Natchitoches, LA, July 31, 2026 - It was a full house on July 30 as the Natchitoches Parish Library (NPL) held its annual Summer Reading Program Big End Bash. Patrons who logged at least 12 hours of reading during the program built mini dino dioramas, played carnival games, tackled a scavenger hunt, and enjoyed hamburgers and ice cream at an event so popular it required two separate sessions to accommodate the families who came out.

"The Big End Bash is a final hurrah for the NPL's Summer Reading Program, but it's not the end of fun at the library," said NPL Deputy Director Alan Niette. "As summer vacation draws to a close and families across the parish prepare for a new school year, we look forward to everyone attending our events that are offered year-round." Programs run each month for adults, teens, and children at both library brancehs, with a full listing always available at thismonth.natlib.org.

As students head back to class, the NPL is reminding the community that a library card unlocks more than books, computer access, and Wi-Fi. "Families often think of the library as a summer destination, but we're just as valuable once school starts," said Niette, "We offer in-person tutoring for kindergarten through fifth grade, online tutoring through Homework Louisiana 10 a.m. until midnight seven days a week, research databases for students, and a Schoolmobile that brings library access right to campus."

Many of these resources are available 24/7 at natlib.org, including Homework Louisiana's paper review drop-off service and ACT?SAT study materials, Bookflix's animated stories for PreK through third grade, Britannica Collective's K-12 non-fiction collection, and LinkedIn Learning's expert-led video courses.

The NPL's academic support also extends to college students. Anyone enrolled at Northwestern State University (NSU) or Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC)'s Natchitoches campus are eligible for a library card, granting them full access to the NPL's many resources. Also, on Monday, Aug. 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the NPL is partnering with BPCC to host an informational event at the Main Branch for anyone interested in learning more about the college's admissions, registration, and financial aid process. 

As the new school year approaches, the NPL invites the community to keep exploring everything the library has to offer, in person at either branch or anytime online at natlib.org. 

About the Natchitoches Parish Library:
Knowledge. Connection. Community. The Natchitoches Parish Library serves the public and community through its competent and friendly staff by providing services and programs aimed at meeting the informational, recreational, and educational needs of our patrons. We seek to provide a beneficial and usable collection of information and activities to connect Natchitoches Parish residents to the world.