The Service League of Natchitoches, in conjunction with the Cane River National Heritage Area and the Natchitoches Parish Early Childhood Network, hosted Reading on the River, an annual literacy event for children that has become a beloved local tradition on March 14.
Mayor Williams was joined by St. Mary’s junior and 2026 Miss Avoyelles Arts and Music Festival Halle Campbell, the NSU Men’s Basketball team, and other community leaders in taking turns reading to children.
Families were treated to free books for every age group. The Natchitoches community made this possible by participating in book drives held by the Service League and other groups.
Families also enjoyed literacy themed crafts and activities as they strolled through the booths along the riverbank. The booths were sponsored by area day care facilities, churches, the Natchitoches School Board, and St. Mary’s as well as local businesses, banks, educational and civic groups.
The Service League of Natchitoches has been a fixture of our area’s philanthropic scene for over 75 years. The group boasts over 175 active members and sustainers (former members who have completed their six-year terms.) The annual Reading on the River event is just one of the many service projects this phenomenal group of women do in order to make our community a better place to live.
