Local author Bridget Plunkett will be at the Jackson Parish Library this Friday from 3:00pm – 5:00pm to sign her inaugural book Finn Rogers and the Heart of Elvelon. The first of a planned series of books by the Jackson Parish native is an inspiring children’s fantasy novel about a young boy of American Indian culture that has a failing heart.
“I am very excited to be at the Library this Friday to introduce and sign my initial book,” said Plunkett. “This is the culmination of three years of research and work and I hope everyone enjoys reading it as much as I did putting it all together.”
The inspiration to write the heart-warming story first came to Plunkett in 2017 when she took her children to a karate tournament in Albuquerque, New Mexico. While there she and the children visited the Zuni, Hopi and Navajo Indian reservations.
“I have relatives that are full blooded Indian and have always been interested and a little fascinated about their native lifestyle,” reflected Plunkett. “While touring I became enamored with the magical elements of their culture which led to my wanting to incorporate that into a book.”
The daughter of Jackson Parish residents, Lane Plunkett and Gwen (Walker) Smith, currently resides in Ruston where she is employed as a Supervisor of Nursing for the North Louisiana Medical Center. She is also the proud mother of her three children: Jayden – 19, Micaela – 14 and Xander – 12.
After graduating Quitman High School in 1997, Plunkett earned a nursing degree at Louisiana Tech in 2007. She then began her fourteen year medical career as a Registered Nurse at the LifeCare Specialty Rehab Center in Ruston where she stayed for ten years.
In 2017 Plunkett expanded her horizons by traveling all over the nation working as a contract nurse in many different medical areas such as Trauma and Emergency units, ICU and COVID-19 care before coming back to north Louisiana this past year.
The book, which Plunkett self-published through Amazon, can be purchased at the Library during the signing hours for a cost of $10.00 each or can be ordered online at: authorbridgetplunkett.com. Cost of the books ordered on line, which will each be individually autographed, is $13.00 each which includes shipping and handling.
Upcoming Jonesboro Branch activities
January 11 – LifeShare Blood Drive (10:00am – 4:00pm)
To register you can go online to: https://donor.lifeshare.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedules/219065 or call Joanna Gibson at 318-259-5697.
January 12 – A New Year – A New You (11:00am – 12:00pm)
The virtual program, sponsored by the LSU-AgCenter, features tips on how to manage your food dollars, staying physically active and having a balanced calorie controlled diet. Register by calling Cathy Judd at 318-251-5134.
January 14 – Break up with Salt (11:30am – 12:45 pm or 5:30pm – 6:30pm)
The virtual program, sponsored by the LSU AgCenter, provides information on the good and bad that the use of Salt does to your body. Register by calling Cathy Judd at 318-251-5134.
January 20th – Brown’s Hearing Market Research Program (10:00am – 4:00pm)
Participants can evaluate a new digital hearing instrument. This new digital technology is revolutionary in its ability to provide a natural sound experience within a device that is at the same time comfortable, discreet and easy to use. No registration required.
January 21 – Break up with Salt (11:30am – 12:45 pm or 5:30pm – 6:30pm)
January 22 – A New Year – A New You (11:00am – 12:00pm)
January 28 – Break up with Salt (11:30am – 12:45 pm or 5:30pm – 6:30pm)
Upcoming Chatham Branch activities
A take home Fitness Class Program is available for check out by calling 318-249-2980
Children programs
Take Home Art Projects and Surprises are now available. To register call the Jonesboro branch at 318-259-5697 and speak to Terrye Shackleford.
Outreach Services
Monthly personalized delivery of books, audiobooks, magazines and more are available to residents of Jackson Parish, including Nursing Home residents and in-home daycares.
Traditional Services
Provided at both branches are the ability to check out Music CD’s, Graphic Novels, Books, Audio Books, Genealogy Resources, DVD’s, Magazines and E-books for your tablet/smartphone. Fax and copy services are also available. Printing can be done from your Smartphone or Tablets through a free mobile printing app by sending an email along with attachments to: jpl-jonesboro@printspots.com or jpl-chatham@printspots.com
Jonesboro Branch information:
Address: 614 South Polk Avenue
Phone: 318-259-5697
Fax: 318-259-3374
Hours of operation: Monday – Friday (8:00am – 5:30pm), Saturday (8:00am – 12:00pm)
Chatham Branch information:
Address: 1500 Pine Street
Phone: 318-249-2980
Fax: 318-249-2981
Hours of operation: Monday-Thursday (8:30am – 6:00pm), Friday & Saturday (8:30am-12:30pm)
