Special to the American Press

Hurricane Laura and Hurricane Delta caused significant damage to the city of Lake Charles, impacting many local service establishments, including the Calcasieu Parish Public Library. The Epps Memorial Library, located at 1320 N. Simmons St., suffered such extensive damage that officials deemed the building a total loss.

However, library officials are excited to report that major progress is underway for the rebuilding of the Epps Library.

“FEMA has officially approved the project, and the rebuilding process has begun,” said Christy Comeaux, the library’s Public Information Officer. “We know our patrons in the North Lake Charles area have been without a main branch for years, and we hope that when they drive by the construction site, they feel as excited as we do!”

The new state-of-the-art library branch will feature numerous enhancements and additions.

Marjorie Harrison, executive director of the library, said, “The new Epps branch will offer spaces for quiet study and reflection, as well as areas for inspiration, community connections, and fun. Epps will have the largest community room capacity in the library system, along with study rooms, a conference room, and a special programming room for children and teens. There will also be PCs, laptops, copy/printing stations, and tools for gaming and STEM activities. Patrons can enjoy the outdoor patio, which will include interactive play stations and places to relax.”

The estimated completion date for the new library is August 2025, with hopes to open in the Fall of 2025.

Harrison added, “It is so exciting to see everything coming together. Libraries offer more than just books; they are centers of the community for learning, literacy, and enjoyment. We can’t wait to unveil the new Epps Memorial Library to our patrons.”

In 2019, before the hurricanes struck Calcasieu Parish, the Epps Memorial Library welcomed over 27,000 visitors and hosted more than 1,100 library programs, attracting over 14,000 attendees. Additionally, over 28,000 items were checked out, and the meeting room was utilized 883 times.