On Saturday, November 17, 1956, the Louisiana State Library opened the Vernon Parish Library Demonstration. To begin, there were 8,000 books housed in the library, 1,000 books designated for the Book Mobile, and funding for an additional 1,000 books to be added to the system over the next year. The library offered books, magazines, pamphlets, reference materials, reading lists, children’s books, films, and club programs for the community.
Over the past 70 years, we have grown alongside our parish, adapting to its changing needs and desires. Today, we offer far more than books, magazines, pamphlets, reference materials, reading lists, children’s books, films, and club programs. We also provide access to a variety of online databases, in house resources, an extensive Archives Department housing the history of Vernon Parish—from schools and churches to government records and personal collections—and a wide range of programs and events for all ages throughout the year.
As we look toward the future, we remain committed to serving our community as The People’s University, providing opportunities for learning, discovery, and connection for generations to come.
— Nancy K. Williams, Children’s Librarian
Celebration Events
1956: Bookmobile
Alexandria Daily Town Talk, October 4, 1956 The bookmobile to be used in the Vernon Parish Library Demonstration which will open in November is now on display at the Western Louisiana Forestry Festival in Leesville. The bookmobile, a library on wheels, will provide...
Building a Library for Vernon Parish: The Planning and Funding of the 1956 Library Demonstration: Part Two
Funding for the demonstration reflected the larger philosophy of Louisiana’s public-library development. The State Library’s demonstration method placed much of the initial financial burden on the state rather than requiring a rural parish to finance an entire library...
1956: Librarian Named for Demonstration in Vernon Parish
Leesville Leader, October 11, 1956 Librarian Named for Demonstration in Vernon Parish That Miss Margie Lynch has been named librarian for the Louisiana State Library’s yearlong Vernon Parish Library Demonstration, opening in November is announced by Miss Essae M....