The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, along with other parish and city officials, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Epps Memorial Library at 1320 North Simmons St. in Lake Charles.
“This new Epps Memorial Library means a lot to me - I grew up just down the road and was here when the original building opened and I remember how exciting it was to have a place like this in the neighborhood,” said District 2 Police Juror Mike Smith. “Now, seeing it rebuilt even better after everything we’ve been through; I couldn’t be prouder. Our staff and the Calcasieu Parish Public Library team worked side by side to make this happen, and it’s going to be a great space for learning, gathering, and growing together.”
The branch was named after Rochelle Rigmaiden Epps, a member of the Consolidated Parish Library Board who was a key figure in the efforts to build the new library that opened in 1976.
“We are excited and grateful for the reopening of Epps Memorial Library. It has been five years of hard work and patience, and we thank the patrons of Epps Memorial Library for their patience and support.” said Brent Washington, Calcasieu Parish Public Library Board Director. “Thanks to the Calcasieu Parish Public Library (CPPL) system, the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, the City of Lake Charles and our other partners for all the work with relocations and ultimately the completion of the new Epps Memorial Library. This reopening is just another example of the resilience, persistence and collaborative efforts of our community. It has truly been a community effort. We are looking forward to the amazing programs and services at Epps Memorial Library and all libraries in the CPPL system.”
The previous facility sustained heavy damage during the 2020 hurricanes. It was determined that the cost of repairs would exceed the cost of building a new facility. The new library will also have an expanded parking area.
Watch the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony.
Project contractor is K & J Development of SWLA, LLC. Architect is David Brossett of Brossett Architect LLC.
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