NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The New Orleans Public Library shares it is gearing up for a summer full of fun, with its annual reading challenge, dozens of free programs for all ages, and two new museum partners in the Culture Pass program.
Through this service, library cardholders above the age of 18 and living in Orleans Parish can reserve admission to the Tate, Etienne, and Prevost Interpretive Center (TEP Center), a Civil Rights museum located inside the Lower 9th Ward’s McDonogh 19 building, the school desegregated by Leona Tate, Gail Etienne, and Tessie Prevost in 1960. Cardholders can now also book a guided tour of the French Quarter History Galleries at the Historic New Orleans Collection, a museum dedicated to the preservation of the history and culture of New Orleans and Gulf South.
New Orleans Public Library Executive Director and City Librarian Emily Painton said she is excited the new partner institutions will be available for cardholders this summer, which can be reserved at culturepass.nolalibrary.org.
“As the school year ends and families are looking for something fun, free, and educational to do with their children, we hope they think of the Library,” said Painton in a release about the programming. “With the addition of the TEP Interpretive Center and the Historic New Orleans Collection, we’re proud to offer free admission to a total of 14 museums and attractions across the city. Both the HNOC and the TEP Center highlight often overlooked stories, and we hope partnering with them helps open more eyes to these histories, while also removing financial barriers to accessing our city’s many cultural institutions.”
The library is also preparing for the return of the Summer Fun & Reading Contest. With two months packed full of events, activities, prizes, and more for children, teens, and adults of all ages, the library sys the tradition is a fun way to keep reading skills sharp, make new discoveries, and create unforgettable memories.
The Friends of the New Orleans Public Library sponsor the Summer Fun & Reading Challenge. Executive Director Shannan Cvitanovic encourages everyone to participate, regardless of age or interest.
“The library’s summer programming is a free ticket to adventure, imagination, community, and, of course, fun,” said Cvitanovic. “Whether you’re a bookworm or just learning to read, whether you’re 10 years old or approaching 100, there truly is something for everyone at the Library this summer. It’s a wonderful thing to be a part of, and I can’t wait to see it all come together.”
This year’s Summer Fun & Reading Challenge runs from June 1 through July 31. Everyone who signs up receives a prize just for registering. Logging 800 minutes of reading and completing a variety of Library-themed activities will earn participants another prize – including a limited-edition tote bag designed by local artist Sean Clark.
Funding for the 2025 Summer Fun & Reading Program also comes from the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund, the Jazz & Heritage Foundation, and Raising Canes. Preregistration is open now. Visit summerfun.nolalibrary.org to learn more or visit any Library location to sign up.
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