Monday, November 18, 2024

Despite having to cancel outdoor activities due to weather uncertainty, more than 1,000 people came together to celebrate their love for books and literacy during the 9th Annual Livingston Parish Book Festival. 

First held in 2013, the Livingston Parish Book Festival is the Livingston Parish Library’s biggest single-day event. It was held at the Main Branch in Livingston on Saturday, November 9.  

This year’s Book Festival featured an author’s discussion, a book signing, live music, a wildlife presentation, concessions, balloon twisting, face painting, games, augmented reality, and other activities. Visitors were also able to utilize any of the library’s resources. 

Headlining this year’s festival was Johnette Downing, a renowned author, singer, musician, composer, illustrator, and poet whose work is dedicated to celebrating childhood, nurturing cultural exchanges, and fostering literacy through her music and books. 

Another popular performance came from the Petite Princess Company, which provides family-friendly party entertainment across south Louisiana. The Petite Princess Company gave visitors a chance to interact with their Blue Pup and Orange Pup, based on the popular children’s cartoon series. 

To conclude the day, visitors enjoyed a wildlife presentation by Nature on the Geaux, which aims to foster a deeper connection to wildlife and nature through engaging and educational programs. 

Tanee Janusz, an environmental educator and skilled animal keeper for more than 25 years, presented a special “Creepy Critters” show featuring Nature on the Geaux’s “animal ambassadors,” which included snakes, reptiles, turtles, and spiders, among others. 

To view photos from this year's Livingston Parish Book Festival, visit the Library's Facebook page.