Iberia Parish Library

History

The Iberia Parish Library System was developed in 1947 using as its base community libraries already in existence in New Iberia, Jeanerette and Weeks Island.  Originally headquartered in a building designed by Owen Southwell on Weeks Street, the library was moved to a new structure in the Civic Center on June 27, 1966.   Built on the site of the old Henshaw House, the library is framed by hundred year-old-oaks and the Bayou Teche.

The system has expanded to eight outlets throughout the parish and now has a collection of over 210,000 volumes.  The Iberia Parish Library was the second public library in the state to be fully automated for circulation and cataloging and has gone on to provide Internet services to all branches.  It is also the home of the I.A. and Carroll Martin Photography Collection and award winning children's programs.

The Iberia Parish Library is not only a repository for books and a computer center but a cultural center as well.  An array of lectures, concerts, storytelling activities and art exhibits are held throughout the year.  The library has received the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities Award for its extensive programming and welcomes the public to all of its events.