“There’s no need to BOOK your place for these events. Just meet us at Westside Library,” reads the flier for Ugly Art, a library event in which even the least talented artists can show off their skills as they create the ugliest art imaginable. After all, aren’t there entire celebrations dedicated to ugly Christmas sweaters?!

 

Libraries are about so much more than books! Free programming for infants through senior adults fill the calendar each month at branches across Rapides Parish. From book clubs to art classes, there are numerous opportunities for fun and enrichment without opening your pocketbook! For complete listings or to register for events, visit rpl.org. 

 

I’ve gathered 18 free, no registration required, activities at the Westside Regional branch for the month of September. 8 additional activities, while also free, require advance booking. 

 

September:

3- The Southern: A Book Club, 10-11 AM, This Month’s Book: Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis, Adults

 

3- Crafty Tuesdays, 3:30-4:15 PM, Fall-themed crafts, 2-12 years

 

3- Ugly Art, 4-5 PM, 6-18 years

 

*4- Creative Canvases, 10 AM-Noon, painting class, Adults

 

5- Toddler Time, 10-10:30 AM, toddler storytime and fun, Toddlers

 

6- Storytime, 10-10:30 AM, Birth-12 years

 

9- A Little Bit of Everything Book Club, 6-7 PM, This month’s book: Cold Blood by Truman Capote, Adults

 

*10- Google Docs class, 10-11 AM, computer class, Adults

 

10- Crafty Tuesdays, 3:30-4:15 PM, Fall-themed crafts, 2-12 years

 

11- Fall Planting with LSU-Ag’s Molly Lyles, 10 AM-Noon, Teens/Adults

 

12- Westside Fit! 9-10 AM, chair aerobics and yoga, Adults

 

*12- As Young as You Feel Club, 10-11:30 AM, fellowship and bingo, Adults

 

12- Toddler Time, 10-10:30 AM, toddler storytime and fun, Toddlers

 

*12- Beaded Dragonfly Craft, 11:30-1:30, Adults

 

13-Storytime, 10-10:30 AM, Birth-12 years

 

*13- Creative Canvases, 5-7 PM, painting class, Adults

 

*14- Tie Dye, 10-11 AM, fabric painting, 6-17 years old

 

17- Crafty Tuesdays, 3:30-4:15 PM, Fall-themed crafts, 2-12 years

 

19- Toddler Time, 10-10:30 AM, toddler storytime and fun, Toddlers

 

20-Storytime, 10-10:30 AM, Birth-12 years

 

24- Crafty Tuesdays, 3:30-4:15 PM, Fall-themed crafts, 2-12 years

 

*24- Creative Canvases, 5:30-7:30 PM, painting class, Adults

 

*25- Home School Art: Apple Tote, 10-11 AM, printing with apple slices, 6-17 years

 

26- Toddler Time, 10-10:30 AM, toddler storytime and fun, Toddlers

 

26- Cenla Author’s Club, 6-7 PM, Guest author: Tom Aswell, Adults

 

27- Storytime, 10-10:30 AM, Birth-12 years

 

*Registration required

 

Westside Regional Library is located at 5416 Provine Place, Alexandria. They can be reached at 318-442-2483.