Family reunions and Bar-B-Que cookouts go hand in hand with lots of good food, fun games, and catching up with relatives we might see only once a year. It is a huge undertaking organizing a large family celebration, but BPL can give you some help with the planning of menus, activities, and creative decorating ideas for the big day.
Deciding on the menu is the most important part of any party. If you need suggestions or tips on what to cook try “Virgil’s Barbecue Road Trip Cookbook: The Best Barbecue from around the Country, Without Ever Leaving Your Backyard” by Neal Corman, or “Guy on Fire: 130 Recipes for Adventures in Outdoor Cooking” by Guy Fieri.
Desserts are a must. “Sweets & Treats with Six Sisters’ Stuff: 100+ Desserts, Gift Ideas, and Traditions for the Whole Family” by Six Sisters’ Stuff, or “Cake Mix Creations: 216 Easy Desserts that Start with a Mix” edited by Janet Briggs are filled with yummy concoctions.
“Camille Styles Entertaining: Inspired Gatherings & Effortless Style” is a good source for easy decorating ideas to add just the right touch.
A little friendly competition can make for an exciting day. Kids of all ages will want something to do throughout the day. “Great Games!: 175 Games & Activities for Families, Groups & Children” by Matthew Toone offers ideas on games that the entire family will enjoy.
Remember to stop by any of the BPL branches and pick up a few DVDs for when everyone is ready to take a break.
Most of all enjoy making memories with family and friends.
Libraries Transform!
Make a note:
Aulds Library 742-2337
Our teen programs are Wednesdays at 3:30p.m.; School Age is on Fridays at 2p.m.
Mon., June 27 at 11a.m.—Adult Summer Reading Program
Benton Library 965-2751
Thur., June 30 at 3p.m. for ages 13 to 17—Teen Weekly Event
Adult Summer Reading Challenge June 1 through August 31. Register to win a Kindle Fire.
Bossier Central Library 746-1693
Thur., June 30 at 10a.m. & 2p.m. for ages 0 to 12—Harvey Rabbit and Friends
Tuesdays, June 28 at 3:30p.m.for ages 13to 18—Teen Summer Reading Programs
East 80 Library 949-2665
Mondays at 10a.m. for ages 5 to 12—Summer Reading Program
Wed., June 29 from 2 to 3p.m. for ages 5 to 12—Independence Day craft
Haughton Library 949-0196
Wednesdays at 10a.m. for ages 6 to 12—Summer Reading Programs
Plain Dealing Library 326-4233
Fridays from 4 to 5p.m. for ages 0 to 5—Story Hour
Tooke Memorial Library 987-3915
Wednesdays, June 8 through 29 at 2p.m. for ages 6 to 12—Children’s Summer Reading Program. Pre-registration required.
New Books
Fiction
“Her One and Only” by Becky Wade
“The Summer Guest” by Alison Anderson
“The Versions of Us” by Laura Barnett
“The Medusa Chronicles” by Stephen Baxter
“City of Blades” by Robert Jackson Bennett
“A Haven on Orchard Lane” by Lawana Blackwell
“Wintering” by Peter Geye
“Forever Safe” by Jody Hedlund
“Delilah: Treacherous Beauty” by Angela Hunt
“After She’s Gone” by Lisa Jackson
Nonfiction
“A Mind of Your Own” by Kelly Brogan
“Cure: A Journey into the Science of Mind Over Body” by Jo Marchant
“Push Back: Guilt in the Age of Natural Parenting” by Amy Tuteur
“The Pediatrician’s Guide to Feeding Babies & Toddlers” by Anthony Porto
“The Quick Six Fix” by Stuart O’Keefe
“America’s Best Breakfasts” by Lee Brian Schrager
“Never too Busy to Cure Clutter” by Erin Rooney Doland
“Not Buying It” by Brett Graff
“Self-Made” by Nely Galan
“Born for This” by Chris Guillebean
Vickie Hardin is Associate Director of Public Relations for the Bossier Parish Library. She can be reached at vhardin@bossierlibrary.org