THIS MONTH AT THE LIBRARY RESOURCES, SERVICES, AND EVENTS VOLUME 2
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ISSUE 1
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JANUARY 2026
C I S U M W E NEW YEAR, N
WELCOME THE NEW ARTISTS OF CRESCENT CITY SOUNDS
These albums are just a sample of the music you’ll hear at crescentcitysounds.org
JANUARY 2026
/nolalibrary
@nolalibrary
Main Library
219 Loyola Avenue (504) 596-2570
Algiers Regional Library 3014 Holiday Drive (504) 596-2641
Alvar Library
913 Alvar Street (504) 596-2667
Central City Library
2020 Jackson Avenue, Suite 139 (504) 596-3110
Children’s Resource Center Library 913 Napoleon Avenue (504) 596-2628
Desire / Florida Satellite Location 3250 Industry Street
East New Orleans Regional Library 5641 Read Boulevard (504) 596-0200
Cita Dennis Hubbell Library 725 Pelican Avenue (504) 596-3113
Rosa F. Keller Library and Community Center 4300 South Broad Avenue (504) 596-2660
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library 1611 Fats Domino Avenue (504) 596-2695
Milton H. Latter Memorial Library 5120 Saint Charles Avenue (504) 596-2625
Sensory Play
Register at nolalibrary.co/sensory-storytime.
Register at nolalibrary.co/sensory-play.
Saturday, January 10 from 10:30am – 11:30am East New Orleans Regional Library
Saturday, January 10 from 2pm – 3:30pm East New Orleans Regional Library
Families looking for a welcoming and comfortable space for neurodivergent children can join us for an inclusive and interactive storytime. Space is limited.
CREATE & PLAY: MINI MAESTROS*
Practice developing early literacy skills with crafts, hands-on activities, and snacks. A fun music-themed program for children ages 2 – 5 and their families.
Mid-City Library
LPO’S MUSICAL STORY HOUR
Nora Navra Library
1902 Saint Bernard Avenue (504) 596-3118
Nix Library
1401 South Carrollton Avenue (504) 596-2630
REACH Center
2022 St. Bernard Avenue, Building C (504) 256-6983
Robert E. Smith Library
Experiment, create, or craft at this hands-on STEAM event for children ages 6 – 12.
Sensory-Friendly Storytime*
Friday, January 16 from 10:30am – 11:30am Algiers Regional Library
4140 Canal Street (504) 596-2654
STEAM CLUB*
The New Orleans Public Library offers storytimes for children from birth to age 5 at all of our locations. Visit nolalibrary.org/early-literacy for more information.
Norman Mayer Library 3001 Gentilly Boulevard (504) 596-3100
CHILDREN’S EVENTS
EARLY LITERACY EVENTS
THE STORY OF FERDINAND
Each month during this winter series, an LPO musician and reader will provide a unique storytime experience at the Library for early learners and their families. In January, violinist Rebecca Edge will accompany a reading of Munro Leaf’s The Story of Ferdinand. Saturday, January 17 from 10:30am – 11am Milton H. Latter Memorial Library
Families looking for a welcoming and comfortable space for neurodivergent children can join us for inclusive and interactive sensory play and exploration activities.
LITTLE STEAMERS*
This month’s activities include: • Dungeons & Dragons (ages 9 – 12) • Snowball Launcher • Painting with pH • Ping Pong Pickup Challenge • Pequeñas creaciones / Small Creations • Art Smarts: Wire Sculptures • Phonics Fun • Exploding Snowman • Mardi Gras Masks • Geometry with Mondrian • Interstellar Mobiles Visit nolalibrary.co/STEAM for times and locations.
CHESS CLUB*
Register at nolalibrary.co/little-steamers.
Beginner and experienced players are welcome at Chess Club. Each session includes instruction as needed but focuses on playing against other participants or Library staff. Practice problem-solving and develop critical thinking at this hands-on STEAM program for ages 6 – 12.
Saturday, January 17 from 10:30am – 11:30am Norman Mayer Library
Wednesdays from 4pm – 5pm Algiers Regional Library Nix Library
BLUE HOUSE MUSIC: CONNECTING MUSIC AND EARLY LITERACY*
Thursdays from 4pm – 5pm Cita Dennis Hubbell Library
A series designed for children ages 3 – 5 years old to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) at the Library.
Explore natural connections between language and music through singing and storytelling during this music and early literacy workshop. Saturday, January 24 from 10:30am – 11am East New Orleans Regional Library
6301 Canal Boulevard (504) 596-2638
*SPONSORED BY THE FRIENDS OF THE NEW ORLEANS PUBLIC LIBRARY ALL EVENTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. YOU DO NOT NEED A LIBRARY CARD. OCCASIONALLY, EVENT DATES AND TIMES CHANGE. CHECK EVENTS.NOLALIBRARY.ORG OR CALL YOUR LIBRARY LOCATION TO CONFIRM THE MOST CURRENT EVENT INFORMATION.
JANUARY 2026
2026 Black History Month
ART CONTEST
FOR KIDS IN GRADES K – 12
CONTEST THEME: Building Tomorrow: Black Youth Shaping the Future Create an original art piece that highlights the influence of young Black trailblazers and activists on New Orleans and the nation, or connects past movements to future progress. Honor their legacy, amplify their voices, and imagine the future they and you are building. Black youth have always been at the forefront of change, from the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s, to the Black Power Movements of the 1960s, to today’s Black Lives Matter movement. Now it’s your turn to participate. Visit nolalibrary.co/BHM for more information.
FREE IMMUNIZATIONS FOR CHILDREN GREATER NEW ORLEANS IMMUNIZATION NETWORK
The Greater New Orleans Immunization Network at Manning Family Children’s will provide free vaccines to children 0 – 18 years of age. No appointment is necessary. Please bring the child’s birth certificate or passport and immunization record (if applicable). Tuesday, January 27 from 1:30pm – 4:30pm Algiers Regional Library Wednesday, January 28 from 1:30pm – 4:30pm East New Orleans Regional Library
Math Workouts for Kids
BOOK PARTY: HOBBIT DAY*
Celebrate J.R.R. Tolkien’s Birthday with Hobbit-y games, crafts, and activities. Create your own hobbit pottery and greeting cards. Embark on a treasure hunt themed There and Back Again. Light refreshments will be served. Register at nolalibrary.co/hobbit to help us plan supplies.
with Make It Count Math*
TEEN & TWEEN EVENTS TEEN VOLUNTEER DAY*
Serve your community, be creative, socialize, and earn service-learning hours. Teen Volunteer Day is open to teens ages 14 – 18. Register at nolalibrary.co/teen-volunteer-day. Tuesday, January 6 from 4pm – 6pm Mid-City Library Tuesday, January 13 from 4pm – 6pm Milton H. Latter Memorial Library Tuesday, January 27 from 4pm – 6pm Algiers Regional Library
EXPRESS YOURSELF!
MONTHLY TRANS & QUEER TEEN HANGOUT WITH THE NEW ORLEANS PRIDE CENTER*
Enjoy games, activities, and pizza each month at this drop-in event for teens ages 11 – 18. Register at nolalibrary.co/express-yourself to help us plan supplies. Thursday, January 8 from 4:30pm – 5:30pm Main Library
TEEN DROP-IN*
Hang out, play games, make art, learn a new hobby, or explore new tech at this program for teens ages 11 - 18. Register at nolalibrary.co/teen-drop-in to help us plan supplies.
THEME: TINY ART Thursday, January 15 from 2:30pm – 3:30pm Robert E. Smith Library THEME: TINY ART Tuesday, January 20 from 3:30pm – 4:30pm East New Orleans Regional Library
Up your math skills and learn some fun games to continue at home. Light dinner provided. Open to rising 3rd – 6th graders.
THEME: BUTTON MAKING Tuesday, January 20 from 4pm – 5pm Mid-City Library
Register at nolalibrary.co/ math-workout. Tuesday, January 15, 22, 29 from 5pm – 6:30pm Norman Mayer Library
Saturday, January 3 from 2pm – 3:30pm Milton H. Latter Memorial Library
CATURDAY
CAT MEET & GREET BY LOUISIANA SPCA WITH THEMED CRAFTS*
Louisiana SPCA cats and kittens are headed to the Library. Kids and families can meet these fluffy visitors, craft toys to go back with them to the shelter, and leave with an animal themed book. Saturday, January 10 from 2pm – 3:30pm Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
Teen Volunteer Opportunity: Math Workouts for Kids*
8th – 12th graders may sign up to volunteer as Big Math Buddies to help 3rd – 6th graders improve their math skills and learn some math games. Light dinner will be served. Big Math Buddies are asked to commit to attending all 3 sessions, plus an online orientation for new volunteers (time TBD).
*SPONSORED BY THE FRIENDS OF THE NEW ORLEANS PUBLIC LIBRARY ALL EVENTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. YOU DO NOT NEED A LIBRARY CARD. OCCASIONALLY, EVENT DATES AND TIMES CHANGE. CHECK EVENTS.NOLALIBRARY.ORG OR CALL YOUR LIBRARY LOCATION TO CONFIRM THE MOST CURRENT EVENT INFORMATION.
Register at nolalibrary.co/math-volunteers. Tuesday, January 15, 22, 29 from 4:30pm – 6:45pm Norman Mayer Library
JANUARY 2026
ADULT EVENTS
NEW YEAR, NEW NOTEBOOK MAKE AND DECORATE YOUR OWN NOTEBOOK
TECHCONNECT
Book a one-on-one appointment to develop confidence, build computer skills, and grow more comfortable in today’s digital world. Register at nolalibrary.co/tech-connect. Wednesdays from 10am – 12pm Thursdays from 3pm – 5pm East New Orleans Regional Library
BEYOND BOOKS NON-TRADITIONAL RESOURCES AT THE LIBRARY
Get more than books with your Library card. Discover some of the Library’s non-traditional resources, including the Culture Pass Program, Cake Pan Collection, and Seed Libraries. Monday, January 5 from 3pm – 4pm Central City Library Wednesday, January 21 from 3pm – 4pm Cita Dennis Hubbell Library
Start this year learning a new language with Mango Languages Powered by intelligent technology and an adaptive algorithm, Mango offers over 70 world languages and more than 20 English courses, as well as specialty courses that cover a range of culturally specific topics. Mango contains user-friendly features, such as placement tests that help you begin exactly where your skillset suits you, Family Profiles for group learning, and downloadable lessons for off-line access.
Learn a simple method for binding a pamphlet-style book. Create your own notebook for the new year that you can customize using stamps, stickers, stencils, and other colorful supplies. Register at nolalibrary.co/new-notebook. Wednesday, January 7 from 5pm – 6:30pm Nora Navra Library Friday, January 9 from 11am – 12:30pm Robert E. Smith Library
LOOKING FOR A JOB? LET US MAKE IT EASIER DROP BY THE COMPUTER LAB
Whether you’re starting from scratch or just need a second set of eyes, we’ve got your back. All with assistance from Library staff and your fellow community members. Registration suggested at nolalibary.co/looking-for-job. Wednesday, January 7 from 1pm – 2pm Algiers Regional Library
BASIC MARDI GRAS MASK MAKING
WITH CRYPTIQUE KREWE OF CEMETERY SHAMBLERS
LAY YOUR BURDENS DOWN
AN EVENING OF COMMUNITY, REST, AND RENEWAL* Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with an evening of rest, joy, and connection that celebrates community care, civic engagement, and resistance through the radical power of rest and play. Inspired by the Nap Ministry’s call that “Rest is Resistance,” we’ll create space to breathe, connect, and simply be. Wednesday, January 14 from 6pm – 8pm | REACH Center
AUTHOR NIGHT AT HUBBELL LIBRARY
CHRIS CHAMPAGNE - SECRET NEW ORLEANS: AN UNUSUAL GUIDE
Now in its second edition, Secret New Orleans is an indispensable guide for those who thought they knew New Orleans well or would like to discover the other face of the city. Tuesday, January 13 from 6:30pm – 7:30pm Cita Dennis Hubbell Library
COMMUNITY PUZZLE NIGHT
Join us for an evening of jigsaw puzzling. Work on one by yourself or make new friends working on one together.
Renewed: A New Orleans Public Library Anthology
VOLUME 3 RELEASE PARTY* Celebrate the release of our third anthology! Renewed is a collection of work from finalists in our 2025 Summer Fun Adult Writing Contest. There will be readings, refreshments, and music. Saturday, January 31 from 2pm – 4pm Main Library
Thursday, January 15 from 4:30pm – 6:30pm Milton H. Latter Memorial Library Thursday, January 29 from 4:30pm – 6:30pm East New Orleans Regional Library
Learn how to make a basic Mardi Gras mask using cardboard, wire, and paper clay.
FIG TREE CARE AND PROPAGATION
Register at nolalibrary.co/mask-making. Thursday, January 8 from 5pm – 6:30pm Algiers Regional Library
Learn how to start your own fig from an existing tree, and how to properly care for your tree once it’s established. Register to reserve a fig tree cutting to take home with you.
Tuesday, January 13 from 5pm – 6:30pm East New Orleans Regional Library
Saturday, January 17 from 10:30am – 11:30am Cita Dennis Hubbell Library
WITH BARCELO GARDENS*
*SPONSORED BY THE FRIENDS OF THE NEW ORLEANS PUBLIC LIBRARY ALL EVENTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. YOU DO NOT NEED A LIBRARY CARD. OCCASIONALLY, EVENT DATES AND TIMES CHANGE. CHECK EVENTS.NOLALIBRARY.ORG OR CALL YOUR LIBRARY LOCATION TO CONFIRM THE MOST CURRENT EVENT INFORMATION.