About the Library
Quick History
Library services were initiated in October 1966, after the Police Jury had agreed to sponsor a demonstration library to be operated for one year by the Louisiana State Library with funds from the Federal Library Services and Construction Act. The demonstration was a success, and voters assured continued library service when they approved a property tax (which requires periodic renewal) for the maintenance and operation of the library as a parish institution.
The library is operated under the policy supervision of a Board of Control whose eight members are appointed by the parish governing authority (the Parish Council) for five-year staggered terms. The Parish President serves as an ex-officio member.
Vision
St. John the Baptist Parish Library is a vital community connector: championing economic vitality, promoting cultural awareness and encouraging a lifelong love of reading, learning and literacy. The Library seeks to provide quality resources representing diverse points of view; present creative, thoughtful and relevant programming; and strengthen community through networking and collaboration. We aspire to empower every voice in our communities.
Mission
St. John the Baptist Parish Library takes as its mission to assemble, organize, maintain, and make available a collection of books and other materials in a variety of formats, to provide for the recreational and informational needs of the citizens of the parish, and to encourage young people to develop an ongoing interest in reading and learning.