St. Tammany Library helps take care of business

Need a book for a research paper or looking for pointers on a new hobby? Patrons know the library is the place to go to get both. How about support for businesses? From those pondering on starting a business to veterans in their industry, the library has resources to support all business needs.

Going from employee to entrepreneur may seem like a large leap; however, the library makes the distance of that leap much more obtainable with the Entrepreneurial Mindset Training Course. This course is available online through the library’s online resource catalog. Unlike some courses, this one was created with insight from hundreds of everyday entrepreneurs into eight core concepts that anyone can embrace. Lessons include video case studies with testimonials of how some entrepreneurs ran into challenges and how they overcame them. Those who complete this course will be empowered with an arsenal of tools to achieve the mindset of a successful entrepreneur.

Future and current business owners who are looking for a more concrete approach to enhancing their skills can take online instructor-led Gale courses on business, accounting, finance and more. For those looking for an on-demand and time-flexible course, Gale Presents: Udemy and LinkedIn Learning are perfect candidates to use as skill builders, refreshers and even as employee training.

Businesses and nonprofits can also find grant opportunities using research tools that are available inside library branches. Guidestar, a well-known directory of more than 2 million nonprofits, is unlocked when accessed from within one of the 12 STPL branches. Another tool, Foundation Directory, is a fundraising directory providing grant-seekers unprecedented access to the largest amount of philanthropic data that currently exists. See these business resources and more at the library’s online resource page for businesses, sttammanylibrary.org/resources/business.

Space is also a commodity that small businesses tend to lack, and the library offers complementary study and meeting rooms for public use. The library has seen many businesses reserve meeting rooms for training and free promotional events. As long as the business follows the rules of the meeting room, it is available or use. Study rooms are not reservable but are on a first-come, first-serve basis and have been utilized by those needing a quiet space. Not all branches offer meeting or study rooms; however, all branches provide Wi-Fi and computer labs. A full list of each branch’s amenities can be viewed at the library’s website at sttammanylibrary.org/locations.

Events

CHESS: Join fellow players for a game of chess or two at the South Slidell Library on Aug. 14 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your own chess board and pieces if you choose or use one of the library’s. No registration is needed.

SHARE: Have a story to share? Share and listen to other’s stories (3-4 minutes) with the Northshore Literary Society on Aug. 16 at the Covington Library from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Register to save a spot at bit.ly/3AdmGb3.

VIRTUAL YOGA: Follow along with Donna Bush on Aug. 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. as she guides viewers through a variety of poses designed to help relax and restore body and mind. Register at bit.ly/3WSOYjT.

FRIENDS SALES: Friends of the Slidell Library and the Friends of the Library of West St. Tammany will both hold used book sales on Aug. 16 and 17. The Slidell Friends will hold their members-only preview sale on Aug. 16 at the Slidell Library, 555 Robert Blvd., from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; members only can shop, but memberships will be sold or renewed at the door for $5 per person or $8 for families. The public sale will happen Aug. 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. West St. Tammany Friends hold its sale on Aug. 16 and Aug. 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1301 N. Florida St. in Covington, near the St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds. Both sales accept cash and checks only.