New Orleans Public Library

New Orleans Public Library. The New Orleans Public Library system serves the city of New Orleans, providing access to a wide range of materials, including books, audio books, e-books, music CDs, and DVDs. The library system is governed by the New Orleans City Council and is a member of the Louisiana Library Association and the American Library Association. The library's mission is to provide free and equal access to information, education, and cultural enrichment for all members of the New Orleans community, including residents of Gentilly, Lakeview, and Treme.

● History

The New Orleans Public Library was established in 1895, with the first library opening on St. Charles Avenue in the Garden District. The library was founded with the support of Andrew Carnegie, who donated $250,000 to build the first library, and John McDonogh, a wealthy New Orleans businessman and philanthropist. Over the years, the library system has grown to include 14 branches, serving neighborhoods such as Bywater, Marigny, and Uptown New Orleans. The library has also partnered with other organizations, including the New Orleans Museum of Art, the National WWII Museum, and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, to provide cultural and educational programs to the community.

● Collections

The New Orleans Public Library has a diverse collection of over 850,000 items, including books, periodicals, newspapers, and databases. The library's collection includes works by famous New Orleans authors, such as Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, and Anne Rice, as well as books on Louisiana history, Cajun culture, and African American studies. The library also has a large collection of jazz and blues music, including recordings by Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, and Fats Domino. Additionally, the library provides access to online resources, such as JSTOR, EBSCO, and ProQuest, which offer a wide range of academic and research materials, including articles from The New York Times, The Times-Picayune, and The Advocate.

● Branches

The New Orleans Public Library system has 14 branches, located throughout the city, including the Main Library on Loyola Avenue, the Alvar Branch in Gentilly, and the Nix Branch in Uptown New Orleans. Each branch offers a unique collection of materials and programs, reflecting the needs and interests of the surrounding community. For example, the Hubbell Branch in Gentilly has a large collection of children's books and offers storytime programs for young children, while the Smith Branch in Lakeview has a large collection of business books and offers career counseling services. The library also has partnerships with other organizations, such as the New Orleans Public Schools, Tulane University, and Loyola University New Orleans, to provide library services to students and faculty.

● Services

The New Orleans Public Library offers a wide range of services, including circulation services, reference services, and programming for adults, children, and teens. The library also offers computer classes, job training programs, and test preparation services, such as GED preparation and SAT preparation. Additionally, the library provides access to technology, including public computers, Wi-Fi, and printing services. The library also partners with other organizations, such as the New Orleans Health Department, the United Way, and the Salvation Army, to provide health services, social services, and emergency assistance to the community.

● Architecture

The New Orleans Public Library's Main Library building, located on Loyola Avenue, is a historic landmark and a notable example of Beaux-Arts architecture in New Orleans. The building was designed by Edward Silverstein and Architects Simon, Hirsh & Wisner and features a grand rotunda, a reading room, and a children's room. The library's other branches are also notable for their unique architecture, such as the Alvar Branch, which is located in a historic shotgun house in Gentilly, and the Nix Branch, which is located in a modern sustainable building in Uptown New Orleans. The library's buildings have been recognized for their architectural significance by organizations such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the American Institute of Architects, and the New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission. Category:Libraries in Louisiana