Storytelling gets a live cartoon-drawing twist at the New Orleans Library | Entertainment/Life

See art in the making at the New Orleans Public Library, as internationally syndicated cartoonist Joe Wos creates a picture book before your eyes at the special storytime series, “Once Upon a Toon.”

Wos draws the stories as he tells them, combining art with oral storytelling tradition, in his original stories and folk tales with a twist.

Wos is the Emmy-nominated host of Cartoon Academy on PBS Affiliates and has written and illustrated over a dozen books.

Catch his interactive, live drawing and storytime event at:

• East New Orleans Regional Library, 5641 Read Blvd., 11 a.m. July 14.
• Algiers Regional Library, 3014 Holiday Drive, 2 p.m. July 14.
• Rosa F. Library and Community Center, 4300 S. Broad St., 11 a.m. July 15 
• Norman Mayer Library, 3001 Gentilly Blvd., 2 p.m. July 15.

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library.

PUPPET SHOW: Each summer, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art’s teen interns work with a local puppet artist to create puppets and write shows inspired by works of art at the Ogden. This summer, the interns will come to Orleans Parish libraries to present “Bringing Art to Life for Young Audiences,” a fun, playful and interactive experience.

There are six chances to catch the show, which is free and will include a puppet meet-and-greet after the performance. All shows start at 11 a.m. and are sponsored by the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library.

• July 18: Cita Dennis Hubbell Library, 725 Pelican Ave.
• July 19: Nora Navra Library, 1902 St. Bernard Ave.
• July 20: East New Orleans Regional Library, 5641 Read Blvd.
• July 21: Main Library, 219 Loyola Ave.
• July 22: Milton H. Latter Memorial Library, 5120 St. Charles Ave.
• July 25: Norman Mayer Library, 3001 Gentilly Blvd.

DIGITAL FOR SENIORS: Seniors can spend an hour learning how to stay safe when applying for jobs online, doing research, and more at a workshop at noon July 15 at East New Orleans Regional Library, 5641 Read Blvd.

The library, the AARP Foundation, and Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) have teamed up to present “Digital Skills for Seniors 50+: Protecting Your Personal Information Online.”

Space is limited. Visit nolalibrary.org/events to register. Or, get help signing up for this class by calling or visiting any library location.

LEGAL ADVICE: Get answers about bankruptcy, evictions, foreclosures, divorce and more at free “Ask-a-Lawyer” sessions at the library.

Meet one-on-one with an attorney for 15 to 20 minutes to ask about your legal concerns — civil issues only. 

Sessions will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Attorneys will be at the Central City Library, 2020 Jackson Ave., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 13 and at the Main Library, 219 Loyola Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 16.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE: The library and the New Neighbor Project are hosting free ESL classes at Algiers Regional Library, 3014 Holiday Drive, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, visit www.thenewneighborproject.org, email [email protected], or call (504) 475-4658.

SUMMER FUN: There are still tons of great events and activities remaining in the library’s Summer Fun program. Keep tracking your reading and don’t forget to submit your achievement forms for the chance to win great prizes. Stay up to date with all library programs at nolalibrary.org/events.

Jane LeGros is the director of marketing and communications for the New Orleans Public Library.