Work begins on new DeQuincy Library

By Christy Comeaux

The Calcasieu Parish Public Library announced that renovations have started on the Capital One buildings in DeQuincy and Vinton that will soon become the new libraries for their communities.

In 2013, the Calcasieu Parish Public Library Board of Control adopted a strategic plan with a “Library as a Place” initiative and began working on assessing and prioritizing capital improvements. In early 2017, the Buildings and Properties Committee of the Board began exploring expansion opportunities in the Vinton, DeQuincy, and Iowa areas.

About a year later, Capital One banks in each of these regions became available for purchase and the library soon invested in these buildings as part of its expansion.

With plans in place, the library is excited to see the plans become realization.

“The new DeQuincy Library will benefit the community by having a larger branch that includes a 55-100 person meeting room along with two study rooms,” mentioned Janet Jordy, branch manager of the DeQuincy and Starks libraries. “We are excited about designated children, teen, and adult quiet areas.”

In 2019, the library sought the public’s input to help plan what services, programs, and spaces they would like to see inside these new facilities. Denelle Wrightson, a library and design consultant, facilitated these meetings.

“With the acquisition of these new properties, residents can expect community meeting rooms, study rooms, additional restrooms, programming spaces, drive-thru pick up service, adequate parking, larger collections, and various furniture and spaces for computers, electronic devices, and other technology” added Christy Comeaux, Public Information Officer for the Library. “I’m excited to see the ideas that the community shared finally come to life!”

For up-to-date information on these projects, log on to www.calcasieulibrary.org or follow the library on social media.

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