Congratulations to Library Outreach Coordinator Suzy Lemoine for being selected as “Woman of the Year” by the Chamber of Commerce!  Suzy was selected in part for her wonderful work on the Evangeline Project, which led to a beautiful original statue of Evangeline on the courthouse square.  She has been active in many special projects through the years that have benefited this parish.

For nearly 10 years, Suzy’s grant writing efforts have made it possible for the Library to provide the same high-quality programs for Summer Reading at each of the six library locations.  This means if a show is too crowded in Ville Platte, for example, you can go see the same show at Chataignier later in the week.  Suzy has also worked tirelessly with our Early Childhood programming that we provide parish-wide in the fall and spring.

Congratulations, Suzy!

Congratulations also to Ville Platte Mayor and Library Board Vice President Jennifer Vidrine, who was also nominated for Woman of the Year!  The Library was well represented in the competition by both Jennifer and Suzy.

There’s still time to sign up for “Excel 2010, Level 1” on May 15th  and “PowerPoint 2010 Level 1,” on May 29th, both here at the main library in Ville Platte.  These are State Library and BTOP grant sponsored courses taught by certified instructors.  Each one is a full day (9 to 5) course for ages 16 and up.  For more information, or to sign up, go to www.lajacc.state.lib.la.us/training or call 888.487.2700.  Space is very limited, so call today.

Last minute cancellations and no-shows happen, so we also welcome walk-ins on a space available basis on the day of the class.  For more information, call the library at 337.363.1369.

This is a reminder that the entire Evangeline Parish Library system (main library and all branches) is CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC on Wednesday May 2nd until 1 p.m.  We are having our pre-Summer Reading all-staff workshop at the main library.

Thank you to everybody who attended the retirement reception for Ms. Flo Deshotel yesterday at the Mamou branch library.  It was a wonderful event, and meant so much to Miss Flo and to all of us with the library.  Special thanks to new branch manager Angela Henry and assistant branch manager Gigi Guillory, plus wonderful volunteer Miss Cindy.  You three made this a very special time for Miss Flo and all of us.

Special thanks also to Board President Julia Fontenot and Board member Wade Riley for attending.  Mr. Wade, who used to run a bakery, brought his famous chocolate drop cookies, and they were all eaten in no time.

Don’t forget: today is Ms. Flo Deshotel’s last day as branch manager for the Mamou Branch Library.  We will all miss “Miss Flo” so much, but she has a great retirement planned: camping, fishing, maybe motorcycling, and of course lots of reading!

Come to the Mamou Branch this afternoon from 4 to 6 to attend a reception honoring Miss Flo.   New branch manager Angela Henry and assistant manager Gigi Guillory are the hostesses.  Come help them give Miss Flo a great retirement party.