tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208390542024-02-18T23:00:24.994-06:00Library Director's Blog - Lafayette (Louisiana) Public LIbrarySharing some of the library's news with our community.Library Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13442904187191282049noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839054.post-10338822242496457752009-04-09T15:43:00.004-05:002009-04-09T15:52:55.255-05:00National Library WeekCity-Parish President Joey Durel proclaims the week of April 12 - 18, 2009 as National Library Week in Lafayette Parish. Accepting on behalf of Libraries in Lafayette Parish were Members of the Library Board (Dr. Vanessa Hill, President; Dr. Jean T. Kreamer, Vice-President; Andrew Duhon, LCG Liaison), Library Director Sona Dombourian, and Library Administrator Teresa Elberson. Visit YOUR library this week. In Lafayette Parish, we have libraries in Lafayette (Main, Chenier Center, Butler in the King Center, and South Regional); Carencro (North Regional); Duson; Scott; Milton; Youngsville; Broussard.<br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEges4kKiHwCySrqq3GlsRg0WhS3zj93EA5I_e8jgFkaVvjaSwAwJNFFRlFR6geAwIJBa-I30ox2CgipW2cPfnqfTSCnVPxO51izuvb0C6FzB3F8dfIQH5S0xNwVX9ddvkkk88Sj/s1600-h/Library+Board.jpg"><img style="width: 473px; height: 353px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEges4kKiHwCySrqq3GlsRg0WhS3zj93EA5I_e8jgFkaVvjaSwAwJNFFRlFR6geAwIJBa-I30ox2CgipW2cPfnqfTSCnVPxO51izuvb0C6FzB3F8dfIQH5S0xNwVX9ddvkkk88Sj/s320/Library+Board.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></div> </div>LPL Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961860186795844026noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839054.post-52545827127778237782009-04-01T10:55:00.001-05:002009-04-01T10:57:01.950-05:00South Regional Library Grand Opening<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN28Od_41oBtPv7VXe-7iRsEY6xnkUTlDJ50vMD-7ACreHuscCl6KQReAQ_N2onkTMkHyK9gjIsIAK2-RAq40BQMkg64X6-7q_w8s02JiKfzuYEVWokya-fWo79LgEpY4B2dxwQg/s1600-h/Grand+Opening+card.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN28Od_41oBtPv7VXe-7iRsEY6xnkUTlDJ50vMD-7ACreHuscCl6KQReAQ_N2onkTMkHyK9gjIsIAK2-RAq40BQMkg64X6-7q_w8s02JiKfzuYEVWokya-fWo79LgEpY4B2dxwQg/s400/Grand+Opening+card.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319751743268344802" border="0" /></a>LPL Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961860186795844026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839054.post-44042532734392150282008-09-30T15:53:00.016-05:002008-09-30T16:34:21.241-05:00Library Support Groups Schedule EventsOur two library support organizations have events during October.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuAP_awRa8Ll1WjWN3w-6b3DWhffq6GM9ilzUucwXduY8Vf83wQgVKVNGPqGc_sWKMb0OxyeJGuS77-DsEdryseTjxewzyw1s6J_nFDZLWjVHn3YqhgZh0wmPDsGfWI_NDg07/s1600-h/FriendsLogoRound.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuAP_awRa8Ll1WjWN3w-6b3DWhffq6GM9ilzUucwXduY8Vf83wQgVKVNGPqGc_sWKMb0OxyeJGuS77-DsEdryseTjxewzyw1s6J_nFDZLWjVHn3YqhgZh0wmPDsGfWI_NDg07/s200/FriendsLogoRound.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251929602021122386" border="0" /></a><br />Friends of the Library Author Dinner featuring <a href="http://ipac.lafayette.lib.la.us:8080/ipac20/ipac.jsp?session=122280PD10437.7196&profile=dial&uri=link=1100003@%21S18625@%211100001@%211100002&aspect=advanced&menu=search&ri=8&source=192.168.10.12@%21dial&term=Bradley%2C+John+Ed.&index=AA">John Ed Bradley </a>takes place on Tuesday, October 14th at the Petroleum Club. Visit the <a href="http://www.friendsofthelafayettelibrary.org/ComingEvents.html">Friends' site</a> for more information. The Friends hold book sales twice a year. They support many library programs and activities each year with the proceeds from the book sales.<br /><br><br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWuag_0DGlgj_Sev-gde2_IhSTMpxq8geURER1byfWDP7f1s1DFkf_-L2HqwpLHOxdKmNXTyxYf5CwPxPuONQjOyr4AhSVJ-ncz6zo6wYHFUDbAvfOgsHOBgGzzYwzQob3-dY/s1600-h/TTcombo1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWuag_0DGlgj_Sev-gde2_IhSTMpxq8geURER1byfWDP7f1s1DFkf_-L2HqwpLHOxdKmNXTyxYf5CwPxPuONQjOyr4AhSVJ-ncz6zo6wYHFUDbAvfOgsHOBgGzzYwzQob3-dY/s400/TTcombo1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251924978089267762" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Lafayette Public Library Foundation's Annual Trolley Tales fundraiser will take place on Sunday, October 19th. Trolley Tours of Historic Lafayette will happen at 1:30 and 3:00. This is a family oriented event and will feature Children's entertainer/musician <a href="http://www.johnettedowning.com/">Johnette Downing</a>, Creole Folklorist and Storyteller <a href="http://www.nsula.edu/Folklife/database/biography/henryR.html">Rebecca Henry</a>, and Cajun Storyteller "Nonc Allain". Visit the <a href="http://www.lplfoundation.org/Fundraisertickets.html">Foundation's website</a> for details.LPL Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961860186795844026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839054.post-8643695477565763542008-09-13T14:58:00.003-05:002008-09-13T15:26:13.319-05:00Hurricane Ike - Reopening<font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> <b>UPDATED 3:00 Saturday </b> Posted By Sona <br><br><br /><b>CLOSINGS:</b> All Lafayette Public Library locations remain CLOSED on Saturday, September 13th.<br /><br /><b>REOPENINGS FOR SUNDAY:</b> The Main Library and the Southside Branch Library in Time Plaza will be OPEN for regular hours on Sunday, September 14th. These locations will open at 1:00 pm and close at 5:00 pm. North Regional Library in Carencro will remain closed this Sunday only.<br /><br /><b>FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE EXTENDED: </b> The Friends of the Library will hold over their book sale for one day. The sale will be open from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 14th. The sale is open to the public and is located in the Main Library meeting room at 301 W. Congress St. See the <a href="http://friendsofthelafayettelibrary.org/ComingEvents.html">Friends site</a> for updated information. Paperback books are 50 cents per inch and hardbacks are $1 per inch. Choice books are those that are published in the last two years or those that are considered special. These books, and Old and Unusual Books (those published more than 50 years ago) are twice the price - $1 for paperbacks and $2 for hardbacks. DVD’s are $3.50 each, CD’s $2 and cassettes are 25 cents. There are still many bargains to be had for Acadiana's bibliophiles.<br /><br /><b>REOPENINGS - MONDAY: </b> All Library locations will reopen at their regular time on Monday, September 15th.<br /><br /><b>EMPLOYEES:</b> All employees scheduled to work on Sunday, September 14th at Main and Southside should report for work as scheduled. All employees are to report for their regular shift on Monday, September 15th. <br /> <br /><b>LIBRARY PATRONS:</b> All items due during the days we closed are now due September 15th. Items on hold waiting for pickup have been extended to September 16th.<br><br><br /><br /><br /></font>LPL Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961860186795844026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839054.post-12305729412689474832008-09-12T10:01:00.003-05:002008-09-12T10:05:06.424-05:00Hurricane Ike Closings<font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> <b>UPDATED 9:30 AM Friday </b> Posted By Sona <br><br><br /><b>CLOSED - FRIDAY AND SATURDAY:</b> Lafayette Public Library - all locations - will be CLOSED due to Hurricane Ike all day Friday, September 12th and Saturday, September 13th. <br />Essential personnel (maintenance, IT, managers) should be on standby concerning Friday, Saturday, Sunday.<br><br><br /><b>CANCELLED:</b> Regrettably the Friends of the Library book sale is CANCELLED for Friday and Saturday. Author's Alley set for Saturday afternoon is also cancelled and will be rescheduled as soon as possible.<br><br><br /><b>REOPENING PLANS:</b> We tentatively plan to reopen the Main Library and Southside Libraries ONLY on Sunday from 1:00 - 5:00 should our facilities have power/Internet/no damage. <br><br><br /><b>EMPLOYEES:</b> Non-essential Library employees are officially on Civil Leave - at this time for Friday only (see the LCG website or the Library Blog for details) and are expected to check in with their supervisor regarding their scheduled Sunday or Monday shifts. <br /><br><br><br /><b>LIBRARY PATRONS:</b> please hold your library materials until we reopen. All items due during this time are now due September 15th. Items on hold waiting for pickup have been extended to September 16th.<br><br><br /><b>ACCESS TO ONLINE:</b> We are leaving up our web page and our online catalog. However, if the Library loses power, these systems will not be available until power is restored and we can safely restart them. <br><br><br /><b>Staff and Public: </b> please monitor <a href="http://lafayettepubliclibrary.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Library Director's blog </a> and the <a href="http://www.lafayettela.gov" target="_blank">LCG website </a> for updates during Ike.<br /><br /><br> <br> We apologize for this necessary inconvenience. <br /><br /></font>LPL Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961860186795844026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839054.post-988355522467070662008-09-11T19:12:00.002-05:002008-09-11T19:21:33.759-05:00Thursday, Sept 11 - 7 pm UPDATEThe Lafayette Public Library - all locations - will be closed due to Hurricane Ike all day Friday, September 12th and Saturday, September 13th. With the anticipated high winds - possibly sustained, there is a strong potential for road hazards - trees/power lines, etc. <br /><br />The Friends of the Library book sale is cancelled for Friday and Saturday. <br /><br />We tentatively plan to reopen the Main Library and Southside Libraries ONLY on Sunday from 1:00 - 5:00 should our facilities have power/Internet/no damage. <br /><br />Non-essential Library employees are officially on Civil Leave - at this time for Friday Only (see below) and are expected to check in with their supervisor regarding their scheduled Sunday or Monday shifts. <br /><br />Patrons - please hold your library materials until we reopen. We will announce it through this site, as well as in the media. Items waiting to be picked up will have hold dates extended once we reopen.<br /><br />We will be bringing down our servers, including our web page and our online catalog, by Friday morning. Those services will be unavailable until at least Sunday. Note that we will be redirecting traffic from our web page to this blog site. <br /><br />We apologize for this necessary inconvenience. <br /><br /><br />From City/Parish President Joey Durel:<br /><br />Title<br />Civil Leave Declared for LCG Employees<br />Date/Time<br />9/11/2008 6:25:00 PM<br />Details<br />FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<br />September 11, 2008<br /><br />"Civil Leave Declared on Friday September 12 for LCG Employees<br />LAFAYETTE – Civil Leave has been declared by City-Parish President Joey Durel for Lafayette Consolidated Government employees for Friday, September 12 and LCG will be closed for routine business.LPL Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961860186795844026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839054.post-35497786273170664382008-09-11T17:41:00.001-05:002008-09-11T17:43:39.976-05:00Thurs - Sept 11th: 3:50 pm Notice to Library Employees Regarding IkePosted by Sona - on Thursday late afternoon. All Library Employees should monitor tv stations, be in contact with their supervisors, and check this and the <a href="http://www.lafayettela.gov">LCG website</a> for any updates concerning potential library closings and/or civil leave.<br /><br />Here is the latest message from City/Parish President Durel to all employees of the government (including the library employees).<br /><br />Title<br />Hurricane Ike Message to LCG Employees<br />Date/Time<br />9/11/2008 3:50:00 PM<br />Details<br />Thursday, September 11, 2008 - 4:00 p.m.<br />Hurricane Ike Message to LCG Employees<br />As it pertains to Hurricane Ike, a decision will be made following the 5:00 p.m. briefing at the EOC as to whether or not Lafayette Consolidated Government Employees will be on Civil Leave tomorrow, Friday September 12, 2008. Please watch the news, check the LCG website, and stay in touch with your supervisor regarding the decision.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />L.J. "Joey" Durel, Jr.LPL Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961860186795844026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839054.post-85566596490078503422008-09-08T10:27:00.003-05:002008-09-08T10:32:34.635-05:00September 8thA new week. A new storm. We are watching Ike and taking necessary advance precautions.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Library Life goes on. This week, the <a href="http://friendsofthelafayettelibrary.org//ComingEvents.html">Friends of the Library booksale</a> and <a href="http://www.lafayette.lib.la.us/evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp?ag=&et=&dt=mo&df=calendar&cn=0&private=0&ln=ALL">all other library events</a> are currently scheduled to happen as planned. <br /><br />-Sona.LPL Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961860186795844026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839054.post-37291255794754145122008-09-05T09:31:00.003-05:002008-09-05T09:37:54.122-05:00Library StatusAll Lafayette Public Library locations have reopened with our regular hours.<br /><br />Public Access computers for checking email or using the internet are available at all locations. If you are a Lafayette Parish resident (including any of the cities and towns in Lafayette Parish), you can reserve a computer with your library card. Anyone from other areas can use our computers as visitors. Please ask a Library Info Desk staff member for assistance.<br /><br />The Friends of the Library Book Sale will take place as planned next week. Friends Members' Preview Night is Wednesday, September 10th. The sale is open to the public on Thursday (Sept 11th), Friday (Sept 12th), and Saturday (Sept 13th). Please visit the<a href="http://www.friendsofthelafayettelibrary.org/ComingEvents.html"> Friends' website</a> for additional information.sonadomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947179324424111884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839054.post-43281046093380926672008-09-04T11:09:00.002-05:002008-09-04T11:14:28.524-05:00Thursday September 4th - 11 amWelcome back to staff and public.<br /><br />All Library locations are open and computers are operational. Butler Branch will reopen at 3 this afternoon when the King Rec Center opens.<br /><br />All locations will close by 6 p.m. today but will reopen for a regular schedule on Friday.<br /><br />Internet and online catalog are up. However, Lafayette Utilities is about to change out a utility pole at the corner and there is a chance the Main Library may lose power for up to an hour. If this happens, none of our automated services (web page, catalog, or public Internet access) will work until power is restored. We apologize in advance for this necessary inconvenience. <br /><br />-Sona.sonadomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947179324424111884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839054.post-91644951352656583022008-09-03T17:15:00.006-05:002008-09-03T18:37:54.719-05:00Wednesday, September 3rd - 5 p.m. UpdateOk, so Gustav decided he liked the food in Louisiana. He stuck around for another day, dropping some heavy rains, including in Lafayette Parish. This hampered cleanup efforts a bit, but thanks to Larry, Donald, Mark, Chuck, Danny, Teresa (and Sam), Adam, and Elizabeth - we will be ready to open in the morning.<br /><br />ALL STAFF SHOULD REPORT TO THEIR REGULAR LIBRARY FACILITY AT THE SCHEDULED TIME UNLESS YOU HEAR OTHERWISE FROM YOUR SUPERVISOR OR TERESA. JEANS MAY BE WORN TO WORK FOR THE REST OF THIS WEEK (THROUGH THE WEEKEND).<br /><br />LAFAYETTE PARISH PUBLIC WORKS AND LUS CREWS HAVE BEEN DILIGENTLY WORKING TO CLEAR THE STREETS AND RESTORE POWER. MOST OF OUR FACILITIES NOW HAVE POWER AND ARE ACCESSIBLE. <br /><br />REOPENINGS: <br /><br />Most locations of the Lafayette Public Library will be open on <span style="font-weight:bold;">Thursday,<br />September 4th</span> beginning at the regular opening time. Some locations will<br />have early closings due to staffing issues. Here are our Thursday hours:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Main Library</span> - open at 8:30 a.m. ; <span style="font-weight:bold;">closing at 6 p.m.</span> Computers and<br />internet are up and running<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">North Regional Library in Carencro</span> - open at 9 a.m. ;<span style="font-weight:bold;"> closing at 6 p.m.</span><br />Computers and internet are up and running. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Southside Library in Time Plaza </span>- open at 9 a.m. ;<span style="font-weight:bold;"> closing at 6 p.m.</span> We expect computers and the internet to be up by opening time.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Youngsville, Broussard, Milton</span> - open regular hours - we expect computers and the internet to be up by noon at the latest.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Chenier Center Library</span> - expected to open at 9 a.m. ; <span style="font-weight:bold;">closing at 6 p.m</span>. We expect computers and the internet to be up by opening time.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Scott Branch, Duson Branch, and Butler Branch (King Center) Libraries</span> - please call the Branch on Thursday or call the main library director's office at 261-5781 after 10 a.m. on Thursday to check on the status of these facilities.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />All due dates have been extended until Sunday, September 7th and all holds ready to be picked up this week will be kept until Monday, September 8th.</span></span>sonadomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947179324424111884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839054.post-74624560088960986502008-09-02T15:53:00.006-05:002008-09-02T16:10:54.170-05:00Update - Tuesday Sept 2nd - 4 p.m.We bid a good-riddance to Hurricane Gustav.<br /><br />Staff is currently getting the libraries back in order and we plan to reopen on Thursday at most facilities. <br /><br /><br />The library catalog is up as of today, Tuesday afternoon. A link to it on the right of this blog page. Our web page is currently redirected to this blog. We expect to revise on Thursday.<br /><br />The Library System will remain CLOSED on Tuesday and Wednesday, but is expected to REOPEN on Thursday. Individual locations may be unable to reopen but the Main Library and Southside WILL reopen on Thursday morning at the normal time. See below for status of individual facilities.<br /><br />Book returns at the Main Library and North Regional are open. Southside's book return will be open tomorrow afternoon. Other book drops remain locked. We urge you to keep your library materials until we reopen on Thursday. Due dates have been extended until Sunday, September 7th. <br /><br />All staff are due to report back for their scheduled shift on Thursday, September 4th. Unless otherwise notified, they should report to their regular library facility. Internet access will be available for anyone in Lafayette or other Parishes. Special visitor computers will be designated at our locations as needed.<br /><br />Status of facilities:<br /><br />Main Library - a few tree limbs downed. Power is up. Internet is up. All servers and systems up and running. Wi-fi is running. Book returns are open. Key staff to report Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. to ready the interior for Thursday's reopening at 8:30 a.m. <br /><br />North Regional Library - a few trees down. Power IS DOWN. Book return is open. Status remains uncertain for Thursday, depending on power restoration. Please check back tomorrow for an update.<br /><br />Southside Library - no damage to interior. Power is up. Book return will reopen Wednesday afternoon. Staff will be restoring computer and internet access on Wednesday in preparation for a reopening Thursday morning.<br /><br />Reports on the other facilities unavailable at this time. Please check back tomorrow.sonadomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947179324424111884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839054.post-72940565295790567922008-09-02T11:16:00.003-05:002008-09-02T11:51:33.270-05:00Tuesday, September 2nd - 11 amWe hope everyone made it safely thru Gustav. We are still assessing the status of our libraries and will update as soon as possible.<br /><br />Facility Status -<br /><br /> North Regional Library: building fine, some trees and debris. No electricity. <br /><br />For Library Patrons - all our facilities remain CLOSED on Tuesday Sept 2nd and Wednesday Sept 3rd. Please check back to see if which Library Facilities are open on Thursday Sept 4th. Our book returns remain locked at this time. If possible, we will reopen them, but please keep your materials until Thursday. All due dates for items due this week were changed to next week.<br /><br />For Library Employees - <br /><br />Message to LCG Employees from Lafayette City-Parish President Joey Durel:<br /><br />Lafayette Consolidated Government Employees should report to work at the start of their shift Thursday morning September 4, 2008.<br /><br /><br />From Sona to Employees - <br /><br />We hope to reopen on Thursday morning at the regular time. You will need to report for work at your regular shift unless notified differently. If your facility is still out of power, you may be reassigned to a different library facility.<br /><br /><br />From Sona to first responder Employees - <br /><br />Please monitor this for an update. Currently I anticipate calling you in for a work day tomorrow at the main library beginning at 9 am. Please plan on this unless you hear otherwise. I will update this site if anything changes.sonadomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947179324424111884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839054.post-46327233095586880172008-08-31T21:10:00.008-05:002008-08-31T21:45:57.979-05:00Gustav eve - August 31st - 9 pmRecapping:<br />1) All Lafayette Public Library facilities are closed until further notice. All events scheduled for this week have been cancelled. All library services, including the online catalog and dial in renewal lines, have been shut down. All book returns have been locked. Please keep your materials until the Library facilities reopen.<br /><br />2) All Library employees are on Civil Leave - currently effective Tuesday and Wednesday (with Monday being the Labor Day Holiday - we won't get into the irony of that right now). Pre-Gustav expectation is that all employees are expected to report for their scheduled shift on Thursday, September 4th. If that changes post-Gustav, we will get the word out as best we can. We will try to post or get word to the State Library to post on the <a href="http://prepare.lib.la.us/blog">http://prepare.lib.la.us/blog</a>. <br /><br />Ramona's retirement party won't be Wednesday as planned. We WILL reschedule - as we cannot let your 33 years and 10 months of service to our Library System pass without the appropriate farewell celebration.<br /><br />3)All book due dates have been changed until September 7th. Please keep your library materials after the storm until the Libraries have reopened and don't worry about trying to renew. We will try to update this blog, notify the media, and change our answering machine messages once we are open (337-261-5785). <br /><br />We have been advised that Lafayette Parish should expect heavy rains and winds during Gustav and that we should expect major power outages that could last for a week or more. None of our library facilities are on generator power, so it is unlikely we would reopen until power could be restored and any damages assessed. But, as it is with all Hurricanes, that could change.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.lafayettela.gov"><br />Lafayette Consolidated Government</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.getagameplan.org/"><br />State's Get a Game Plan site</a><br /><br />FOR EMERGENCIES, call 911 in all areas. FOR NON-EMERGENCY INFORMATION AND REFERRALS, CALL 211.<br /><br />Local media: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.katc.com">www.katc.com</a> (TV3 in Lafayette)<br /><a href="http://www.klfy.com">www.klfy.com </a> (TV10 in Lafayette)<br /><a href="http://www.theadvertiser.com">www.theadvertiser.com</a> (newspaper)<br /><a href="http://www.2theadvocate.com">www.2theadvocate.com</a> (WBRZ and newspaper in Baton Rouge )<br /><a href="http://www.wafb.com">www.wafb.com </a>(TV 9 in Baton Rouge)<br /><a href="http://www.kplctv.com">www.kplctv.com</a> (TV 7 in Lake Charles)<br /><a href="http://www.wwltv.com">www.wwltv.com</a> (TV 4 in New Orleans)<br /><a href="http://www.nola.com">www.nola.com</a> (Newspaper in New Orleans)<br /><br />Many are offering streaming live newscasts and all will have remote broadcasting. Some are simulcasting on the radio.<br /><br />- signing off (probably) until post-Gustav,<br /><br />-Sona.sonadomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947179324424111884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839054.post-18483818758205014632008-08-30T15:51:00.002-05:002008-08-30T15:57:47.339-05:00Notice to all Employees from C/P President DurelFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<br /><br />August 30, 2008 <br /><br />“Durel Statement to LCG Employees”<br /><br /><br /><br />LAFAYETTE - Lafayette City-Parish President Joey Durel Statement to LCG Employees: <br /><br />As a result of the threat caused by Hurricane Gustav and the voluntary evacuation order which I issued on Saturday, August 30, 2008 at 2:00 p.m., non-essential employees of Lafayette Consolidated Government have been placed on civil leave for their work shift on Tuesday, September 2 and Wednesday, September 3, 2008. Monday, September 1, 2008 is a declared holiday for these employees and, for those not at work as a result of the storm, they will be on holiday leave for this day. All employees are expected to report to work at the beginning of their work shift on Thursday, September 4, 2008, unless further advised. LCG will provide updated information through the local news media.<br /><br /> <br />LCG employees critical to the emergency response to Hurricane Gustav are not affected by this declaration and shall report for duty as required by their respective department.<br /><br /> <br /><br />L.J. “Joey” Durel, Jr. <br />City-Parish Presdent <br /><br /><br />Comment from Sona: If you are a supervisor or manager, please make sure your employees and co-workers get this word. If you have a 'responder' badge, you are considered essential to the recovery efforts of the Library System and will be expected to report as directed to assist in Library recovery as needed once the storm has passed. Please make sure you let me know in advance if you are planning to leave for the storm.Library Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13442904187191282049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839054.post-2459414826274842652008-08-30T10:53:00.004-05:002008-08-30T11:38:36.652-05:00Update - closed on Sunday, Aug 31stDue to the uncertainty with the path, intensity, and timeline, the Library System will be <span style="font-weight:bold;">CLOSED</span> on Sunday, August 31st.<br /><br />This impacts both the Main Library and the Southside Branch. Both are normally open from 1 - 5 pm but will both be closed tomorrow (Sunday, August 31st.) <br /><br />We plan on shutting down our webserver and Library catalog on Sunday afternoon. We apologize for this inconvenience, but it is a necessary precaution. We will restore normal library services as soon as it is possible to do so.<br /><br /><br />Book due dates will be changed on materials due during the closed time. Please keep your library materials until we reopen. We will be closing our outside book returns for the duration of the storm. Please do not leave materials you have to return or donate on the library premises at this time. They will not survive the anticipated rains and wind. <br /><br /><br />Public Access Computers will be <span style="font-weight:bold;">unavailable after 3:00 today<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> at all locations. Wifi will likely be unavailable as well. <br /> <br /><br /><br />If there is no update on this site after Gustav approaches Lafayette Parish, please check the <a href="http://prepare.lib.la.us/blog/">State Library blog</a> to see if Lafayette Public Library has an update listed.sonadomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947179324424111884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839054.post-13855518519679831582008-08-29T14:17:00.004-05:002008-08-30T04:49:10.517-05:00Check the statusThe State Library of Louisiana has established the Louisiana Library Status Blog:<br /><a href="http://prepare.lib.la.us/blog/">http://prepare.lib.la.us/blog/</a><br /><br />Library Administrators from around the state will post as they are able any news or updates concerning their library's open/closed status, before and after storm updates, needs for staff or materials, and also general information for staff. This is a public blog for anyone to see.<br /><br />We will post on that site as appropriate, in addition to this site. There is always the chance that we cannot access the internet to post. In that event, we will try to reach colleagues at the State Library with our news and they will post.<br /><br />If there is no update on this site if/after Gustav approaches Lafayette Parish, please check the <a href="http://prepare.lib.la.us/blog/">State Library blog</a> to see if Lafayette Public Library has an update listed.LPL Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961860186795844026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839054.post-21171313375129461392008-08-28T15:24:00.004-05:002008-08-29T14:25:29.549-05:00Gustav updateWe are closely monitoring <span style="font-style:italic;">TS / Hurricane Gustav</span>. At this time, necessary preparations are being made to secure the facilities. <br /><br />As of Thursday, August 28th at 3:30 PM, no library closings are planned, with the exception of Monday, September 1st - Labor Day. However, this could change.<br /><br />Please monitor this page, as we will post any updates here for staff and public.LPL Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05961860186795844026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839054.post-76655681093708513322008-07-17T15:45:00.003-05:002008-07-17T16:19:27.805-05:00What's new?Thank you for your use and support of the Lafayette Public Library System.<br /><br />Here's what's new.<br /><br /><a href="http://northregionallibrary.blogspot.com">North Regional Library</a> opened on September 29, 2007. The Library serves North Lafayette Parish and is<br />located at 5101 N. University in Carencro, next to the Carencro Community<br />Center.<br /><br /><a href="http://southregionallibrary.blogspot.com">South Regional Library</a> is currently under construction. A late 2008 opening is anticipated.<br /><br />The <a href="http://mainlibrary.blogspot.com">Main Library renovation</a> is currently in the planning stages.<br /><br />Discussions on where to locate the future East Regional Library and the future West Regional Library are underway.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Saturday July 19th election</span><br />The Library has a proposition on the ballot this Saturday, July 19th. It is<br />a renewal of an existing property tax millage at 1.61 mills, and is dedicated solely to the support and operations of the Library.<br />It is covered by homestead exemption. Residents of the city of Lafayette, the municipalities (Broussard, Carencro, Duson, Scott, and Youngsville), and the unincorporated areas (including Milton and other parts of the parish) all support the library with this property tax. The Library offers 10 physical locations throughout Lafayette Parish, including the city of Lafayette, Broussard, Carencro, Duson, Milton, Scott, and Youngsville as well as our e-services.<br /><br />July programs: Many children's, teen, and adult programs will occur over<br />the next few weeks as we wind down our 2008 Summer Reading. <a href="http://tinyurl.com/LPLjulyevents">Check them out</a><br /><br />Reminder notices - we are emailing you library reminder notices several<br />days before your items are due. The link in the notice lets you quickly get<br />to our site where you can renew if necessary.<br /><br />Text message Library notices - A free, third party service, not affiliated with the Lafayette Public Library, is being used successfully by some library patrons who refer receiving text messages on their cell phones. Note, carriers may charge a fee for text messages -- check with your carrier for relevant fees.<br />This service is called "Library Elf". The web site is <a href="http://www.libraryelf.com">http://www.libraryelf.com</a> and the link to signing up as a Lafayette Public Library user is <a href="http://tinyurl.com/lpllibraryelf">http://tinyurl.com/lpllibraryelf</a>. The service is free, but be sure to read the privacy policy and terms on their web site, as well as their <a href="http://www.libraryelf.com/FAQ.aspx">FAQs</a>.<br /><br />Book Club Kits to Go - Are you in a book club? The Lafayette Public<br />Library offers book kits for your club's use. <a href="http://tinyurl.com/lplbookclub">Thirteen titles</a> are currently available and we plan to add titles each year. Each kit has 10 copies of the book as well as a discussion guide. To reserve a kit or join inquire about Book Discussion Groups, please contact the Main Library at 261-5787. Thanks to the <a href="http://friendsofthelafayettelibrary.org">Friends of the Library</a> for funding our Book Club Kits project.<br /><br />Audio books - The Library offers online, interactive audiobooks for<br />children (Tumblebooks).<br /><br />The Library offers over 200 audio titles in Playaway format. Each title is circulated on an individual mp3 type player that can be checked out for 3 weeks (you use your own headphones and AAA battery for the device).<br /><br />The Library now offers downloadable titles from Overdrive compatible with Windows pcs and portable audio devices (mp3 players) capable of supporting Windows Media Player 9 and higher. Although the service does not currently support the iPod format, we hope to offer that when Overdrive makes it available to us. The service has been very popular in the 3 months since it began. You may have to place a hold on an e-audio title if it is currently checked out by another patron.<br /><br />We continue to offer over 2000 book titles on CD. More information about<br />Tumblebooks, Playaway, and Overdrive can be found <a href="http://www.lafayette.lib.la.us/audioformats.htm">here</a>.<br /><br />Computers and Internet -- Our Internet connection has been 'super-sized'.<br />We have a 50 mbps connection to the Internet. The public can reserve a<br />computer to access the Internet or use one of the many library databases or<br />application software packages we have available. A library card is needed<br />to use a library computer. All library locations also offer wi-fi if you<br />wish to use your own laptop or pda while in the Library.Library Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13442904187191282049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839054.post-83344584164513295102007-10-17T13:05:00.000-05:002007-10-18T14:41:48.823-05:00Another successful Friends' Author Dinner<div style="text-align: justify;">Author Dinners were not held in 2005 and 2006. Last night, the Friends of the Library brought back the Author Dinner in style -- complete with crime scene body outlines and tape, and featuring New Orleans mystery writer <a href="http://tinyurl.com/35prqr">Julie Smith</a>. Julie spoke of the start of her writing career and her early love of books and libraries. She also showed us her PI badge & license! She is as personable and enjoyable as her books.<br /><br />Alverta Hasling, Friends President, recognized two outstanding Friends members for the years between Author Dinners: Lee Dotson (Friend of the Year for 2005) and Sue Roberts (Friend of the Year for 2006). Dee Nolan, Friends Secretary, eloquently announced this year's Friend of the Year -- Bobbie Dunbar. Bobbie serves as Friends Treasurer in addition to her many other volunteer, professional, and family activities and commitments.<br /><br />Afterwards, Julie signed copies of <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://casamysterioso.com/thenewone.htm">New Orleans Noir</a></span>, a compilation of short stories about the city - both Pre-K and Post-Katrina - written by New Orleans authors. Proceeds from the sale of the book benefit literacy and libraries in the New Orleans area. Thanks again to Greg Mouton with Barnes & Noble for participating.<br /><br />Kudos to Pat Hebert and her committee for the wonderful event!<br /></div>Library Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13442904187191282049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839054.post-25640571162728269812007-09-23T09:56:00.000-05:002007-09-23T10:05:14.790-05:00Grand Opening - North Regional LibraryThe Library Board and Library Building Committee invite you to join us on Saturday, September 29th at 9 a.m. for the Grand Opening of the North Regional Library in Carencro, Louisiana. The Library opens for business at 10 a.m.<br /><br />This is the first of our Regionals and will serve all of North Lafayette Parish. It is a 12,564 sq ft facility and includes a meeting room, children's storytelling room, and a genealogy space in addition to 2 study rooms and a quiet reading/periodicals room. <br />There are also areas for Teens, Children, and Adults. The facility has wireless Internet access for those who wish to use their own laptop or PDA. There are also 24 public access computers which can be reserved for use. <br /><br />The drive up book return lets you return books from your car. The drive up pickup window lets you check out books you've reserved without leaving your car.<br /><br />Library Hours will be:<br /><br />Monday - Thursday - 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.<br />Friday - 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.<br />Saturday - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.<br />Sundays - closed<br /><br />Details can be found on the construction blog at <a href="http://northregionallibrary.blogspot.com">http://northregionallibrary.blogspot.com</a>Library Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13442904187191282049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839054.post-42883861115242035992007-07-17T05:54:00.000-05:002007-07-17T06:02:44.958-05:00Wi-Fi UpdateAll Library locations now have Wi-Fi available for the public to use at no cost. Most laptops and PDAs equipped with WiFi cards will connect without a problem. See Library staff for details.<br /><br />Locations include in Lafayette: the Main Library downtown, the Chenier Center Branch (in the Town Hall Building), the Butler Branch (in the King Recreation Center), and the Southside Branch (in Time Plaza Shopping Center at Johnston and Ridge).<br /><br />Locations in the municipalities and unincorporated parish: Broussard Branch (Morgan and Main St. intersection), Carencro Branch (St. Peter Street), Duson Branch (First Street), Milton Branch (Cedar Village Shopping Center), Scott Branch (adjacent to Wayne Burton's State Farm agency), and Youngsville Branch (in Twin Oaks Plaza)Library Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13442904187191282049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839054.post-60670977865669798502007-03-10T08:03:00.000-06:002007-03-10T08:08:48.308-06:00Did you know?Most of our library locations have Wi-Fi Internet access available. You are able to use your laptop, PDA or other device with a wireless card. Wireless is available at the Main Library, Southside Branch, Chenier Center Library, Broussard Branch, Carencro Branch, Scott Branch, and Youngsville Branch.Library Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13442904187191282049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839054.post-41554121931093370662007-01-27T16:47:00.000-06:002007-01-27T17:11:57.695-06:00Playaway audio titles now available<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUyUIh7A0jEgQBAqtolsRxmedgKZ9GVv7PEVnbj_Nd_NfS-A8XSCOYguQFbeJ1dvT7M_JJBl5gnIrfGEykfw-TzKfm2E7Z0s_0PM-xvUgN_YxNpzmeBtIUA8QQzwhIop7sINU/s1600-h/BANNERv3.3_LIB_nomitch.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUyUIh7A0jEgQBAqtolsRxmedgKZ9GVv7PEVnbj_Nd_NfS-A8XSCOYguQFbeJ1dvT7M_JJBl5gnIrfGEykfw-TzKfm2E7Z0s_0PM-xvUgN_YxNpzmeBtIUA8QQzwhIop7sINU/s200/BANNERv3.3_LIB_nomitch.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5024849316411672514" border="0" /></a><br />We now have <a href="http://www.recordedbooks.com/">Playaway Digital Audiobooks from Recorded Books.</a> These self-contained units are preloaded with a bestselling fiction or non-fiction title. The content and the player are all-in-one and there is no need to have your own MP3, cassette, or CD player or even computer. Just put in one AAA battery, plug virtually any set of headphones, and play! The unit is portable - carry your book with you anywhere. No need to cart around that case of cassettes or CDs! <br /><br />See our list of <a href="http://ipac.lafayette.lib.la.us:8080/ipac20/ipac.jsp?&profile=dial&&menu=search&aspect=advanced&npp=10&amp;amp;ipp=20&index=BTW&term=playaways">Playaway titles here</a>. For details on how to use the device, see the instructions on the <a href="http://www.recordedbooks.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=rb.playaway">Recorded Books site</a>.Library Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13442904187191282049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20839054.post-35481142299722091012007-01-24T13:00:00.000-06:002007-01-27T17:30:39.236-06:00South Regional GroundbreakingPlease join us as we hold our groundbreaking ceremony for the new South Regional Library. The event will be on Tuesday, February 6th at 9 a.m. Due to the uncertainty of the weather, we will hold the ceremony indoors - at the Southside Branch Library, 5417 Johnston Street in the Time Plaza shopping center. A social will follow the event.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYI494vvFXzZne42N3UbakSoO4mxIWRmYM55q7ebBxndHSfcLtpIBV3AHsGo9c-myZGyCtgMzGLLPQmPpfw0oroKeX8U2Jj9eqbvOzyQDunveepLfyfqj5tjfsHs_jcvRcbD-/s1600-h/Rendering+-+Duhon+St+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYI494vvFXzZne42N3UbakSoO4mxIWRmYM55q7ebBxndHSfcLtpIBV3AHsGo9c-myZGyCtgMzGLLPQmPpfw0oroKeX8U2Jj9eqbvOzyQDunveepLfyfqj5tjfsHs_jcvRcbD-/s320/Rendering+-+Duhon+St+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5024856583496337362" border="0" /></a><br />The new library will be located at the intersection of Johnston Street and the Duhon Road extension, approximately 1.2 miles South of the current branch. <a href="http://southregionallibrary.blogspot.com/">Check out our construction blog</a> for more details.Library Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13442904187191282049noreply@blogger.com1