State Library of Louisiana

About

The State Library of Louisiana is one of five agencies of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, which falls under the auspices of the Louisiana Lt. Governor's office.

Story

In 1920, the Louisiana Legislature created the Louisiana Library Commission, a forerunner of the State Library of Louisiana. In 1925, the Commission joined with the great philanthropic Carnegie Corporation to create a network of libraries across the state. Three-quarters of a century later, Louisiana boasts public libraries in each of its 64 parishes.

The State Library provides Louisianans access to more than eleven million items through its own excellent collection and electronic resources combined with a statewide online lending network of public libraries, and remains committed to creating ever-increasing opportunities for citizens to experience the value of libraries and reading.

Mission

The State Library of Louisiana’s mission is to:

Foster a culture of literacy;
Promote awareness of our state’s rich literary heritage; and
Ensure preservation of and public access to informational, educational, cultural, and recreational resources, especially those unique to Louisiana.

The State Library of Louisiana, its Board of Commissioners and staff value:

Equal access to information for all citizens,
The literary and cultural heritage of Louisiana,
Intellectual freedom, and
Reading