Some of the Buras Library staff gathered around one of the decorative signs in the lobby of the building, (from left) Donesia Williams, catalogue technician, Patrisha Walker, assistant director. Plaquemines Parish Library Department Director Todd Schouest and Paula Hingle, business manager.

The new Buras Library is officially open for business following a grand opening party held outside the library on Dec. 21.
The new building – nicknamed the “Tree House” – stands off the ground on brick wall stilts, and has a children’s wing in addition to the adult section.

Apart from guests being able to socialize, eat and listen to music at the event, they were able to wander inside of the library and peruse the stacks.

The Plaquemines Parish Library Department Director, Todd Schouest, said the state of the art library has 16 computers for public use, a free conference room for nonprofit organizations to use, free WiFi, and even a small kitchen.

Especially unique to the Buras branch, is a large collection of Vietnamese books to suit the area’s growing population of people who speak Vietnamese.

The former Buras library was destroyed – along with much of the homes and businesses in the town – by two storms; first by Hurricane Camille, then finally by Katrina.

“This used to be the headquarters for thirty years,” said Schouest. “The parish decided to move it up North.”

Construction on the library lasted about 15 months, and it was about time the citizens of Buras had a place to go with access to these type of amenities Schouest said.

“These people deserve something down here,” he continued. “Here they can do their resumes, apply for jobs, contact family.”

The project was paid for by FEMA, and cost approximately $3.8 million.

Dru Encalade is the acquisition specialist for the library, and has been working for the Plaquemines Parish library system for about 30 years. She was responsible for ordering every single book on the new library’s shelves.

Encalade brought her two daughters, Braylan, nine-years-old, and Ariana, 14, to the event. Braylan said her favorite book is, “Maybelle in the Soup,” and Ariana’s choice was, “Ruined.”

Schouest said the library staff intends to establish a number of events, including a summer reading program, to keep children occupied.

The library’s current operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

—
Michelle Provencher
michelle@plaqueminesgazette.com