The library where you can borrow a crawfish pot and American Girl doll
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Patrons can check out American Girl dolls from the Jefferson Parish Library. These dolls are at the main branch in Metairie. Photo: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios
Libraries are about much more than books these days.
Why it matters: Library leaders in New Orleans and Jefferson Parish say they've been adapting for years to the needs of their communities.
The big picture: Sure, you'll find thousands of printed books, but these days, you'll also find computer classes, vegetable seeds, kitchen equipment, board games and dozens of free events each month.
- Plus, the digital collection gives patrons access to movies, music, e-books, genealogy resources, kids' activities and more. There are also free passes to local museums and state parks.
- Participation in the in-person classes and events has climbed in recent years, especially with people in their 20s and 30s, said Jessica Styons, the library director for Jefferson Parish.
- "I think we spend so much time on our computers at work or for whatever we're doing that it's nice to get out and have some engagement with other people," Styons says.
What she's saying: "At its core, our mission is to remove as many barriers to accessing materials and information as possible," says Emily Painton, the executive director of the New Orleans Public Library.
- "The library is for everyone, readers or not, so we want our collection to reflect that and offer a little something for everyone."
Flashback: New Orleans has a long history of nontraditional collections. In the 1950s and 1960s, it had dolls, records and framed paintings you could check out.
Zoom out: Both systems have been expanding their museum passes and their "Library of Things," which lets patrons check out nontraditional items.
- Jefferson Parish items include metal detectors, American Girl dolls and crawfish pots.
- New Orleans offers wheelbarrows, cake pans and Audubon Zoo passes.
- The items are free with a library card.
What's next: Jefferson Parish is finishing up its Makerspace, which is expected to be the state's biggest public crafting space.
- It's in the main East Bank branch and will host free classes. It should open later this year.
