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BLOG OF FIRST LADY OF LOUISIANA DONNA EDWARDS

Are Public Libraries
Still Relevant?

March 2023

March is National Reading Month. As a former educator, this subject is dear to me. So let’s talk about a crucial aspect of reading: our Public Libraries. In today’s fast-access internet driven world, are public libraries still relevant? Absolutely.

Visiting the public library can remind you of past experiences. I fondly remember searching for books to add to my list for the Summer Reading Challenge. Did anyone else rent VHS tapes and DVDs from their library? I definitely remember a feeling of pride after getting my very own library card and using it to check out books. I loved the excitement generated when the librarian stamped my newly found treasures.

We now live in a digital world of convenience with so many virtual platforms for us to engage. I have lost count of the media streaming platforms available, and I absolutely utilize digital and audible books. With all of the convenience available to us through a click, are our public libraries still relevant? Here are a few reasons to make the case that our libraries are not only relevant…but necessary!

LFF_Blog_2023_FirstLady

Support for Education

Public libraries offer so much more than book rental services. They provide essential resources used for educational and business purposes, such as high-speed internet access, computers, e-books, printers, and various other tech gadgets. The global pandemic we recently experienced heightened the realization that not everyone has access to wi-fi and internet services. Additionally, not everyone owns a home computer. Our public libraries have these vital resources available to everyone free of charge. Most public libraries also offer literacy and homework support, story-time, afterschool and summer learning programming, teen spaces and study rooms, job training, and other employment services.

Capturing History As it Occurs

Did you know that public libraries were not always free to everyone? In 1731 Ben Franklin’s “Library Company.” was founded. The Library Company was created to share and trade books exclusive to upper-class white men. In the early 1800’s black literary societies began emerging primarily among African American men. This movement grew to include everyone,  and members paid dues and met regularly to encourage and improve reading, writing, and speaking skills. Black literacy societies led the way for early social justice and human rights reforms.

The National Association For Colored Women’s Club (NACWC) was formed in 1896. This group of women delivered books to children in rural communities who lacked access to books otherwise. This movement spurred the invention of the “Bookmobile“! These mobile libraries traveled to rural areas to promote literacy and advocate for more public libraries. The advocacy of this group is recognized as the beginning of today’s public library system.

Building and Sustaining Healthy Communities

According to the American Library Association (ALA), there are more public libraries in America than Starbucks! Libraries often serve as community hubs that support and empower local community members’ social, political, and personal well-being. Libraries serve as refuges providing safe shelter from open to closing hours for vulnerable populations such as children and those facing housing insecurities. Our libraries also preserve and house historical records readily available to the public. Social services, health information, and programs are often facilitated and hosted at public libraries. Workshops, training, and information are offered to vulnerable populations such as senior citizens, language learners, job seekers, people with disabilities, and many more. And our public libraries help us “reduce, reuse, and recycle”. By making our public library resources “rentable”, we can reduce environmental harm by buying fewer books and reusing those offered from the library.

Free!

As the cost of living continues to rise, public libraries remain one of the few free spaces that provide public resources catering to the most diverse demographics: toddlers, people facing housing insecurity and unemployment, people with disabilities, students, senior citizens, educators, parents, and caregivers. Everyone can access countless resources and services free of charge.

It is important to note: public libraries receive most of their funding from the local (city, county, and district) government and smaller portions from the state and federal government. Pay attention to your local and off-cycle elections. Library millage renewals and taxes used to support these necessary institutions can fly under the radar.

One of the best ways to keep public library doors open is to support and patronize them. So during March, National Reading Month, patronize your local library. Obtain or renew your library card. Thank a Librarian – and READ!

If you need help locating your local public library, please visit this website. I hope you have a memorable adventure getting lost in reading a book.

God bless,

LFF_blog_signature

Are Public Libraries Still Relevant?

March 2023

LFF_Blog_2023_FirstLady

 

March is National Reading Month. As a former educator, this subject is dear to me. So let’s talk about a crucial aspect of reading: our Public Libraries. In today’s fast-access internet driven world, are public libraries still relevant? Absolutely.

Visiting the public library can remind you of past experiences. I fondly remember searching for books to add to my list for the Summer Reading Challenge. Did anyone else rent VHS tapes and DVDs from their library? I definitely remember a feeling of pride after getting my very own library card and using it to check out books. I loved the excitement generated when the librarian stamped my newly found treasures.

We now live in a digital world of convenience with so many virtual platforms for us to engage. I have lost count of the media streaming platforms available, and I absolutely utilize digital and audible books. With all of the convenience available to us through a click, are our public libraries still relevant? Here are a few reasons to make the case that our libraries are not only relevant…but necessary!

Support for Education

Public libraries offer so much more than book rental services. They provide essential resources used for educational and business purposes, such as high-speed internet access, computers, e-books, printers, and various other tech gadgets. The global pandemic we recently experienced heightened the realization that not everyone has access to wi-fi and internet services. Additionally, not everyone owns a home computer. Our public libraries have these vital resources available to everyone free of charge. Most public libraries also offer literacy and homework support, story-time, afterschool and summer learning programming, teen spaces and study rooms, job training, and other employment services.

Capturing History As it Occurs

Did you know that public libraries were not always free to everyone? In 1731 Ben Franklin’s “Library Company.” was founded. The Library Company was created to share and trade books exclusive to upper-class white men. In the early 1800’s black literary societies began emerging primarily among African American men. This movement grew to include everyone,  and members paid dues and met regularly to encourage and improve reading, writing, and speaking skills. Black literacy societies led the way for early social justice and human rights reforms.

The National Association For Colored Women’s Club (NACWC) was formed in 1896. This group of women delivered books to children in rural communities who lacked access to books otherwise. This movement spurred the invention of the “Bookmobile“! These mobile libraries traveled to rural areas to promote literacy and advocate for more public libraries. The advocacy of this group is recognized as the beginning of today’s public library system.

Building and Sustaining Healthy Communities

According to the American Library Association (ALA), there are more public libraries in America than Starbucks! Libraries often serve as community hubs that support and empower local community members’ social, political, and personal well-being. Libraries serve as refuges providing safe shelter from open to closing hours for vulnerable populations such as children and those facing housing insecurities. Our libraries also preserve and house historical records readily available to the public. Social services, health information, and programs are often facilitated and hosted at public libraries. Workshops, training, and information are offered to vulnerable populations such as senior citizens, language learners, job seekers, people with disabilities, and many more. And our public libraries help us “reduce, reuse, and recycle”. By making our public library resources “rentable”, we can reduce environmental harm by buying fewer books and reusing those offered from the library.

Free!

As the cost of living continues to rise, public libraries remain one of the few free spaces that provide public resources catering to the most diverse demographics: toddlers, people facing housing insecurity and unemployment, people with disabilities, students, senior citizens, educators, parents, and caregivers. Everyone can access countless resources and services free of charge.

It is important to note: public libraries receive most of their funding from the local (city, county, and district) government and smaller portions from the state and federal government. Pay attention to your local and off-cycle elections. Library millage renewals and taxes used to support these necessary institutions can fly under the radar.

One of the best ways to keep public library doors open is to support and patronize them. So during March, National Reading Month, patronize your local library. Obtain or renew your library card. Thank a Librarian – and READ!

If you need help locating your local public library, please visit this website. I hope you have a memorable adventure getting lost in reading a book.

God bless,

LFF_blog_signature
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FEATURE

Oh, the Places You’ll Go… Because of Reading!

Mrs. DeEtte Wick

Lincoln Parish Schools

In honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, March has become National Reading Month which provides schools across America and Louisiana a chance to celebrate reading. Reading Dr. Seuss’ books has become a rite of passage for children. His rhythm and rhyme have captivated young readers for generations. As I reflect on the works of Dr. Seuss, I cannot help but think about his book, Oh, The Places You’ll Go! This exciting book encourages readers to imagine and dream about the world, and what the future holds. Like this book, reading can transport us anywhere and open doors to new ideas, possibilities, and experiences. Today’s busy world offers many distractions, and reading reduces stress and improves concentration. Reading teaches, reading inspires and reading changes lives.

LFF_Blog_March2023_Feature01

It is my opinion that people who do not like reading have yet to find the right book. I believe these words, I teach these words, and I live these words. As a fifth grader, I did not like to read. It was boring, and I wanted nothing to do with it. Then, I discovered Avonlea in Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery, and my world changed. Anne Shirley’s kindred spirit spoke to me. Her creativity, friendships, adventures, and wit transported me to another world and led to the beginning of my love for reading. I want my students to find their book, the one that changes reading from an assignment to joy.

Dystopian novels are always a favorite, as they prompt students to imagine a completely different world, a “what if?” Historical fiction transports students to another time. Fantasy books are perfect for dreamers – students who want to escape to a whole new world. What is most powerful is when students find a character with which they can identify. Realistic fiction can make readers feel seen or known and understand they are not alone. Watching students light up when the right book is in their hands is one of the many highlights of my job. Dr. Seuss wrote, “You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax; all you need is a book.” The right book can literally change a person’s life.

Can a book a day keep the doctor away? Quite possibly. Reading each day has been shown to reduce stress, improve sleep, and help with relaxation. Reading is one of the brain’s most complex processes requiring significant attention and focus. When readers focus on a book, they can take a break from the stress of real life. And we all need a break. This escape from stress helps decompress our minds and makes reading a great activity before bed. Turning off the screens and opening a book lets the mind let go of everything else. Consistent time spent reading helps to train the brain to focus, and that focus carries over into other areas of life. Students that struggle with feelings of alienation and loneliness also benefit when they can turn off the stress of life for a while; reading provides this escape. The bottom line? Reading is just what the doctor ordered. 

As a teacher, parents often ask me how they can help their children with school. The answer is easy: read. Reading improves comprehension, vocabulary, and writing. When students read books, they are exposed to new and different places, experiences, and ideas. As a student reads, their brains create places to store this information. Whether reading fiction or nonfiction, students are increasing their knowledge capacity. This knowledge can be applied throughout multiple school subjects and improves comprehension of new content. Vocabulary learned in the context of reading makes more sense than words learned in isolation. As a child’s vocabulary grows through reading, they can use those words in their writing and speaking. Reading also helps improve writing. The more students read, the more they are exposed to varying sentence structures, writing styles, and organization. These skills directly correlate to how a student learns to write and improves their writing. It all comes back to reading. Then, there is the question every student wants to ask, “When will I use this in real life?” Reading connects to comprehension, vocabulary, and communication; every job on their dream list requires them to communicate effectively. Reading fundamentally sets children up for the rest of their lives. It’s almost magic!

While schools celebrate reading this month, reading doesn’t begin or end in March. In my classroom, we will read as much as we can all year long. While the benefits of reading seem endless, a child lost in a book is simply a joy, as all the benefits of reading are happening without them even knowing. Dr. Seuss said it best, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go,” – Oh, how exciting it is to watch the places these children go!

FEATURE

Oh, the Places You’ll Go… Because of Reading!

Mrs. DeEtte Wick

Lincoln Parish Schools

LFF_Blog_March2023_Feature01

It is my opinion that people who do not like reading have yet to find the right book. I believe these words, I teach these words, and I live these words. As a fifth grader, I did not like to read. It was boring, and I wanted nothing to do with it. Then, I discovered Avonlea in Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery, and my world changed. Anne Shirley’s kindred spirit spoke to me. Her creativity, friendships, adventures, and wit transported me to another world and led to the beginning of my love for reading. I want my students to find their book, the one that changes reading from an assignment to joy.

Dystopian novels are always a favorite, as they prompt students to imagine a completely different world, a “what if?” Historical fiction transports students to another time. Fantasy books are perfect for dreamers – students who want to escape to a whole new world. What is most powerful is when students find a character with which they can identify. Realistic fiction can make readers feel seen or known and understand they are not alone. Watching students light up when the right book is in their hands is one of the many highlights of my job. Dr. Seuss wrote, “You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax; all you need is a book.” The right book can literally change a person’s life.

Can a book a day keep the doctor away? Quite possibly. Reading each day has been shown to reduce stress, improve sleep, and help with relaxation. Reading is one of the brain’s most complex processes requiring significant attention and focus. When readers focus on a book, they can take a break from the stress of real life. And we all need a break. This escape from stress helps decompress our minds and makes reading a great activity before bed. Turning off the screens and opening a book lets the mind let go of everything else. Consistent time spent reading helps to train the brain to focus, and that focus carries over into other areas of life. Students that struggle with feelings of alienation and loneliness also benefit when they can turn off the stress of life for a while; reading provides this escape. The bottom line? Reading is just what the doctor ordered. 

As a teacher, parents often ask me how they can help their children with school. The answer is easy: read. Reading improves comprehension, vocabulary, and writing. When students read books, they are exposed to new and different places, experiences, and ideas. As a student reads, their brains create places to store this information. Whether reading fiction or nonfiction, students are increasing their knowledge capacity. This knowledge can be applied throughout multiple school subjects and improves comprehension of new content. Vocabulary learned in the context of reading makes more sense than words learned in isolation. As a child’s vocabulary grows through reading, they can use those words in their writing and speaking. Reading also helps improve writing. The more students read, the more they are exposed to varying sentence structures, writing styles, and organization. These skills directly correlate to how a student learns to write and improves their writing. It all comes back to reading. Then, there is the question every student wants to ask, “When will I use this in real life?” Reading connects to comprehension, vocabulary, and communication; every job on their dream list requires them to communicate effectively. Reading fundamentally sets children up for the rest of their lives. It’s almost magic!

While schools celebrate reading this month, reading doesn’t begin or end in March. In my classroom, we will read as much as we can all year long. While the benefits of reading seem endless, a child lost in a book is simply a joy, as all the benefits of reading are happening without them even knowing. Dr. Seuss said it best, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go,” – Oh, how exciting it is to watch the places these children go!

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LOUISIANA FIRST FOUNDATION

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Celebrating Women & Music

Teach Mam
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My Community Cares Initiative
to Expand Statewide

Louisiana Foster's
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LACAC Continues Partnership with the Governor’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention

Human Trafficking

GOVERNOR’S MANSION

Have you ever wondered what the inside of the Governor’s Mansion looks like? If so, come along on a virtual tour with First Lady Donna H. Edwards as she speaks of the rich history within the Mansion walls.

https://youtu.be/04ZoezwRB8I

In person tours are available on Tuesday and Thursday at 10 am for community groups and schools. Contact mansiontours@la.gov to check availability.

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Visit the Governor's Mansion Store
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Women’s Health

LIVING WELL THROUGH PROPER NUTRITION

by Dedra G. King

Eating a well-balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables can promote healthier living. 

Proper nutrition starts with making informed choices that improve health. The benefits of a healthy diet not only include disease prevention and increased energy, but it also increases overall wellness. It is important for women to have access to healthy foods that are affordable. Being informed and knowing your individual needs can assist in developing better eating habits.

A Woman’s Nutritional Health
Women have unique nutritional needs during different stages of life. The average calorie needs for women are between 1600 – 2400 per day. This varies based on physical activity, age, height, and weight. A woman’s metabolism differs from a man’s; women tend to have less muscle and more body fat.  

Young Adults. More calories are needed for growth and development during these years and usually decrease after age 25.

Pregnancy. Since the proper nutrients are essential to the development of a growing baby, pregnant women need folic acid, iron, protein, and calcium in their diet. Nursing mothers must also eat a healthy diet and increased water intake.

Menopause. The risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and osteoporosis increases after menopause. 

Women going through menopause should consult their healthcare provider for guidance on proper diet and prevention.

Benefits of Proper Nutrition

  • Good source of essential vitamins and minerals
  • Reduces and prevents chronic disease
  • Helps to maintain a healthy weight
  • Influences family members to eat healthier
  • Energy source

Dietary Guidelines for Healthy Living (MyPlate.gov)

  • Vegetables – 2 ½ cups eq/day
  • Fruit – 2 cups eq/day
  • Grains – 6 ounces eq/day
  • Dairy – 3 cups eq/day
  • Protein – 5 ½ ounces eq/day
  • Oils – 27 grams/day
  • Calorie limit (other) – 240 kcal/day

Small Steps to Living Well

  • Gradually add a fruit or vegetable to each meal
  • Create a grocery list with healthy options
  • Drink water with lemon instead of sugary drinks
  • Reach for a healthy snack such as nuts, fruit, or low-fat cheese
  • Increase fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and potassium intake
  • Limit foods with added sugar
  • Eat a variety of food from all different food groups (fruit, vegetables, grains, dairy, and protein)
  • Reduce sodium intake
  • Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in saturated fat

Living a healthy lifestyle begins with small steps. Staying informed about your health is a great way to make gradual changes and make healthier food choices. As you implement these recommendations, you are on your way to living a well-balanced life.

 Websites for additional resources

Read More...
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People of
Louisiana

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Tamela Phillips <br> SCHOOLS

Tamela Phillips
SCHOOLS

Vietnam War Commemoration <br> MILITARY

Vietnam War Commemoration
MILITARY

SCHOOLS

Tamela Phillips

SCHOOLS
MILITARY

Vietnam War Commemoration

MILITARY

RECIPE

from the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion

These cookies are a triple threat: delicious, healthy and easy to make! In honor of National Reading Awareness Month, make yourself a plateful of these cookies, find a cozy corner, and snuggle in with that book you’ve been promising yourself!

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Memorable Verse

March 2023

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THE FIRST DOGS

March 2023

Puppy kisses and four-leaf clover wishes!

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MEET OUR EDITOR

Delery Rice

LFF_Blog_Nov2022_Delery_Editor

MEET OUR EDITOR

Delery Rice

A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Delery has lived there all of her life except during undergraduate school and a brief stint in Seattle, WA. She is a mother to four boys, ranging in ages from 21 to 16, and they are the heart and soul of her life.

Delery earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and Master’s Degree from Louisiana State University. She completed a fellowship at Loyola University, New Orleans Institute of Politics, and currently attends Harvard Kennedy School of Public Policy. Her volunteer work has mostly evolved from issues that have affected her personally. Actively engaged in disability rights advocacy, Delery has testified numerous times in the Louisiana Legislature regarding issues that affect persons with developmental disabilities. She served as the chair of the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council, worked for seven years directing regional advocacy efforts and is a graduate of Louisiana’s Partners In Policymaking.

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