At the Library

Here is the second of the four primary questions that address the impact of the upcoming Rededication Tax election March 26, 2022:
If passed, what impact would this rededication have upon the library?
The library would lose approximately $153,937.52 per year, approximately 8.5% of its only major funding source. Note that this loss would occur at a time when inflation is currently 7% or higher. In terms of library operations and maintenance it would be difficult over time for the library to deal with growing inflationary costs, let alone deal with new needs. Visit our website to see all of the services provided now – www.evangelinelibrary.org.
Library tax millage would fall below 5 mills for the first time in about 19 years.
Items impacted over time could include hours of operation, staffing levels, services offered, book collections, online services, programming and other facets of operations and maintenance. Library Board and administration would try to continue and grow quality services at all six parish library locations—Ville Platte, Mamou, Basile, Chataignier, Pine Prairie, and Turkey Creek—as well as online.
Next Sunday I will post Question 3 with its response: if the rededicated tax passes, how long will it be in effect?
The Library Board of Control and staff extend wishes for a fun, safe, and memorable Mardi Gras celebration to our patrons around the parish! The Mamou branch library will be closed Monday, February 28, and Tuesday, March 1. The main library and all branches will be closed on Tuesday, March 1.
The Pine Prairie branch library has a treat for the kids who will be out of school on Monday, February 28, and it is available to kids all over the parish! The KALB Weather Lab (Channel 5) will be in the library at 2 p.m. for a live program where kids will learn about meteorology as well as what it’s like to work for a news station. This program is free to the public!
Update: For our young patrons who drop by to pick up “Take and Make” craft bags at the main library in Ville Platte and occasionally at the branches, we have revised our program requirements and now ask that only two books be checked out to receive the crafts instead of 10, which is a little daunting for some readers. Our goal is to encourage reading with craft incentives, and this lower number is very doable.
For more information call the main library @ 337-363-1369 or email evangeline_parish@yahoo.com. Visit our Facebook page for all upcoming events in addition to our webpage www.evangelinelibrary.org and never forget that libraries do change lives... even in the cloud! Suzy Lemoine, Outreach Coordinator.