HURRICANE IDA UPDATES
On August 29, 2021, our South Lafourche and Golden Meadow branches were devastated when Category 4 Hurricane Ida blew through Lafourche Parish. Find current updates on our southern area branches here.
Lafourche Parish Public Library
South Lafourche and Golden Meadow Stakeholders Update
02/10/23
To all of our stakeholders, we know that you are as eager to have comprehensive library services returned to the southern part of our parish as soon as possible. This too is our goal, and please know that we are working diligently every day to restore vital library services to our communities
Golden Meadow Branch
We would like to share an update for our South Lafourche and Golden Meadow branches, which were devastated in Hurricane Ida. First steps have begun on the roofing project for our South Lafourche branch with its recent approval by Parish Council. The South Lafourche branch roof was included in the approved bundle project tied in with the Mathews Government Complex. According to the proposed project timeline, it will take approximately 14 weeks for roofing materials to come in before work can even begin on the buildings. It is anticipated that work may tentatively begin on the South Lafourche branch roof this summer.
After the South Lafourche branch is made water-tight with the roof replacement, plans and work for the interior of the building can begin. However, we are still waiting on funding, as FEMA and insurance have yet to pay out on our building claims. Although the library system did have some reserves, they were depleted in remediating the South Lafourche branch and securing other branches after the storm.
We are yet to receive word from FEMA as to what we can expect for our Golden Meadow branch. Every step of this process needs FEMA approval, so until they provide us with more information, we cannot move forward with any plans or projects.
In the meantime, we have recently implemented a Library -2- Geaux bookmobile to temporarily provide weekly library services to our southern Lafourche communities. The bookmobile visits the Cut Off Youth Center every Tuesday and the Golden Meadow Town Hall every Thursday from 12:00 - 4:30 PM. Our patrons are invited to visit the bookmobile to check out books, DVDs, and video games from a selection of materials provided on site; pick up holds; and utilize, Wi-Fi and copying and printing services. We hope that the bookmobile can serve as a middle ground for providing services as we get our branches back on their feet. Additionally, our Larose Branch is offering extended hours to provide patrons more opportunities to visit the library. Larose is open Monday – Thursday from 9 AM – 7 PM and Friday – Saturday from 9 AM – 1 PM.
We love and miss our southern Lafourche communities – we have not forgotten you! Please know that we are doing everything that we can, every single day to resume full library services. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work through the many steps of this rebuilding process.
- Laura Sanders, Library Director