News from your Calcasieu Parish Public Library! -January, 2026

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A Newsletter from Your Friends at the Calcasieu Parish Public Library!

January, 2026

Upcoming Programs for All Ages!

From Pen to Purpose:

Meet Author Gerron Duhon

Saturday, January 17
12:00pm - 1:00pm

Epps Memorial Library

1320 N. Simmons Street

Lake Charles, LA 70601

Learn More!

Join us for a special author event with Washington-Marion alum Gerron Duhon, author of The Purpose of Paper.

Hear the inspiration behind the book and learn about Gerron's writing journey.

Books will be available for purchase and signing, and audience questions are welcome!

Bolang Beats: Celebrate Lunar New Year

Wednesday, January 14
3:30pm - 5:00pm

at the Epps Memorial Branch

(for children)

Registration is required

Chess Club -

Casa De Ajedrez

Thursday, January 15
3:45pm - 4:45pm

at the Central Branch

(for all ages)

No registration is required

More Information

Clay Dragon Eyes

Thursday, January 15
4:00pm - 5:00pm

at the Carnegie Memorial Branch

(for children)

Registration is required

Digital Basics: Microsoft 365 Desktop Applications

Wednesday, January 21
11:30am - 1:00pm

at the Westlake Branch

(for adults)

Registration is required

ASL Basics: Letters

and Numbers

Monday, January 26
4:00pm - 5:30pm

at the Iowa Branch

(for all ages)

Registration is required

Create & Make Demo -

Oil Pastels

Tuesday, January 27
10:00am - 11:00am

at the DeQuincy Branch

(for adults)

Registration is required

Adulting 101: Finances

Tuesday, January 27
4:00pm - 5:15pm

at the Westlake Branch

(for teens)

Registration is required

Odds, Ends, and Masterpieces

Tuesday, January 27
4:00pm - 5:00pm

at the Starks Branch

(for adults)

Registration is required

VITA is returning to Calcasieu Parish Public Library!

Sponsored by United Way, trained volunteers will offer free tax preparation through the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) and TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) programs.

Services are provided by appointment only.

Find a Location

Who Qualifies for VITA?

Individuals who generally earn $67,000 or less
Persons with disabilities
Taxpayers with limited English proficiency

Appointments are required.

To schedule an appointment,

call 2-1-1.

Please bring all required documentation needed to file your taxes.

Ready for some Outdoor Fun?

Check out a Louisiana State Park Pass from your Library!

Louisiana is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty and fascinating history. You can now explore all of that for free.

All you need is your library card!

Discover the beauty and history of Louisiana by checking out a state park pass and a backpack to use when exploring Louisiana.

The pass allows one vehicle (regardless of the number of occupants) to get in free to one Louisiana State Park or historical site!

Due to the limited number of passes, only adults can check out a pass once every six months.

Find a Branch

In addition to the free passes, be sure to check out a

Geaux Explore Backpack to take along on your trip!

Each backpack contains:

Set of binoculars
Compass
Magnifying glass
Leave No Trace outdoor ethics cards
Louisiana Bird Guide
Louisiana Wildlife Guide
Louisiana Trees and Wildflower Guide

Check Out a Geaux Explore Backpack

Please note: The Geaux Explore Backpack is not included with the State Park Pass and must be checked out separately. Additionally, you can check out the backpack without checking out a Park Pass.