Lafayette Parish, LA – The Northside community is one step closer to receiving a new library, following the Northeast Library Committee’s unanimous approval of a design for the Northeast Regional Library at a public meeting held Thursday.
During the meeting, 720 Design, the consultants overseeing the project, presented their final report, which highlighted plans for the new facility and underscored the growing demand for enhanced access to services in the area. After considering three design options, the committee voted to adopt Option 1—a 20,500-square-foot library that will include a technology room, quiet computer spaces, and outdoor workspaces.
Committee Chairwoman Ella Arsement emphasized the importance of the library for the community, noting, “We have schools, that’s one thing. The library can be a different outlet and a different resource for kids in that area. With the resources they have, they will be able to bring the library to children and adults.”
The library’s design was shaped by community input, with consultants sharing feedback from surveys and public discussions. According to the report from 720 Design, the Northside area is home to many residents who earn below local, state, and national averages. This economic disparity presents barriers to accessing library services, making a local library even more crucial for educational opportunities and community engagement.
Alton Trayhon, a member of the committee, highlighted the role a library can play in improving literacy and access to education. “Having a library accessible is a large part of accessing education and increasing literacy in the community as well,” Trayhon said.
The committee’s recommendation will now be forwarded to the Library Board of Control, which will make the final decision regarding the design. If approved, construction of the new library will proceed on a six-acre site at the intersection of Louisiana Avenue and Shadow Bluff Drive. The projected completion date for the Northeast Regional Library is set for 2028.
For the Northside community, the new library represents a vital resource for residents, offering access to educational tools, technology, and quiet spaces for learning and growth.