New Marrero Library of Things offers fabric arts materials

Sewing machines are among the items that can be borrowed from the Library of Things in Marrero.

Another facet of the Jefferson Parish Library's new Library of Things collection arrives Aug. 5 at the Marrero branch, focusing on equipment for making fabric art.

Demonstrations will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Belle Terre Library, 5550 Belle Terre Road, Marrero.

Staff will show how to use a sewing machine, how to do knit stitches, how to finish a quilt, and more — all using items available for checkout.

Similar to checking out a book, patrons will be allowed to check out sewing machines, knit blockers, tape makers, as well as crochet, knitting, and embroidery kits and more.

These items can be checked out for two weeks and must be returned to the same library location. Patron feedback will be considered as the library expands the LoT collection.

A Library of Things is a collection of items that expands traditionally defined library materials. It supports the sharing economy by enabling a community to share items they may only need occasionally and contributes to sustainability efforts by reducing waste.

The collection also offers an opportunity to “try before you buy,” saving community members money in the long run.

Patrons can find more Library of Things items at the Terrytown Library and by searching the library’s online catalog.

GENEALOGY: Gwen Kelley, a librarian who specializes in genealogy and local history, will lead a free presentation on immigration records at 6 p.m. July 26 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

The next session focuses on ways that Ancestry.com can help track down genealogy information. It happens at 6 p.m. Aug. 2, also at the East Bank Regional Library.

Music will be provided before each session by Memory Lane.

WALKING POEMS: The Poetry Club of the Harahan Library meets from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. July 26 at 219 Soniat Ave., Harahan. This session focuses on the walking poem.

The term refers to oral poetry which “walks” through the story from person to person and it is handed down through the centuries.

It is considered more powerful than written poetry, because it can exist among those who cannot read and write.

The club meets twice a month on Wednesdays for those interested in reading, writing and learning about different forms of poetry, as well as meeting other people who enjoy creative writing.

HIBISCUS SOCIETY: The New Orleans Hibiscus Society has joined the roster of plant groups that meet at the library. The group’s next meeting is 1 p.m. July 30 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

The purpose of the group is to promote the development and improvement of hibiscuses and to collect, record and pass on information about them.

MURDER MYSTERY: The final role-playing murder mystery ball will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 28 at the Rosedale Library, 4036 Jefferson Highway.

The event is free; participants must be 21 or older. Registration is required for the single-round, hidden-identity party game. Patrons use cunning and deceit to reveal the assassins among them, or to get away with murder.

A role will be assigned to each person who registers. Costumes are encouraged. Refreshments will be served.

Patrons who want to participate should contact Regina Stewart at (504) 838-4350 or [email protected].

JIGSAW EVENT: The next Jigsaw Puzzle Extravaganza will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. July 29 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.

This event has two elements. Patrons may bring their used puzzles to swap with others (each puzzle should have all of its pieces), and the Jigsaw Puzzle Contest starts at 2 p.m. Teams of two people will complete, or come close to completing, a 500-piece puzzle by 4 p.m. The contest is limited to adults 18 and older.

TALENT CONTEST: Registration for the Lakeshore Library’s Talent Contest is under way for adults, teens and children. The contest happens from 2:30 to 4 p.m. July 29. The best performer wins a trophy and a prize. Registration is required; call (504) 838-4375. The library is located at 1000 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie.

SPELLING CHAMPS: Liddy Hanemann of Metairie is the winner of the eighth annual spelling bee held recently at the East Bank Regional Library.

She successfully spelled the word “euphemism” to win the title.

Gordon Bienvenu of Metairie won second place, and Lisa Ledet of Kenner place third.

Each won a gift certificate to the Big Book Sale conducted by the Friends of the Jefferson Public Library.

Other contestants tripped over words such as surveillance, vandalize, Hawaiian, ameliorate, haberdashery, septuagenarian, vacuum, accelerate, appellate, and unintelligible.

ART ON DISPLAY: Raymond Chen is the artist behind the works that appear outside the Friends’ Gift Shop at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave.

His 12 drawings depict images including Michael Jackson, Marilyn Monroe, King Kong, a streetcar, an alligator and LSU football. Chen is a library regular, and is a commercial and residential landscape architect professional.

Chris Smith is manager of adult programming at the Jefferson Parish Public Library.

Chris Smith is manager of adult programming at the Jefferson Parish Public Library.