Calcasieu Parish Public Library Expands Offerings With New Branches
New branches in Vinton, DeQuincy and Iowa, LA, offer a variety of spaces for learning, connecting and enjoying life.
Sponsored by: Calcasieu Parish Public Library
A vibrant new chapter is being written in the story of the Calcasieu Parish Public Library, with the opening of new branches in Vinton, DeQuincy and Iowa, Louisiana.
Located in former Capital One Banks, the three sites are part of a rich history. In 1904, the doors of the Carnegie Memorial Library opened in Lake Charles, serving a population of 5,000 with a collection of 706 volumes. Today, the main branch and administrative offices are on West Claude Street in Lake Charles. The system boasts over 90,000 cardholders, over 325,000 items and its friendly mascot, Pierre the Pelican.
Our renovated branches will offer a variety of spaces for you to learn, connect and enjoy life.”
– Marjorie Harrison, Calcasieu Parish Public Library Director
While books remain the soul of the libraries, patrons can find a wide variety of technological items to check out, including video games, laptops, Wi-Fi hot spots and digital downloads.
The Library of Things here offers fun choices, from American Girl BeForever dolls to sensory backpacks. And arriving in 2023 will be streaming sticks, green screens and more.
“The Calcasieu Parish Public Library is here to meet your needs with 13 branches, a vibrant Library To-Go service — that delivers library materials to young and old unable to visit in person — and a special branch devoted to genealogical and historical research,” says Marjorie Harrison, Calcasieu Parish Public Library director. “Our renovated branches will offer a variety of spaces for you to learn, connect and enjoy life,” she continues. “You’ll find reading areas, quiet study spaces, community meeting rooms, early learning activity zones, innovation and creation centers, and digital connection zones.”
Patrons will also enjoy the convenience of drive-thru pickup and drop-off service and creative use of the bank vaults at the new addresses. In DeQuincy, a teal stripe around the building exterior represents an ‘L’ for library, and in Vinton, an outdoor programming area is highlighted by green space and oak trees.
“As they say, ‘when life gives you lemons, make lemonade,’” Harrison adds. “With the beginning of a new year and the completion of several hurricane repair and improvement projects, Calcasieu Parish Public Library is bursting with flavor and vitality.”
