shelves.Limit of ... Read Full Blog
Annual Give for Good Drive
During the month of November, we are collecting items for the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana, Toys for Tots, and Porter's Coats for Kids. From November 5th through 20th, you can donate food items, toys, or coats and receive either amnesty** or fill out a raffle ticket to enter our raffles.
Patrons with fees and charges for lost or damaged items can drop off the following items:
Food Items - For each unexpired, non-perishable food item donated, we will waive $1 (up to $25 per account). The top 10 food items needed are: canned meats, peanut butter, dried beans, rice, pasta, c... Read Full Blog
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
What is it?A reading program designed for infants through preschoolers to promote early literacy and kick start early education and set them up for success once they begin school. This free program allows parents the opportunity to share books every day with their child. Reading to or with your child daily helps them develop the pre-reading skills necessary for them to be successful readers in kindergarten. The goal is to read 1000 books before beginning kindergarten. The program is ongoing and will not end until your child reaches his/her goal or the child... Read Full Blog
A Quick Guide for Evaluating Information
What is Information Literacy?The American Library Associate defines information literacy as the ability to "recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information."
But how do you know the information you are locating and using is valid and reliable information?Need help determining facts from fiction? Let us help.
Consider the SourceWho is providing the information? Click away from the article to investigate the site, company info, and its mission--look for an "about" section (usually... Read Full Blog
Reading Tips for Parents
Show your child how you read every day for fun and work.
Point out to your children the printed words in your home.
Encourage your child to read independently in his or her own way.
Talk to your child as if he or she is already a reader.
Make reading fun using different voices for different characters.
Talk about the book you are reading with your child.
Ask questions.
Choose a quiet spot for you and your child to read.
Read aloud at least 15 minutes each day to your... Read Full Blog