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RESERVE — Hundreds of community members, elected officials, and local dignitaries gathered this month to commemorate the grand opening of the new Leroy D. Williams Memorial Library in Reserve.

Located at 1482 La. 44, the new St. John the Baptist Parish Library branch provides an array of quality resources, networking opportunities, and creative programming relevant to the interests and needs of the public. Library Director Andrea Tullos said specialty spaces within the facility will be used for learning, gathering, and developing talents.

“Today, we open a truly unique and wonderful gem not only for St. John Parish, but for Southeast Louisiana. Your library will provide opportunities for creative outlet activities in the Makerspace, nooks for reading and studying, flexible meeting spaces for small and large gatherings, a gaming space, a small grab and geaux café, and podcast studios,” Tullos said. “We will continue to be here to support any questions or help you find your favorite book, and we will continue to provide public computers, faxing, printing, and loaning of books. This library will come alive with you! This facility has many opportunities for different types of uses. How we grow will reflect your needs and what you use.”

Seeing a need for additional space, the Library Board of Control began saving for a Reserve
relocation project several years ago. Property was acquired adjacent to St. John Theatre in late
2020, and construction began in 2022.

The Reserve Branch is named in honor of the late Leroy D. Williams, a longtime educator who was indispensable to the development of the St. John the Baptist Parish Library system. Councilwoman Tammy Houston spoke on behalf of Williams’ family, of which she is a proud member. She described Williams as “a man of honor, intelligence, and education,” adding that the completion of the library is a dream come true not only for their family, but for the entire community of Reserve.

“The reason this library is named in his honor is because Mr. Williams faithfully served on the
Library Board for more than 50 years. Before there was a Library Board, he was part of the
demonstration library,” Houston said. “He and his counterpart, Mr. Norris Millet, were the
reason we have a library system here. It wasn’t something they were paid for. They were
strictly volunteers, and they fought for the library.”
St. John the Baptist Parish President Jaclyn Hotard emphasized the importance of
community libraries.
“They are resource centers, information hubs, job opportunities and skill building, but most
importantly, a safe and nurturing place for children and adults,” Hotard said. “Maintaining
strong library systems is a vital investment in an inclusive and educated parish, and the new
Leroy D. Williams Library, and all of our libraries, are the blueprint. I want to thank Mrs.
Tullos and all involved on seeing this project through to completion.”

Sewing machines, an Epilog laser cutter/engraver, Cricut Maker, HP DesignJet large-format printer, 3D printers, sublimation printers, a heat press, and more can be found inside the library’s MakerSpace. Equipment in the MakerSpace is available for use in library programs and will eventually be open to creative uses by individuals and groups working on personal projects. Also included are button makers, Ozobots, Edisonbots, Cubelets, circuit kits, MakeyMakey kits, and other tools to introduce patrons of all ages to coding, robotics, and circuitry basics.

The Reserve Branch also offers a podcast room equipped with three microphones, a camera for video recording, and technology required for patrons to make their voices heard. A separate one-button studio, labeled “Studio North” allows for three main uses. Through a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, the room has been equipped for telehealth use, allowing patrons without access to transportation the opportunity to virtually meet with health care professionals in a private, sound-proofed space. A scale, thermometer, and blood pressure monitor will be available. The one button studio can also be reserved by patrons who wish to record presentations or participate in virtual meetings via Zoom, Webex, Microsoft Teams, and other online platforms.

The public is able to utilize two tutoring rooms, two flexible meeting spaces, a meeting room/gaming room, and a large multipurpose room with scenic views of the Mississippi River. While the multipurpose room will be open to nonprofit and community groups free of charge, it will also be available for rental outside of regular library hours for private events and commercial uses.

The newly opened Bookmark Café has a menu featuring coffees, teas, juice, fresh fruit, and pastries. The Café is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Set to reach completion in August, a historic 1885 House on the property will include meeting and gallery space, a local history collection, and a teaching kitchen to be used for hands-on cooking demonstrations for small groups. Another feature coming soon is an outdoor sensory garden filled with equipment for individuals with and without disabilities to enjoy.

Tullos acknowledged the impact of the creative design team of EWINGCOLE and KathrynTaylorDesign, as well as supportive and detailed contractors from Lemoine Construction, Bryan O’Connor, Jason Miranda, Ben Falgoust, and others. She added that library staff across all branches contributed to the vision.

“We have a true group of professional and dedicated individuals, who are very interested in providing exemplary customer service, supporting all our unique services, and creating a welcoming environment at all our libraries. I am honored to serve alongside them,” she said.

The Leroy D. Williams Memorial Library is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. For more information, call 985-536-4107, follow St. John the Baptist Parish Library on social media, or view our electronic resources and online calendar at www.stjohnlib.com.