Library

Jackson Parish is home to two branches of our Parish Library.

Main Branch
614 South Polk Avenue
Jonesboro, LA 71251
(318) 259-5697

Chatham Branch
1500 Pine Street
Chatham, LA 71226
(318) 249-2980

Check out the WEBSITE for the Jackson Parish Library for more information on their services and programs.

Establishment of the Jackson Parish Library

The Louisiana Legislature created the Louisiana Library Commission in 1920, a time when there were no libraries in the state offering parish-wide services.  In 1925, the Louisiana Library Commission joined with the great philanthropic Carnegie Corporation to create a network of libraries across the state.  The passage of the Library Law (Act 36) of the 1926 legislature provided for the establishment of financing parish libraries by local Police Juries and stimulated interest in libraries all over the state.  Three-quarters of a century later, Louisiana boasts public libraries in each of its 64 parishes.

The Jackson Parish Library Board was established in May 1937 with the original members including F.H. Riggs, Mrs. Head, W.H. McLaurian, Mrs. Dr. McBride, J. C. Shows, and S. D. McBride serving as ex-officio member as the Police Jury President at that time. Through the decades we have been proud to watch many members of the community serve on the board and contribute to the growth of the Library both in physical locations and in services provided.  

Current Members of the Library Board of Control:

District 1: Paula Essmeier (Term: 1/1/2019 - 12/31/2023)
District 2: Judy Cooper (Term: 5/9/2016 - 12/31/2019) - 2019 Vice President
District 3: Lisa Nunn (Ward 4) (Term: 7/23/2018 - 7/23/2023)
District 4: (VACANT) (Term expires 12/31/2019)
District 5: Bertha Robinson (Term: 3/12/2018 - 3/12/2023)
District 6: Carolyn Crawley (Term: 12/13/2016 - 12/31/2021)
District 7: Carol Massey, President (Term: 8/12/2013 - 12/21/2018) - 2019 PRESIDENT
Ex-Officio Juror: Lynn Treadway (Term: 2019)

View upcoming meetings, agendas, and minutes here.