Easter is right around the corner! The Library Board of Control and staff wish everyone a memorable and safe weekend celebration! Here is an early closure note: The main library and all branches will be closed on Friday, April 7^th and 8^th. All will reopen on Monday, April 10^th.

Check the Facebook page of your favorite library to see what’s going on for Easter! At the main library in Ville Platte you can have a Photo with the Easter Bunny taken then enjoy a Kid’s Painting activity on Wednesday, April 5^th at 4 pm.

Our Computer Tutor program resumes on April 11^th at the following locations: Ville Platte Main @ 9 am; Turkey Creek Branch @ 10:30 am; Pine Prairie Branch @ 12 noon; Mamou Branch @ 1:30 pm; Basile Branch @ 3 pm and Chataignier Branch @ 4:30 pm

Another new opportunity happening at the main library is our new “Artist of the Month” program. During the month of April we will be displaying the works of Gene “Swabby” Soileau. Swabby is best known lately as a DJ for KVPI but he is also an artist at heart! He started taking lessons with Ms. Gertie Mayeaux in 2009 and hasn’t let up yet! Come by the library to see some of his work on canvas that we proudly display. We want to showcase the many talented artist in our parish and give them visibility and the opportunity to sell their art. We also have on display some of the original artwork of “Billie” Bowen & Clamie Landreneau donated recently by Carol Neil Landreneau. We have so much talent in Evangeline Parish.  Drop by soon to see it for yourself!

LIBRARY FEST this year on Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 9 am to 1 pm on the grounds of the main library in Ville Platte. New attraction: the Atchafalaya Petting Zoo will be sponsored by the Friends of the Library! Please share this good news! We still have open spots for craft/art/product vendors and Food Trucks. Call 337-363-1369 or email [email protected] for more information.   

Please visit the Facebook page of your favorite library branch to see information about programs unique to them. Also, visit our website www.evangelinelibrary.org for updates. You can always call the main library @ 337-363-1369 or send an email to [email protected] for more information and never forget that libraries do change lives…. even in the cloud! Suzy Lemoine, Outreach Coordinator.    

The Mystery Book Club will meet on Wednesday, March 29^th @ 10:30 am to discuss their latest book and choose a new one. New members are welcome to join in.

Early notice for our Computer Tutor program which resume in April (on the second Tuesday of each month at each branch around the parish).  Here are the dates for the rest of the year: April 11^th, May 9^th, June 13^th, July 11^th, August 8^th, September 12^th, October 10^th, November 14^th and December 12, 2023.    

Look who’s coming to LIBRARY FEST this year on Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 9 am to 1 pm on the grounds of the main library in Ville Platte so far –Author:  Christopher Fontenot. Entertainment: MICHAEL WYNNE (Antique Appraiser) and DR. ELISTA ISTRE who will present a program titled, “Evangeline: The Myth & the Maiden”.  Food Vendors: NATASHA EDWARDS and MARIE LAVIGNE. Community: EVANGELINE HISTORICAL & GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY & KREW De EVANGELINE COALITION. Craft / Artist Vendors: BRECKY THOMAS, TONI LOWERY & CHARLES FONTENOT. Please share this good news! We still have open spots!   

Please visit the Facebook page of your favorite library branch to see information about programs unique to them. Also, visit our website www.evangelinelibrary.org for updates. You can always call the main library @ 337-363-1369 or send an email to [email protected] for more information and never forget that libraries do change lives…. even in the cloud! Suzy Lemoine, Outreach Coordinator.    

We’ve got something new at the main library for the young and the travelers who visit our unique parish! Staff member Sandra Veillon created a novel opportunity based on the “Little Free Library” concept to foster the arts.   We now have a “Little Free Craft Library” located at the front of the library entrance. Her idea is based on providing free craft kits that kids and travelers can take with them to make and either keep or gift to someone! It is available when the library is but especially when it is closed just like our Little Free Library. Please share this good news and check it out the next time you’re at the library! 

Here are a few weekly free and stimulating programs that occur at the main library and our branches around the parish: on Mondays at 9am the Mamou branch library hosts Coffee with Friends. Ville Platte main library offers a conversational French called Allons Parler Français every Tuesday at 1 pm and quilting with Friends every Thursday @ 1 pm followed by Chess, Scrabble & Puzzles @ 4 pm.  Pine Prairie branch offers Coffee & French every morning and “Cajun French Fridays” @ 9:30 am. Basile branch offers Conversational French and Children Books & Crafts programs on alternating Tuesdays at 10 am. These programs are free and available to anyone who wishes to join in.  Remember to visit the Facebook page of your branch to see the many good things that are going on throughout the month.        

Computer Tutor information: We will not host this opportunity in March but will begin a monthly schedule as follows (second Tuesday of each month at each branch around the parish): April 11^th, May 9^th, June 13^th , July 11^th, August 8^th, September 12^th, October 10^th, November 14^th and December 12, 2023.    

Look who’s coming to LIBRARY FEST this year on Saturday, May 20, 2023from 9 am to 1 pm on the grounds of the main library in Ville Platte so far –(I’m running this list again since some folks didn’t get a look at it last week) Authors:  DR. ELISTA ISTRE, DEBBY LAWSON, EDWARD GAUTHIER, RHONDA LEJEUNE, LATONYA LEARY,  PATRICIA WILLIAMS, JADE LANDRY (C.P Landry), KRISTAL BEN, DIXIE POCHE, JULIE BETH DAVIS, PAMELA  FUNDERBURK, WARREN PERRIN, MARY PERRIN & BEVERLY FUSELIER! I’ll promote our Food & Craft Vendors next week. Please share this good news! We still have spots to open!   

The Evangeline Parish Library Board of Control will meet tomorrow, Monday, 3/13/23 @ 4pm at the main library in Ville Platte. The agenda is posted and can be viewed on our website. This meeting is open to the public.

The second enrichment opportunity at the main library in Ville Platte hosted by Linda Fontenot, owner of  Fundamentally Structured 357 LLC, occurred last Saturday morning for 8^th – 11^th graders about how to start their own business. The last meeting is set for March 18^th for adults. Contact Mrs. Fontenot to learn more about how you can participate. Seating is limited. 337-534-6481. 

To recognize St. Patrick’s Day, the main library in Ville Platte will host a Kid’s Crafton March 15^th @ 4 pm. Call Keishia to register (337-363-1369).

Here are a few weekly free and stimulating programs that occur at the main library and our branches around the parish: on Mondays at 9am the Mamou branch library hosts Coffee with Friends. Ville Platte main library offers a conversational French called Allons Parler Français every Tuesday at 1 pm and quilting with Friends every Thursday @ 1 pm followed by Chess, Scrabble & Puzzles @ 4 pm.  Pine Prairie branch offers Coffee & French every morning and “Cajun French Fridays” @ 9:30 am. Basile branch offers Conversational French and Children Books & Crafts programs on alternating Tuesdays at 10 am. These programs are free and available to anyone who wishes to join in.  Remember to visit the Facebook page of your branch to see the many good things that are going on throughout the month.      

Computer Tutor information: We will not host this opportunity in March but will begin a monthly schedule as follows (second Tuesday of each month at each branch around the parish): April 11^th, May 9^th, June 13^th , July 11^th, August 8^th, September 12^th, October 10^th, November 14^th and December 12, 2023.  

Look who’s coming to LIBRARY FEST this year on Saturday, May 20, 2023from 9 am to 1 pm on the grounds of the main library in Ville Platte so far – Authors:  DR. ELISTA ISTRE, DEBBY LAWSON, EDWARD GAUTHIER, RHONDA LEJEUNE, LATONYA LEARY, PATRICIA WILLIAMS, JADE LANDRY (C.P Landry), KRISTAL BEN, DIXIE POCHE, AND JULIE BETH DAVIS! I’ll promote our Food & Craft Vendors next week. Please share this good news! We still have spots to open! 

You can always call the main library @ 337-363-1369 or send an email to [email protected] for more information.  Visit our main library and branch library Facebook pages or www.evangelinelibrary.org for all of the weekly, monthly and upcoming events and never forget that libraries do change lives…. even in the cloud! Suzy Lemoine, Outreach Coordinator.  

LIBRARY BOARD OF CONTROL MEETING AGENDA

MONDAY, MARCH 13, 2023

4:00 p.m. at Ville Platte Main Library

916 West Main Street, Ville Platte, Louisiana 70586

Opening Business

1. Call to Order, Prayer, Pledge of Allegiance
2. Roll Call
3. Approval/Amendment of Agenda
4. Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting
5. Public Comments on Agenda Items

Old Business

1. Update from the Basile Branch Library committee

2. Investments: Capital Improvements Fund & Expansion Fund (% split)

New Business

1. Acknowledge retirement of Board Member Katy Marcantel
2. Welcome new Board appointee Linda Lebsack
3. Review the recent legislation proposed by AG Jeff Landry and Senator Cloud
4. Review and update the Evangeline Parish Library Collection Policy
5. Review the response to said proposed legislation by the Louisiana Library Association
6. Adopt a Public Comments Speaker Request Form (attached)
7. Announce the plans for Library Fest on May 20, 2023
8. Announce grant funding received from the Louisiana Division of the Decentralized Arts via the Acadiana Center for the Arts to cover the fees, travel and lodging for the Summer Reading performers.

Reports

1. Financials
   • Discuss an unexpected increase of $33K in the Administrative Fee required by the Jury

• Facilities Report
• Outreach Report

    iiv.          Adjournment