[StBernard] Youngsters can craft with author at St. Bernard Parish Library

[Westley Annis]

Youngsters can craft with author at St. Bernard Parish Library

Published: Friday, December 02, 2011, 8:44 AM     Updated: Friday, December
02, 2011, 9:29 AM

  By Kim Gritter 

With the many expenses associated with the impending holiday season, some
parents may find themselves struggling to find fun yet inexpensive
entertainment for the family. If so, stop by the St. Bernard Parish Library
for this month's Saturday Morning Family Fun Program.

Local author and award-winning storyteller Dianne de Las Casas will share
her book, "A is for Alligator: Draw and Tell Tales," with readers of all
ages on Dec. 10 at the library, 2600 Palmisano Blvd., Chalmette. De Las
Casas also will help participants create amazing artwork using the ABCs
during the hour-long program that begins promptly at 10:30 a.m.

Supplies will be provided, and parents will be asked to assist young
artists.

Dubbed "traditional folklore gone fun" and "revved-up storytelling," de Las
Casas' presentations are full of opportunities for energetic audience
participation. She adapts traditional folklore with song and humor. Through
the use of character voices and animated facial expressions and gestures, de
Las Casas creates a world of fantasy and enchantment for listeners of all
ages. More information about de La Casas, who tours internationally
presenting programs, educator/librarian training, workshops and artist
residencies, can be found at www.storyconnection.net.

The Dec. 10 program is free to the public thanks to a grant from the
Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department
of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State
Arts Council as administered by the St. Tammany Commission on Cultural
Affairs.

The St. Bernard Parish Library's fall session of weekly storytime sessions,
Tales on Tuesdays, has two more installments before it wraps up the season.

The last two Tales on Tuesdays of the season will be held Tuesday and Dec.
13 at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Each session runs about 45 minutes and introduces children to literature
through storybooks, poetry, flannel boards, finger plays and participatory
activities.

Tales on Tuesdays is a free service provided by the St. Bernard Parish
Library.

For information about the many amenities offered at the library, call
504.279.0448 or visit the library at its new location, 2600 Palmisano Blvd.,
Chalmette.

Information also is available at www.stbernard.lib.la.us.

Kim Gritter can be reached at kgritter at timespicayune.com or 504.826.3792.