What brings you joy? A new book that keeps you turning the pages, learning a new hobby or skill, finding a new friend group—this National Library Week (April 19-25), Ascension Parish Library is celebrating all the ways people are finding their joy at the library. This year’s theme, ‘Find Your Joy,’ highlights how libraries bring people together, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning.
On the first Wednesday of each month, a group of ladies meets at the library’s Galvez location to learn new crafting ideas or work on individual projects. The Busy Needles formed because one of the ladies wanted a crafting circle in Ascension Parish. Word of mouth has helped the group grow; usually, they have at least eight or nine members each month. What started as a shared interest in crafting has become a welcoming community where creativity and friendship grow together.
“This is great for me. This is like therapy,” said one of the women. “I had an established life in California for 30 years and moved. I came here and found the Tai Chi classes and this group. We’ve become our own little community.”
When craft time is over, several of the ladies extend their time together and make lunch plans.
“It’s more than just socializing. We’re all dealing with different things at some point. This group gives support – they listen, there’s a connection. I’ve learned so much from these ladies.”
Stories like these reflect the heart of Ascension Parish Library—creating spaces where people can explore their interests, learn new skills, and build meaningful connections.
Throughout National Library Week, APL locations will highlight the library’s impact across the parish. In 2025, Ascension Parish Library welcomed 302,777 visitors across its five locations, served 100,467 cardholders, and circulated 781,211 items. The library also celebrated 10 graduates from its Excel Adult High School program, helping residents achieve an important educational milestone.
The week of celebration culminates with a ribbon cutting for the new St. Amant Library & Community Center on Saturday, April 25, at 10:00 a.m. The community will come together and experience a new space designed for learning, connection, and growth. APL’s St. Amant location offers new learning experiences designed for today and tomorrow. The library features a makerspace with a 3D printer, a laser cutter, a CNC mill, woodworking equipment, sewing machines, a Brother ScanNCut, and a recording studio with an editing suite, all of which encourage creativity and skill-building. It also features a teaching kitchen, offering hands‑on culinary experiences that preserve local food traditions, promote nutrition, and build practical skills for everyday life and future careers. There are also dedicated spaces for children and teens, as well as a historical display that shares the story of the St. Amant area, connecting the past and present.
Visitors are encouraged to stop by any APL location to explore and discover something unexpected—from pickleball and mahjong sets to cake pans and telescopes—there’s something to bring you joy.
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