The LaSalle Parish Library’s Summer Reading Program continued last Friday with special guest Elizabeth Vidos, also known as Lady Chops.

Lady Chops was a one-woman drumming show, playing several different percussion instruments including the hand drum, triangle, guiro, vibraslap and much more. During the toe-tapping, energetic program, Lady Chops chose volunteers from the crowd to put together a five-man band to play “Flight of the Bumblebee.”

This Friday, both the Jena and Olla branches of the LaSalle Parish Library will welcome returning singer, author, poet and composer Johnette Downing. This literary musician serves up a gumbo of Louisiana roots in music and books.

Other performers set to appear this summer include Tommy and Debra Jo Hailey with their show “Pair-a-Docs” and Rosa Metoyer presenting “Butter Bean Tales.”

During the month of June, all Friday programs and special entertainers are provided in collaboration with the McKinney Vento’s Federal Grant through the LaSalle Parish School Board.

Children of all ages are invited to attend each Summer Reading Program event, and all programs are free of charge. Children who attend the events are entered into a drawing for prizes.

In addition to the Summer Story Hour programs, the LaSalle Parish Library is encouraging children to read during the summer by offering special prizes, like gift certificates and cash prizes. Special sheets are provided, where parents and guardians can mark how many minutes their children read during the summer. Grand prizes will be awarded during end of the year school events to those who log the most minutes.

For more information, please contact the LaSalle Parish Library at (318) 992-5675, visit them on Facebook at LaSalle Parish Library, or at www.lasalle.lib.la.us.