As pretty much any library patron can tell you, libraries aren't just for books anymore.
This month, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library system is set to host everything from author talks to fitness sessions to scary movies.
While many of the events are taking place at the Main Library, 7711 Goodwood Blvd., libraries across the city are also getting involved.
Here's a sample of what's happening:
The ever-popular Rick Steves is featured in the EBRPL's virtual Author Talk series in October.
Virtual Author Talk Series
The library continues its Author Talk Series with three new authors this month. Each live, virtual event features a different bestselling author, along with an interactive Q&A session where participants can ask questions directly to the author.
Visit libraryc.org/ebrpl to register for the virtual events, learn about other upcoming conversations with bestselling authors and view previous author talk recordings. For more information about these and other virtual events, visit ebrpl.co/virtual.
- 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10 — Join guidebook author and TV host Rick Steves as he shares the latest in smart European sightseeing and, as is his wont, encourages Americans to broaden their perspective through travel.
- 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18 — New York Times bestselling author of "The Woman in Cabin 10" and "The It Girl," Ruth Ware talks about her newest book, "Zero Days."
- 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct, 26 — John Irving chats about his most recent novel, "The Last Chairlift," as well as his prolific body of work and a lifetime spent writing.
Patrons walk past vendors’ booths set up outside the Main Library at Goodwood during the Baton Rouge Maker Faire in 2022. This year's faire is set for Saturday.
Horror movies … and fitness
To get into the swing of things, adults can join in a pre-movie workout, with 15-minute warm-ups using exercises from Hiveclass. For the exercise days, the exercise sessions last 30 minutes and are open to all skill levels.
All movies are at the Main Library on Goodwood.
- 6 p.m. Thursday — horror film screening: "The Thing" (1982, Rated R)
- 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11 — horror film screening: "Pet Sematary" (1989, Rated R)
- Noon Tuesday, Oct. 17 — Horror Fitness: Stretch & Strength
- 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24 — horror film screening: "M3GAN" (2022, Rated PG-13)
- 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26 — Horror Fitness: Fight or Flight
Additionally, at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, a family-friendly, Halloween-themed movie will be screened on the Main Library's outdoor plaza. Feel free to bring a lawn chair or blanket. Mimi's Italian Ice will be on site to sell treats, and there will be an after-movie dance party to boot. Family-friendly costumes are encouraged.
Baton Rouge Maker Faire
Join the faire in celebrating its 10th anniversary at the Main Library at Goodwood from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. Saturday. The Maker Faire is a venue for 'makers' to demonstrate hobbies, experiments, projects and more; this year's headliner is Burt Fleming, chainsaw carver and owner of WoodBCreations. Throughout the day, he will carve three wood sculptures with a chainsaw.
Kohitha Ankatha, 6, wraps yarn around a piece of cardboard to create a tassel at the Baton Rouge BeignYAYS’ booth during the Baton Rouge Maker Faire at the Goodwood Library in 2022.
Attic Treasures
Bring your collectibles, antiques and other treasures to the 23rd Annual Attic Treasures event at the Main Library at Goodwood from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. Participants may bring up to three items for expert review. Registration is not required.
The Rise of AI: How Everyone Can Win with Artificial Intelligence
Henry Hays, co-founder and CEO of DisruptReady, will give a presentation on AI at the Main Library at Goodwood at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25. Hays' DisruptReady educates other companies on emerging technologies, particularly AI.
Unleash Your Authorpreneur
Join authors Christee Atwood and Cheré Coen at the Main Library at Goodwood at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, for Unleash Your Authorpreneur: Independent Publishing Strategies, an enlightening journey into the world of independent publishing. With more than two dozen published books to their credit, Atwood and Coen will share the knowledge they have gathered in an interactive session where you can pose questions, share your experiences and engage with fellow aspiring authors.
Trick or Beat
Kids are encouraged to join the TMM Project for Trick or Beat, a hip-hop, feel-good musical performance with a live saxophonist, percussion, street dance, storytime, Halloween safety tips and more.
- 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 12 — Main Library at Goodwood
- 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12 — Scotlandville Branch Library
- 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 13 — River Center Branch Library
- 2:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13 — Greenwell Springs Road Regional Branch Library
- 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 — Carver Branch Library
- 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 — Pride-Chaneyville Branch Library
- 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 16 — Zachary Branch Library
- 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 16 — Jones Creek Regional Branch Library
Black Heritage Room Lecture: Garner vs. Louisiana
Hear about the history of one of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases, Garner v. Louisiana, at the Scotlandville Branch Library at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22. Joan Garner, daughter of John Burrell Garner, will talk about her father's role in the struggle for Black freedom and the Civil Rights Movement in Louisiana. This presentation is part of the Library’s Special Collections Lecture Series.
And the list doesn't end here. For more information about these events and many more, visit ebrpl.com.