Throughout the month of July, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library System embraced a heartwarming initiative aimed at spreading positivity across its communities. The “Kindness Rocks” program invited participants of all ages to join in a creative and uplifting activity—painting inspirational messages on rocks to be shared throughout Baton Rouge and beyond, as per this article from The Advocate. Held at every East Baton Rouge Parish Library branch, the program combined artistic expression with a mission of compassion.
On a recent Saturday afternoon at the Main Library on Goodwood Boulevard, tables were filled with children, teens, and adults, all dipping brushes into vivid acrylic paints provided by the library. The only request was to include the hashtag #ebrpl and the email address programs@ebrpl.com on the backs of each painted rock. Once completed, participants had the option of taking their rocks home or leaving them behind for staff to hide in nearby outdoor spaces, such as Independence Park, where unsuspecting community members might stumble upon them.
The library encouraged those who found the hidden rocks to take a photo and either tag the library on social media or send their snapshot to the designated email address. If the finder appeared in the photo, that added an extra personal touch. Whether the rocks were kept, gifted, or left for another person to discover, the hope was to spark moments of unexpected joy.
According to Megan Pugh of the Department of Community Programming, the inspiration stemmed from seeing similar projects on platforms like Facebook and Pinterest. She emphasized that the goal was to foster a stronger connection between the library and the community through small gestures of kindness.
The program welcomed artists of all experience levels, from seasoned crafters to first-time painters. Among them were young participants like nine-year-old Harleigh Jones, who used bold swirling techniques to layer her paint and create colorful designs. She painted alongside her aunt, Johnette Roberts Ballard, an educational consultant based in Baton Rouge, who planned to write phrases such as “Love Life,” “God is Great,” and “You are OK” on her rocks—messages she had drawn from an inspiring dance instructor who once reminded students of their inherent worth.
The room offered a snapshot of cross-generational engagement, as patrons from all walks of life joined the activity. Teenagers sat alongside retirees, while children painted in the company of parents and grandparents. Friends such as Karen Fritz and Marie Williams—frequent attendees of library branch events—spoke to the program’s accessibility. Fritz commended the library’s inclusive, no-cost offerings, which benefit low-income residents. Williams took a personalized approach, writing phrases like “Bless You Marie” and “Good Times” onto her rocks, transforming each into a token of joy.
Once the artwork was complete, the rocks were preserved with a coating of Mod Podge, a water-based sealer that protected them from the elements. While the library encouraged patrons to leave their rocks for placement around neighborhoods and green spaces, they also welcomed those who chose to take their creations home. Staff members had already distributed hundreds of rocks into the community, each serving as a small but powerful reminder of human connection.
As the month drew to a close, interest in the program remained strong. Organizers expressed optimism about bringing Kindness Rocks back for future events, citing the widespread participation and positive feedback as key indicators of its impact. Through this creative initiative, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library succeeded in turning simple materials into heartfelt messages—offering the community more than just decorated stones, but enduring symbols of encouragement and care.
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