The East Bank Regional Library, located in Metairie, Louisiana, is a vibrant hub of community activity and a vital resource for residents of Jefferson Parish. As one of the largest and most popular libraries in the New Orleans metropolitan area, it offers a wide range of services, programs, and materials to meet the diverse needs of its patrons. With a strong focus on literacy, education, and community engagement, the East Bank Regional Library plays a significant role in promoting the social, cultural, and economic development of the region.
History and Development
The East Bank Regional Library was established in 1976, with the goal of providing a comprehensive library system to serve the growing population of Jefferson Parish. Over the years, the library has undergone significant expansions and renovations, including a major upgrade in 2010 that added new meeting rooms, study areas, and state-of-the-art technology. Today, the library boasts a collection of over 200,000 items, including books, audiobooks, e-books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, and CDs, making it one of the largest and most diverse libraries in the state.
Services and Programs
The East Bank Regional Library offers a wide range of services and programs for patrons of all ages, including children, teens, and adults. Some of the notable services and programs include:
- Children’s storytime and craft sessions
- Teen book clubs and gaming events
- Adult author readings and book discussions
- Computer classes and technology workshops
- Test preparation and career counseling
- Interlibrary loan services and research assistance
In addition to these services, the library also hosts various community events, such as author lectures, art exhibits, and cultural festivals, which help to promote literacy, education, and cultural awareness in the region.
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Library Cards | Free library cards available to Jefferson Parish residents |
| Loan Periods | Books: 2 weeks, DVDs: 1 week, CDs: 1 week |
| Computer Access | Free public computers with internet access |
| Meeting Rooms | Available for community events and meetings |
Collection and Resources
The East Bank Regional Library’s collection is diverse and extensive, with a wide range of materials available to patrons. The library’s collection includes:
- Fiction and non-fiction books for adults, teens, and children
- Audiobooks and e-books for download
- Magazines and newspapers, including local and national publications
- DVDs and CDs, including movies, music, and documentaries
- Language learning materials and test preparation resources
- Business and career development resources, including online courses and tutorials
In addition to its physical collection, the library also provides access to a range of digital resources, including e-books, audiobooks, and online databases, which can be accessed from anywhere with a library card and internet connection.
Community Engagement
The East Bank Regional Library is committed to community engagement and outreach, with a range of programs and services designed to promote literacy, education, and cultural awareness in the region. Some of the library’s community engagement initiatives include:
- Partnerships with local schools and educational institutions
- Collaborations with community organizations and non-profits
- Outreach services to underserved populations, including seniors and people with disabilities
- Hosted events and programs, including author readings, book festivals, and cultural celebrations
By engaging with the community and providing valuable resources and services, the East Bank Regional Library helps to promote social, cultural, and economic development in the region, and plays a vital role in the lives of its patrons.
What are the library’s hours of operation?
+The East Bank Regional Library is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
How do I get a library card?
+To get a library card, you can visit the library in person and provide proof of residency in Jefferson Parish. Library cards are free and available to all residents of the parish.
What types of programs and services does the library offer?
+The East Bank Regional Library offers a wide range of programs and services, including children’s storytime and craft sessions, teen book clubs and gaming events, adult author readings and book discussions, computer classes and technology workshops, and test preparation and career counseling.
