Another successful Friends' Author Dinner

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 Julie Smith. 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.

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.

Afterwards, Julie signed copies of New Orleans Noir, 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.

Kudos to Pat Hebert and her committee for the wonderful event!

Grand Opening - North Regional Library

The 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.

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.
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.

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.

Library Hours will be:

Monday - Thursday - 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday - 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sundays - closed

Details can be found on the construction blog at http://northregionallibrary.blogspot.com

Wi-Fi Update

All 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.

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).

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)