Lafayette Public Library

July 29, 2022

theadvertiser.com Library likely broke Open Meetings Law in bid to fire Lafayette librarian

North Regional Library Branch Manager Cara Chance survived an attempt by Library Board of Control President Robert Judge to fire her at Monday’s meeting after Judge accused her of “willful insubordination” over a teen romance book display that included titles with LGBTQ storylines.

But the board’s actions at Monday’s meeting appear to violate the state Open Meetings Law since the agenda did not give the public notice that the board would take action on Chance’s employment.

Source: The Advertiser

July 27, 2022

theadvocate.com Vice president of embattled Lafayette Parish Library Board of Control resigns over work, school conflicts

Appointed to the board in August of 2020, Landon Boudreaux’s term began Dec. 1, 2020, and expires Nov. 30, 2025. The Parish Council will accept resumes and appoint a replacement to fill his unexpired term on the non-paying board.

Source: The Advocate

July 26, 2022

theadvocate.com Librarian survives attempt to fire her for including LGBTQ books in teen romance book display

The library board instead voted Monday to table action until its Aug. 15 meeting.

Source: The Advocate

July 25, 2022

theadvocate.com Lafayette Parish librarian who spoke against censorship of LGBTQ books may be fired

A Lafayette Parish library branch manager who has spoken against censorship at board meetings may be in jeopardy of losing her job.

Cara Chance has been one of few library employees to speak out against efforts to ban books and restrict book displays in the public library system.

Source: The Advocate

Local Voices

June 8, 2022

LETTER: We cannot stand silent

The library is the front line. We at Acadiana Queer Collective cannot stand silently while it actively silences the voices of our siblings who stand in harm’s way.

Election 2021

October 25, 2021

ELECTION 2021: Lafayette’s library system hangs in the balance of the Nov. 13 tax renewal

If voters fail to renew the library’s second millage, two or more libraries could be forced to close. The politics around this vote are more fraught than normal.

News + Notes

April 12, 2021

Advocates sue to nullify controversial Lafayette library board appointment

Three Parish Council members illegally arranged votes outside of public view to make a controversial library appointment, Lafayette library advocates allege in a suit filed last week in district court.

News + Notes

March 25, 2021

An invasion of politics imperils Lafayette’s public libraries

In a culture war attracting the national spotlight, activists have collided in an unlikely arena. Meanwhile, the library system’s once sterling financial health falters.

News + Notes

September 30, 2020

Library System forced to reconsider expansions, including Northside branch

The gist: Two library expansions and a new Northside branch may be reconsidered if the library’s property tax is not increased to offset revenue lost from declining commercial property values in the parish. The Lafayette Parish Library System stands to lose almost $750,000 in annual revenue if the Parish Council approves of Mayor-President Josh Guillory’s […]

News + Notes

July 27, 2020

Got budget questions? We can help!

Understanding what the budget says isn’t always easy. The Current’s budget guru Geoff Daily is here to help.

News + Notes

September 4, 2019

Calculate the increase to your tax bill from proposed library and airport millage increases

Property tax rates for the airport commission and the library system would be increased to voter-approved ceilings if the council passes a pair of ordinances introduced this week.

News + Notes

June 5, 2019

Debate over how to spend library fund balance ends with a whimper

The gist: After a year of rancorous debate, the final fate of the library’s fund balance ended with nary a word spoken for or against it. No council discussion. No public comment. Just a silent 7-1 vote in favor of building a new northside library and expanding the North Regional Library in Carencro.