About the Library

The Catahoula Parish Library is a community service organization that connects our citizens with information, resources, materials, technology, and experiences in order to make a positive difference in their lives.

History of the Catahoula Parish Library

In the early 1940’s individuals along with community service organizations saw a great need in Catahoula Parish to promote literacy and education among the population. What they envisioned to accomplish this was a parish library system. Credit has long been given to Mrs. Dorothy Fairbanks, leader at the time, of the Jonesville Woman’s Club for leading the dream into a reality. It was on July 1, 1946 that the Catahoula Police Jury unanimously voted to establish a parish public library and appointed its first Library Board.

Though officially established, there would be years of work to do before the doors would open. The State of Louisiana permanently loaned the parish library with a collection of 7,000 books and a fully furnished bookmobile. In addition to the newly formed library tax, the Catahoula Parish Police Jury provided funds for personnel and supplies.  The town governments of Harrisonburg, Jonesville, and Sicily Island fully supported their citizens by providing furniture, buildings, utilities, and money to the newly formed parish library. Numerous donations for startup were also given by community organizations and individuals. On July 6, 1949, three years after its founding, the doors were officially opened on all the branches of the library.

The library branches continued to gain more patrons and expand their collections and services for the next 21 years.  On July 19, 1970 all the branches had a dedication ceremony for their new buildings which were by then much needed. With over 70 years of service to the community in sight we would like to take a moment to thank those who had the dreams of bettering our parish and turned them into a reality.