May 4, 2026
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Since 1957, the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library have been standing up for the Library’s mission through sponsorship, fundraising, and advocacy work.
Get Back-to-School Ready with the Library
Aimé Lohmeyer
Aimé Lohmeyer is a librarian and the head of outreach for the New Orleans Public Library.
Pack up those backpacks, sharpen those pencils, and lace up those new shoes because it’s time for New Orleans to go back to school. But, are you sure you have all the supplies you need? One of the most versatile tools for student success is not only free, but available to all ages, all over the city, and to all types of students. Yep, you guessed it, it’s your New Orleans Public Library.
Remember when our PBS friend Arthur Read said “Having fun isn’t hard when you have a library card!” What he didn’t say was, just having a card isn’t enough –– you also need to use it. Lucky for us, doing just that is now easier than ever before.
Libraries have come a long way over the years, and there are more options than ever for how we can use our cards ––and more library resources than Arthur would’ve ever thought possible. In addition to offering books, magazines, movies, and programs, you can access the Library digitally 24-hours a day, seven days a week, completely free.
So, when it comes to making the grade, whether you’re a do-your-homework-right-after-schooler or a Sunday-night-scrambler, your New Orleans Public Library card has got you covered.
Below are just a few of our favorite education-based e-resources that are sure to help any student succeed in school this year.
Accessible to all Louisiana residents with a Library card, Homework Louisiana is a comprehensive educational tool offering one-on-one, online tutoring in all subjects, for K through college level, by real instructors and educators.
This online encyclopedia and atlas is a fun educational, interactive way to explore the world. With thousands of articles and videos and customizable results based on age group and grade level, Britannica Library is a fantastic resource for all learners.
Learning Express is an online hub for test prep, video instruction, and career resources for high school, college, and adult learners.
It’s a great place to get ready for college admission tests, AP exams, learn more about potential career paths, and so much more.
Keep in mind, though, that well-rounded students, accomplished adults, and life-long learners, aren’t people who simply pass the test. They open themselves up to new ideas, step outside of their comfort zones, try new things they may not be good at right away, and strive to know more. Going back to school doesn’t have to be all work and no play, and really, it shouldn’t be! Much of what we call “play” is also learning, just not in the service of the strictly academic.
We hope by now it’s no surprise that the Library is here for when you want to have some fun, too. But these resources are not just online, but in person and at our city’s great museums, the zoo, and aquarium, as well.
Access to hundreds of video tutorials by artists and makers in painting, drawing, crafting, and more, for all ages and skill levels.
Stream, on-demand movies, documentaries and foreign films on your devices or your TV at home.
Located at Main Library and just for teens, this makerspace has the mentors, computers and equipment to help you learn to take your idea and make it a reality in graphic design, music editing, film production, sewing, coding, and more.
Visit area art and history museums, the zoo and the aquarium free! Simply pick the day you want to go, reserve a ticket at culturepass.nolalibrary.org, save the confirmation code, and go.
So, as students are gearing up for kindergarten or their senior year, a fully loaded semester, or just a few classes, a Library card can make all the difference. The Library really does have what you need make this year and those that follow a success. And, while we’d love to see you in person, we understand you’re busy too! Find all the resources above and many more on our Student Success webpage.
Don’t have a Library card yet? Visit any Library location to sign up for one for free. Happy learning!
Looking for more support for students?
In addition to the many digital and electronic resources available to students of all ages, the Library offers academic support in countless other ways, including:
- Welcoming spaces
- Free Books and Materials
- Computers and WiFi
- Take Home Tablets
- Afterschool Programming at all Library Locations
Are you a Teacher?
The New Orleans Public Library offers outreach services to teachers looking to connect with the Library, both in-person and virtual, throughout Orleans Parish. From school and class visits to community meetings, neighborhood events, and festivals, we can customize our presentations, programs, and activities to accommodate any and all ages, multiple formats, and entertaining or educational needs.
To request Library outreach at your school or event, fill out this form.
May 1, 2026
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May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and to celebrate, we’re taking a look through our City Archives & Special Collections to honor the history and heritage of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the New Orleans area.
April 27, 2026
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View the winning entries of the 2026 Black History Month Art Contest.