A new month brings a new schedule of activities at the Jackson Parish Library (JPL). Unfortunately only the Jonesboro branch will be open for the near future as repairs are continuing at the Chatham branch following the damage to pipes that ruptured during the winter storm that reeked havoc on the area in late February. As a reminder to those who were scheduled to return books or other items to the branch while it has been closed, no fines will be accessed. 

WIN A T-SHIRT: The Jonesboro Branch opened the month by celebrating the March 2nd birthday of Dr. Seuss. To help celebrate the JPL issues a challenge to all readers up to the 4th grade to read as many Dr. Seuss books as possible until March 13th. For those who read ten or more books the JPL will issue a commemorative Dr. Seuss T-Shirt. 

Celebrate the month of “special days”– Did you know that the month of March has more special days than any other. Twelve of the 31 days in March are dedicated to an event or a person and that doesn’t include Palm Sunday, Daylight Savings Time starting or the beginning of Passover and the Spring season, which all takes place as well. A list of “special days” are shown below, several which will have information about or resources corresponding to the day available for your review. 

March 2	Read Across America Day
March 3	World Wildlife Day
March 4	National Cereal Day
March 10	Harriet Tubman Day
March 11	Inventors Day
March 14	Pi Day
March 15	Susan B. Anthony Day
March 17	St. Patrick’s Day
March 20	World Storytelling Day
March 21	World Poetry Day
March 30	National Pencil Day
March 31	National Crayon Day

Learn about the COVID-19 vaccine – Do you have questions concerning the COVID-19 vaccine? By appointment only, Ms. Jeanette White from the Office of Public Health will be available at the Jonesboro branch every Monday and Thursday at 1:00pm to answer any questions you may have and provide information. To secure an appointment either call (318) 259-6601, (318) 332 – 9204, send fax to 318-259-1146 or send email to: jeanette.glver@la.gov.

Pine Belt Multi-Purpose representative available for consultation – By appointment only, Client Service Manager TyAnne Williams is available for consultation every Wednesday from 9am – 12:00pm. You can receive help with Unemployment Application Assistance, SNAP Benefits Application, Medicaid/Medicare Enrollment, Social Security Benefits Application and Social Security Card Applications. Information on Financial Counseling Courses, Commodities Distribution and Senior Food Boxes will also be provided. To secure an appointment please call 318-259-6444.

SNAP Program assistance – Ms. Jerlissa Elzy, who is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Outreach Coordinator is available for assistance with Food Stamp Applications and redetermination as well as helping with a simplified report by calling 318-237-7764 or 318-322-3567.

Hear clearly to live fully – You are invited by Brown Hearing Center to participate in a market research program at the Jonesboro Branch on from 10:00am – 4:00 pm on Wednesday, March 17th to evaluate a new digital hearing instrument. To secure an appointment call 888-781-3978.

Children’s Programs

Art Classes: March art classes will take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00pm – 5:00 pm at the Jonesboro Branch. please come by the Jonesboro Branch. You can also come by any day to pick up art work supplies and instruction in conjunction with the “Grab and Go” program as long as your child is registered. Registration for April classes will begin on March 15th. You can either call at 318-259-5697 or come to the Jonesboro Branch and speak with Ms. Terrye Shackleford.

Reading Eggs and Math Seeds program: If you would like to enroll your child in this education enrichment program please contact: Terrye Shackleford at 318-269-5697. Please be prepared to provide a cell phone number that can be used for a text to be received that will contain your child’s username and password for the program. Please note that this program is NOT HELD AT THE LIBRARY but is for use at home. As a requirement you must have internet service at your home to participate. Your child can work on an iPad, Laptop, Computer or Kindle of any kind. There is no cost to participate. 

Homework Louisiana – Powered by tutor.com and found at HomeworkLa.org this online service is very beneficial in providing assistance with school studies for students of all ages. 

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.

Additional Services and Resources

Binge Box – Checkout multiple movies for one week that counts as only one checkout. 

Vox Books  (Books that talk) – The first audio books that live in print books. The attached VOX Reader transforms an ordinary print book into an all-in-one read along. No need for computers, tablets or CD’s. Simply push a button to listen and read. 

Flipster – An easy to use resource for viewing best selling digital magazines. 

Freegal Music – Service that provides access to virtually every song ever recorded in over 100 countries. Includes catalog of legendary artists and over 40,000 music videos. 

Chilton Automotive Guide – A must for those do-it-yourself auto repair projects. Provides detailed sketches and instructions on virtually every repair job and new parts installation for all makes and models of automobiles. 

PrinterOn – Printing can be done from your Smartphone or Tablets through this free app by sending an email along with attachments to: jpl-jonesboro@printspots.com or jpl-chatham@printspots.com

Fax and copy services: Available at both branches. Pricing dependent on size. 

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: Closed until further notice