I have been a Lafayette Public Library cardholder for as long as I can remember. My grandmother would take my sister and I to the library to read, listen to books on cassette tape (y’all remember those?), and cash in on our summer reading program rewards. I read books all the time as a kid. I was even caught reading a book during class while I should have been learning/listening to my teacher. There is something nostalgic and satisfying about the library and books. I love reading autobiographies, non-fiction work, and I am obsessed with a good romance novel. Now, my daughter and I go to the library often to check out books, read, and just run around. She loves it. We watch and listen to the virtual story times that are being offered and cannot wait until the in-person story times resume.
I often hear from others that they are unaware of the vast array of resources our library has to offer. Let me share with you some of what our hometown gem – the Lafayette Public Library system – has to offer. Most are located at your fingertips. These are underutilized, so go try these out! There are so many great options for the entire family at all nine Lafayette Parish library locations.
Where can you start?
If you don’t know or can’t remember your library card number, call the library (any of the branches) and give them your name and date of birth. A library staff member will look up your library card number and provide it to you. Maybe you are wondering if you are eligible to obtain a card. Well, any one who lives, works, or attends school in Lafayette parish qualifies for a library card. You can apply online or email [email protected] to get more information. All LPSS public school students are automatically signed up for library resources and given a library card number – see the information below.
Library Resources for Children and Teens
For homework help, start with this link:; There are tons of resources for your child – LEAP practice questions, ACT/SAT prep, GED resources and so much more. There is even a program to assist with learning a new language – Pronounciator – I see you French, Spanish, and Chinese immersion parents.
The Lafayette Public Library and LPSS work together to provide all Lafayette parish public school students access to check out books, movies, magazines, music, and so much more at any library location in Lafayette parish. All you need is your student ID card. Click here for more info.
The Bookmobile – this is basically the library on wheels. Here you can sign up for a library card, get assistance with downloading the various electronic resources that the library has to offer, and you can check out books too. Take a look at the schedule for time, date, and locations.
Adult Resources and Activities
Booking it to You Temporary Home Delivery Service (SOOO COOL) Call 337-261-5789 to set up a contactless delivery option for library patrons who are unable to access to the library.
Do you need a quiet place to study or hold a meeting? You can reserve the rooms online or call the library location you are interested in reserving a room for more information.
Out of work? Need job seeker resources?
Want to learn to play a musical instrument like a guitar, violin, or an accordion? Well, you can check one out with a tutorial for 28 days (must be at least 16 years old to check these out).
Are you stuck in a reading rut and need a book recommendation? Well, there is a customized book rec waiting for you right here. This is one of my absolute favorite features of our wonderful library. I have received several amazing book recommendations from this service. Simply fill out the form and someone will email or call you with book recs!
Family Library Resources
Lafayette Reads Together Program: “The goal of this program is to get the entire community reading, discussing, and exploring the same book. Thanks to the Lafayette Public Library Foundation, free copies of the book are given to any interested patron. There is a new book chosen every year.
Did you know that all library patrons have access to check out mobile Wi-Fi hotspots? This may be especially helpful if you lack home internet access, if you are away from home (for things like extracurricular activities, for use at before/after school childcare locations, on vacation, or virtual learning). In order to check out the hotspots, you must be 18 or older.
Sunday Funday Grab and Go Crafts – There are three different options for the grab and go DIY kits – kids, teens, and adults. Just drive through the library and pick these up at any of the regional library locations including the main library downtown. Check out the full list of upcoming crafts.
Do you have a Kindle? Love Audiobooks? Want to download/stream movies on your device?
Download the Libby and/or Overdrive apps for Android and Apple; once you have the Overdrive app downloaded, you have options to reserve ebooks, read magazines, stream movies, or listen to audiobooks. I personally love to listen to audiobooks and have at least 2-3 books downloaded all the time. This is so much cheaper than an Audible subscription and if your book is due before you finish reading it, the spot where you left off is saved. Once the book is available again, you will go right to where you left off. Such a cool feature, right? All you will need is your library card information to log into the app. While you are at it, go ahead and download the Lafayette Public Library app too!
If the book you are looking for is not available (even if it is not available in the format you are looking for), send in a request. The library staff will research the request and follow up. I have requested several books and all either arrived or were automatically checked out for me once the titles were obtained.
For the first time ever in Lafayette Parish, the East Regional Library branch is one of the three early voting locations in Lafayette Parish.
Early Voting is October 16 – 27th (excluding Sundays) from 8am – 7pm at 215 La Neuville Road Youngsville, LA. #geauxvote
