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
Building a Library for Vernon Parish: The Planning and Funding of the 1956 Library Demonstration
In 1956, Vernon Parish was at the beginning of what would become an important part of our community’s history: the development of a parish-wide public library system. The Vernon Parish Library was created through Louisiana’s long-running library “demonstration”...