The New Main Branch

In 1959, photographer Earl B. Williams went to the brand new Main Branch and thoroughly documented it inside and out. The books weren't even placed inside yet! You can see the pictures here: https://www.louisianadigitallibrary.org/islandora/object/oplib-arc%3A61 What I really love are the aerial photos of the area and how sparse everything looks!

Happy Halloween!

One of my favorite times of year is here! I thought I would share some of the tales I have heard through the years about ghosts in Ouachita Parish. Judge J.N.T. Richardson is said to still haunt Ingleside Plantation. He tends to play the piano. Chains rattle throughout the house and the plantation bell rings … Continue reading Happy Halloween! →

Ouachita Parish Public Library

This real photo postcard shows the main branch library after it was built in the late 1950's. The front entrance faced Stubbs Avenue, which is why it still has a Stubbs address. The front entrance has been remodeled to open on 18th street, those front windows were removed and new space added to make more … Continue reading Ouachita Parish Public Library →

Gardenia the Library Cat

Back in 2012, I wrote the following article about Gardenia the library cat for Louisiana Road Trips Magazine. In this day and age, when so many are allergic to cats, library cats are a rare sight. Many years ago, rats were a problem in libraries, so to get rid of the problem, many libraries got … Continue reading Gardenia the Library Cat →