Lafayette Public Library - North Regional Library

WE'RE OPEN!

2007-09-29T17:42:00.000-05:00

Thanks everyone for the wonderful turnout at the Grand Opening of North Regional Library.

Ok, so we stayed out in the sun a bit longer than we hoped (it isn't in my nature to be brief), but kudos to all the staff, board, elected officials, architects, and engineers who helped make this a reality were necessary. And, of course, I couldn't let the opportunity to pass without thanking our wonderful Library support groups -- The Friends of the Library- Carencro Branch, The Friends of the Lafayette Public Library, and the Lafayette Public Library Foundation.

Most of all, the thanks goes to you, the citizens of Lafayette Parish, for your long time support of YOUR library system. This facility is dedicated to you. Use it well.

Library Hours, effective 9/29/07:

Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

See the slideshow of photos from the Grand Opening below.

The photos are available on Picasa Web Albums.

Also check out the photo gallery on The Daily Advertiser website.

Please join us for the Grand Opening

2007-09-20T17:12:00.000-05:00

View Larger Map

Getting ready

2007-09-11T17:36:00.000-05:00

Peggy Thibodeaux, Manager of the North Regional Library, puts one of the first children's books on the shelves as staff begins to ready the library for opening.

The Grand Opening will be Saturday, September 29, 2007 at 9 a.m. The Library will open for business at 10 a.m. Tours will be available until the Library closes that day at 4 p.m. More information about our celebration will be posted soon.

Landscaping

2007-08-22T22:40:00.000-05:00

Marshall's Nursery of Lafayette is executing the landscaping plan developed by Landscape Architect Lue Svendson .

We want an update!

2007-07-17T13:02:00.000-05:00

It's been a busy month. The Contractor is working on his punch list. Shelving and furniture installation is taking place. The landscapers are starting their work.

The grand opening will be soon! More details next month.

Here are a few teaser pictures until then.

Finishing touches...

2007-06-11T13:25:00.000-05:00

...both inside and out

The chandelier and walk-off carpet installation completes the foyer.

Lettering gets affixed the the front.

Children's carpeting gets installed. I'm working on a vertical panorama of the storytelling room (aka kaleidoscope room). Until then, here it is in pieces.

2007-05-25T15:02:00.000-05:00

Floor boxes (data and electrical connections) are being installed. We will have over 20 computers for the public to use, plus separate units that will access only the online catalog. In addition, free wireless (80211.b,g) Internet access (with access to electrical outlets) will be available for anyone with their own laptop or PDA device to use at tables. Some of our lounge type seating is equipped with tablet arms.

The exterior work continues. This week, asphalt work continued. Next week the columns should be formed around the covered walkway supports.

Larry with our staff inspects the parking lot and notes the storm clouds approaching in the distance. The electrical work to complete the lighting should occur after Memorial Day.

2007-05-15T08:16:00.000-05:00

Carpet installation continues this week.

The drive thru pickup window will soon be open for business!

Starting to finish

2007-05-03T15:54:00.000-05:00

Millwork finishing touches are taking place. Most of the wall coverings and paint is done. Entrance chandelier is installed. Carpeting, covered walkway, and parking lot work to happen within the next few weeks. Early summer will see furniture installation, followed by the book collection. In a few months, everyone will enjoy the new library!

End of the April showers??

2007-04-30T16:49:00.000-05:00

The new Library is getting paint, carpeting, lighting, and millwork as we approach the final few weeks of construction. Let's hope the rains stay away to allow for the exterior finishing.

Architect Glenn Angelle holds up the lettering for the Friends of the Library shop.

Mark Lavergne inspects the windows and shades in the Storytelling Room.

A view from the entry way. The inside will be colorful, cheery, and welcoming.

Display case in Genealogy is being installed. Here's a view from the back.

April showers...

2007-04-10T17:14:00.000-05:00

may have slowed down the Exterior finishing a bit, but the Interior is starting to show its true colors.

The sidewalk paving for the covered walkway is in; the parking lot work was delayed by the recent rains.

The Storytelling Room starts to take shape. It gets a ceiling, some of the color is up, and window seats are installed.

The wall in the Children's Department gets installed.

Teresa - a child at heart - tries out one of the cubbies.

Wall coverings and paint begin to go on the walls in other spaces, including Genealogy, Study Rooms, and Teens. Carpeting and flooring should go in soon!

Looking good!

2007-03-01T17:11:00.000-06:00

Mid February

2007-02-15T16:56:00.000-06:00

What a presence the Library will be!

Looking towards the front door from behind the genealogy arch

Looking towards the genealogy arch from the front door.

The courtyard outside the storytelling room and meeting room takes shape.

We will have 2 study rooms available for use by our customers.

A quiet reading room is at the far right of the library.

End of a cold month!

2007-01-30T16:00:00.000-06:00

The interior work continues to progress. The ceiling grid has been installed.

Discussion takes place on painting and installing the wall coverings. Notice the Genealogy arch in the back.

A closer view of the genealogy arched entrance. The area will be finished off with millwork, including a display case.

Library consultant Denelle Wrightson, A.I.A., discusses the interior finishes with Dan Faugot with Traditional Painting Company.

Staff workroom gets a first coat. In a few months, customers will be able to pick up their requested books from this drive-thru window - a convenience on days like today!

The storytelling room gets walls and windows!

Landscaping and Irrigation Package out for bid

2007-01-27T10:59:00.000-06:00

Sealed bids will be received ONLY in the office of the Purchasing Division at the Lafayette Consolidated Government Building, located at 705 W. University, Lafayette, Louisiana, until three o’clock (3:00 p.m.) Central Standard Time on the 21st day of February, 2007, for furnishing and installing landscaping and an irrigation system for the North Regional Library.

The complete Notice to Bidders is available at the Lafayette Consolidated Goverment website.

Copies of plans and specifications are available at the office of Angelle Architects, 1011 Berard Street, Breaux Bridge, LA 70505, 337-332-6688 attn: Glenn Angelle. Questions relative to the bidding documents shall be addressed to Lafayette Consolidated Government. Technical questions relative to the specifications should be addressed to the Consultant at the telephone number stated above.

January progress

2007-01-11T16:07:00.000-06:00

Although the rains hindered the roof and brick completion (and made the site a little muddy), exterior and interior work continues to progress. Window and door installation continues and stucco work has begun.

Electrical work continues. Ceramic tile is being installed. Painting should begin soon. The ceiling grid will go in this month. The colored glass blocks are up in the storytelling room.

We opened bids in December on the furniture packages and are working on the contracts. The landscaping and irrigation system package should be ready for bidding later this month.

Tour pics

2006-12-08T14:03:00.000-06:00

A tour was held - on the coldest day of the year - for Library Board and Building Committee members and City of Carencro officials. Library and Lafayette Consolidated Government Public Works staff also attended. Architect Glenn Angelle was on hand to explain some of the special details and finishes being used in the facility. Thanks to all for braving the weather.

The building is at 50% completion.

To view larger images, click on each picture.

Carencro Christmas

2006-12-02T18:19:00.000-06:00

The north side of the building continues to be bricked. This photo was taken from the parking lot of the Community Center during the Carencro Christmas event.

Thanksgiving Week

2006-11-21T15:55:00.000-06:00

Brick work has moved from the west and south of the building around to the front and the north

A view of the Circulation Desk space

And a different view of the interior

* you're not seeing spots. Camera battery was on low!

Furniture package out for bid

2006-11-21T15:51:00.000-06:00

The interior signage, shelving, chairs, tables, and other library and office furniture is currently out for bid. Bids will be received until 3 p.m. on Tuesday, December 12th and opened shortly thereafter. The Notice to Bidders is available at the Lafayette Consolidated Government website --

Here's the rtf file (which will open with word or most other word processors.)

Architectural Woodwork - North Regional Library

2006-11-14T12:04:00.000-06:00

The bid for architectural woodworking (wood end panels for our metal shelving and custom built reference and circulation desks, plus some computer workstations) is now out. The Notice to Bidders can be accessed on the Lafayette Consolidated Government website.

http://tinyurl.com/yk7yzp to open the .rtf file

The bid for other furnishings should be out within the next few weeks. The bid for landscaping is also forthcoming.

Lots of bricks

2006-11-10T16:58:00.000-06:00

Exterior bricklaying continues

Interior work progresses

What's that?

2006-11-03T11:49:00.000-06:00

View from the outside

View from the inside

Bricks

2006-11-02T11:39:00.000-06:00

The bricks are going up quickly -- when the weather cooperates! The new Library will have a drive-thru drop-off for returning materials. There will also be a pickup window where materials you have requested can be picked up when they are ready.

We are also planning a red/green signal light on the building to let you know when the pickup window is open.

No tricks, but treats

2006-10-30T16:29:00.000-06:00

Interior wall work has started. The brick work will start this week and is expected to take 6-8 weeks. Maybe we need a contest to guess the number of bricks that will be on the building!

Hard hat area

2006-10-04T12:01:00.000-05:00

Construction progress continues at the site.

Here's a view from the Community Center parking lot, looking South. Brick work should start in several weeks.

Standing at the entranceway looking in.

We're official!

2006-09-21T14:39:00.000-05:00

Thanks, Lee for snapping these pictures!

2006-09-20T09:15:00.000-05:00

An early look from the front to back - imagine the info desk in the middle and the genealogy section beyond it.

2006-09-20T09:13:00.000-05:00

An early look at the storytelling room

Walls and roof

2006-09-19T16:35:00.000-05:00

Roof trusses, gyp board, more steel - more progress.

Much progress

2006-09-11T12:36:00.000-05:00

More of the steel structure is up and the metal wall studs are are going up.

Early September

2006-09-01T11:46:00.000-05:00

Progress continues on the steel structure.

Sidewalks of Carencro

2006-08-22T11:45:00.000-05:00

The City of Carencro is planning a sidewalk on N. University Ave. that will run from St. Peter Street to the new Library / Community Center complex. Drainage work in preparation of the sidewalk is underway.

More steel

2006-08-22T11:42:00.000-05:00

Work continues on the steel framing of the new library.

Steel yourself...

2006-08-15T19:41:00.000-05:00

2 weeks after foundation pour, steel starts to go up.

Here you also see roughins for plumbing, data, and electrical.

Spaces

2006-08-03T13:28:00.000-05:00

This picture was snapped standing inside the front entrance of the new Library. Our contractor and his construction foreman are inspecting the slab.

A view of the children's storytelling room! I can't wait to see this special room finished out and being used.

Here's a view from the Genealogy area - in the back of the Library. Our architect has planned a wonderful arched entryway to the space that you will see as you enter the building. It is close to the 2 study/conference rooms.

Cutting and Curing

2006-08-03T13:12:00.000-05:00

Finishing work continues, including scoring the slab. The form should come down soon.

Here's a view of the site, from the driveway.

Here's the view of the front. Where you see boxes now, will be our entrance porch.

Here, I'm standing in the back of the building.

The Pour!

2006-08-01T11:45:00.000-05:00

Dan and his crew began before 3 this morning. Yes, it poured overnight, but that didn't stop THE POUR. By 6:30, over 75% of the cement had been spread. By 7:30, we were waiting on the last 2 loads to come from the cement plant. These pictures were snapped between 7 and 7:30. By 10, the pour was done and the finishing work continued. It was hot, muggy, and muddy, but the foundation was looking great!

Foundation readied

2006-07-28T15:24:00.000-05:00

July has been busy. Site work continues and the foundation is almost ready for the pour. Larry stood on a ladder to snap this picture.

Foundation forming is progressing

2006-07-06T12:57:00.000-05:00

Work on the foundation continues at the site, despite recent rains. The contractor worked around the showers on July 4th!

Foundation work continues

2006-06-27T13:23:00.000-05:00

Work continues

2006-06-19T14:15:00.000-05:00

Foundation footings and reinforcing continues. By Friday afternoon, the rear half of the pad was done. Weather permitting, the front half should be done early this week.

Week 4 - Boring is not Boring

2006-06-12T12:03:00.000-05:00

Support shafts for the foundation are being installed starting today. The hole is drilled 16 ft deep and dirt is removed. The wired support is lowered into the hole and then filled with cement while the next hole is drilled.

Where is it?

2006-06-01T16:55:00.000-05:00

I'm often asked where the new library will be. It is on Hwy 182 (N. University) adjacent to the Carencro Community Center. If you are facing the front of the Community Center, the library will be on your left between the coulee and the Community Center.

I have been told by more than one person that if I simply say the new library will be across from the Feed Store, everyone will know where that is!

Week 3 - Site work continues

2006-06-01T16:49:00.000-05:00

Site pad continues to be readied. Excavation for retention pond and drainage preparation in progress.

Keep your fingers crossed for dry weather for the next few weeks!

Construction - week 1

2006-05-16T10:00:00.000-05:00

Staging

Spreading dirt

Construction begins!

2006-05-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

May 2006: Lafayette City/Parish President Joey Durel signed the contract with MD Descant Contractors to build the library! Construction officially starts May 15, 2006. The Library will be 12,500 sq. ft. and will feature a children's storytelling room (dubbed the kaleidoscope room by staff), a teen space, a genealogy/heritage space, quiet reading space, and meeting and study rooms. The Library will also feature a drive-thru book return and book pickup window, expanded library book and audio-video collections, additional computers, self-service checkout machines, and a Friends of the Library shop. Angelle Architects (Glenn Angelle, principal) designed the Library. PSA-Dewberry (Denelle Wrightson, consultant) worked with the Library staff, board, and building committee on the building program and Interiors/furniture.

Construction is expected to take a year.

Foundation Award 2006

2006-05-08T16:17:00.000-05:00

May 8th: For their sense of community and their long time support of the public library, the City of Carencro was presented with the Lafayette Public Library Foundation "Foundation Award" at the Foundation's Awards and all that Jazz! event. Mayor Brasseaux accepted the award on behalf of the City.

Ceremonial Groundbreaking!

2005-10-07T18:24:00.000-05:00

October 2005: A ceremonial groundbreaking was held in connection with the City of Carencro's Centennial Celebration.

We have property!

2005-06-29T16:05:00.000-05:00

June 2005: Carencro Mayor Glenn Brasseaux and Lafayette City/Parish President Joey Durel sign the Intergovernmental Agreement donating 4+ acres of property for the construction of the new library. The property is adjacent to the Carencro Community Center and fronts North University Ave. (Hwy 182).

Voters say Libraries YES!

2002-11-06T09:00:00.000-06:00

November 2002: Voters in Lafayette Parish approve a $40 million bond issue to construct 4 new Regional Libraries and renovate the Main Library.