Excitement is mounting at the Audubon Regional Library System as progress continues on several fronts — from outdoor facility upgrades in Clinton to a robust summer reading lineup and expanded resources for rural families.

The system, directed by Trevor Collings, serves two parishes — East Feliciana and St. Helena — with branches in Clinton, Jackson and Greensburg.

Clinton improvements planned

Many Clinton Branch patrons have been asking when the new outdoor features are coming — and the wait is nearly over. According to Director Collings, sealed bids for the new playground and parking lot project will be received on June 3. The winning bidder will be selected at the June 18 Library Board Meeting at 5 p.m. in Greensburg.

The project, expected to be completed by September or October, will feature a modern playground with a safe surface, a grassy area with a berm, a new walking path, and an outdoor shade structure with space to add portable tables and chairs for group activities. A significantly improved parking area will also replace the current deteriorating lot.

"This is something our patrons have wanted for a long time," Collings noted. As the father of four young children, he said he’s particularly attuned to how vital such community spaces can be.

Greensburg Library Plans Progress

Another exciting development is the progress toward building a new library in Greensburg, made possible through a combination of state funding and support from the St. Helena Parish Police Jury. “It’s been a long time coming — over 10 years,” Collings said, adding that more details will be shared soon as the project moves closer to becoming a reality.

Summer Reading 2025: 'Color Our World'

The annual Summer Reading Program officially launches June 1 at all three branches. All participants who complete the program will be entered to win a grand prize, a Kindle Fire tablet. The theme for 2025 is Color Our World, and the program runs through Aug. 2.

In addition to six featured special performers — like The PopRocks, Dr. Magic, Diamond Del’s Gem Mining, and h Snake ID — the branches will also host themed craft programs each week, such as visual storytelling, STEM building projects, and art-based activities. Craft themes range from “Spin Drum” and “Under the Sea Graham Cracker Art” to “3D Doodle Cat” and mixed media collages.

Reading logs must be turned in by Aug. 2, and certificates and final prizes must be picked up by Aug. 15.

Free Weekly Meal Kits

Returning for a second year is the Sun Meals To-Go program, providing USDA-funded, balanced meal kits to children ages 18 and under. The program is made possible through a partnership with the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank and Feeding America.

Pick-up begins June 4 in Clinton (serving East Feliciana Parish) and July 5 in Greensburg (for St. Helena Parish). Families must register at one of the three library branches. Clinton pickups will be held Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Greensburg pickups will occur Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., except for June 19 due to Juneteenth.

Expanded Library Services

Several new resources are either launching soon or already available:

  • Blood Pressure Monitoring Kits will soon be available, funded by a grant. Kiosks are expected to follow.
  • Wi-Fi Hotspots will soon be available for checkout — a vital resource for patrons in areas with limited internet access.
  • Laptops are available for in-house use at each branch for those who need access to technology during their visit.
  • Stay Sharp Kits, board games, and WonderBooks (interactive children’s books) are also part of the library’s circulating collection.

The library also continues to host story time, book clubs and other recurring programs year-round.

For more information, visit your local branch, check out the Audubon Regional Library Facebook page, or visit .