Award-winning author Corie Adjmi will visit the Latter Branch Library on Jan. 4 to discuss her first novel “The Marriage Box.” The book tells the story of Casey Cohen, a 16-year-old Middle Eastern Jew, living in New Orleans in the 1970s when she starts hanging out with the wrong crowd. Then she gets in trouble, and her parents turn her world upside down by deciding to return to their roots, the Orthodox Syrian Jewish community in Brooklyn.
Casey is at first shocked by this unfamiliar culture, but after she meets Michael, she’s enticed by it. Looking for love and a place to belong, she marries him at 18, believing she can adjust to Syrian ways. But she begins to question her decision when she discovers that Michael doesn’t want her to go to college; he wants her to have a baby instead.
Adjmi was born and raised in New Orleans and, like her protagonist, moved to Brooklyn when she was 16. Her talk kicks off at 5:30 p.m.
Playtime for babies: Parents and caregivers are invited to stimulate their baby’s playtime at Nora Navra Library every Friday in January from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the library’s Artsy Baby: Hands-On Fun program. On Jan. 5, attendees will do tummy time painting, a mess-free, art-making activity using paint in a Ziploc bag.
Other Artsy Baby activities will feature sensory bags, Bubble Wrap art and handprints. Visit nolalibrary.org/early-lit for details.
Music and literacy: To explore natural connections between music and early literacy, stop by Norman Mayer Library on Jan. 6 at 10:30 a.m. for Blue House Music, a program designed for children ages birth to 5 years old that encourages healthy development through meaningful musical experiences. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library and will feature singing, storytelling, and more.
Gun locks available: Health officials will distribute free cable and biometric gun locks at East New Orleans Regional Library on Jan. 9., as well as information about gun safety and secure storage. Available to Orleans Parish Residents 18+, while supplies last. One per person, must be present to get one. Please note that guns are not permitted inside the library.
This event is part of the National Be Smart Program, partnership with the New Orleans Health Department and Children's Hospital. This initiative promotes responsible gun ownership to protect kids and reduce child firearm death and injury. For more information, about responsible gun ownership and secure gun storage, please visit Be Smart For Kids.
King cake book talk: Author Matt Haines will discuss his “Big Book of King Cake,” at Hubbell Library on Jan. 9. The book celebrates the age-old story of New Orleans' favorite treat through lush photography of more than 150 unique king cakes and stories from the diverse and talented bakers who make them.
Haines’ interest in king cake was sparked in 2017 while eating more than 80 varieties during a single Carnival season. Based in New Orleans, Haines writes professionally about food, travel, current events and inspirational people.
Jane LeGros is the director of marketing and communications for the Orleans Parish Library.