Mitch the Magician, of MLR Magic, thrilled audiences across Natchitoches recently, pulling volunteers from the crowd to build a different show at every stop. Each performance became its own story, shaped by whoever was brave enough to join in. The shows were part of the Natchitoches Parish Library’s (NPL) Summer Reading Program (SRP).
The NPL wraps up its 2026 SRP with one final round of guest performances, and the community is invited to help send it off in style. Professor Universe brings a science-meets-showmanship act for any age group to four performances on July 22 and 23, with no registration required. Families can choose whichever date and location works best:
- Wednesday, July 22: 10 AM at the Downtown Riverbank Stage and 2 PM at the Northeast Branch (NEB) in Campti
- Thursday, July 23: 2 PM and 6 PM at the Main Branch
“We hope all our summer readers come to this exciting final SRP performance,” said Alan Niette, NPL Deputy Director. “While you’re here, be sure to log your reading hours and collect any rewards you’ve earned. And, for those that have yet to sign up, there’s still time to register and read your 12 completion hours before the end of the month!”
Beyond the final SRP show, the library has several more free events on the calendar this month, all requiring registration. Kid Gamers Club meets at the Main Branch on Saturday, July 25, from 2-3:30 PM, with Nintendo Wii U multiplayer games on the big screen and board games on hand. Attendees are also invited to bring their own systems or games to share. Children can make a fossil necklace at the NEB on Monday, July 27, at 4 PM. Harvest of the Month returns in partnership with the LSU AgCenter Extension Office on Tuesday, July 28 at 6 PM at Main, and teens and adults can drop into Magic: The Gathering Club that same evening, from 6-8 PM at Main.
Adults have two more chances to join in the fun this month. Space is running out to register for Paint Night with Brittany at Main on Tuesday, July 21, at 6 PM, with only five seats left. Healthy Eating with Erin Stockton of the LSU AgCenter comes to the NEB on Thursday, July 30, at 10:30 AM to share tips on nutrition while demonstrating a recipe for attendees.
Registration is required for all events except the Professor Universe shows. Call 318-357-3280 for Main Branch events or 318-476-3280 for NEB events, and watch for NPL’s full August lineup soon at thismonth.natlib.org.