Staff from Barcelo Gardens will teach a seedling-starter class at Nora Navra Library, 1902 St. Bernard Ave., on April 20 at 10:30 a.m.
In this hands-on gardening class, attendees can learn the skills to go from seed to harvest.
Participants will learn different ways to start seeds beyond the traditional method of starting in pots; how and when to transplant into a larger container or into the ground; what soil to use in each stage of the growing; best planting choices for the summer and early fall seasons, and more.
All attendees will get to practice their skills by planting their plant to bring home.
Barcelo Gardens is a community garden and fresh produce market in Upper 9th Ward New Orleans, dedicated to helping people learn to grow and providing access to fresh produce.
This program is sponsored by Friends of the New Orleans Public Library.
AUTHOR TALK: Author Xochitl Gonzalez will visit the New Orleans Public Library via Zoom for a virtual author talk on April 17 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The best-selling author will discuss her newest novel, "Anita de Monte Laughs Last,” which examines who gets to be remembered and who is left behind in the rarefied world of the elite.
Visit nolalibrary.co/xochitl-gonzales to register and submit your questions for Gonzalez.
GUN SAFETY: Increasing awareness of and access to safe firearm storage is an important means of preventing gun violence, the leading cause of death for people under 18 in Louisiana.
Health officials will distribute free cable and biometric gun locks at Algiers Regional Library, 3014 Holiday Drive, on April 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., as well as information about gun safety and secure storage.
Supplies are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. You must be at least 18 years old and live in Orleans Parish to receive a lock.
This event is presented by the Library in partnership with the New Orleans Health Department, Children's Hospital, and the Violence Prevention Institute at Tulane University.
BOOK PARTY: Children ages 6-12 and their families are invited to Cita Dennis Hubbell Library, 725 Pelican Ave., on April 20 for a Baby-Sitters Club-themed book party.
Stop by between 10:30 a.m. and noon for themed snacks, craft, activities and more. The library’s monthly Book Club parties are sponsored by the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library.
PRETEND PLAY: Role-playing fans have two opportunities to flex their imaginations at the New Orleans Public Library on April 20.
From 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Nix Library, 1401 S. Carrollton Ave., the Nixies and Nightgaunts Dungeons and Dragons group will meet to explore the adventure, grandeur and thrills the iconic game.
Or, role players can explore New Orleans during Prohibition times at the Smith Library, 6301 Canal Blvd., from 3 p.m to 4:30 p.m. at "Nouvelle Orleans de Nuit – A Vampire: The Masquerade Chronicle The Dark Oak."
First-time and veteran players welcome. Dice and pre-generated characters are provided. Both role-playing game sessions are for adults age 18 and up, and registration is required.
Visit events.nolalibrary.org to sign up.
Jane LeGros is the director of marketing and communications for the Orleans Parish Library.