Breaux Bridge – Dream big!

That was the theme of a meeting held last week to receive public input regarding plans for a new public library in Breaux Bridge.

Held in the existing library, attendance was at near capacity. Library board members, school officials and interested citizens provided suggestions on design features, location, and historical branding.

Charlar Brew, St. Martin Parish library director, led the meeting with follow-up remarks by St. Martin Parish President Guy Cormier and Breaux Bridge architect Glenn Angelle.

The meeting was then turned over to Denelle Wrightson, of the Dewberry Architectural Group, a professional services firm headquartered in Virginia with offices in Dallas. Wrightson, who has been involved in the development of over 200 libraries nationwide, led an interactive presentation focused on eliciting the needs and recommendations for a facility that would serve the community well into the future.

Wrightson suggested that consideration be given to making the new library more adaptable and user-friendly so to encourage greater utilization by all age groups but especially children to age 5.

Among the many items discussed were expanded technology resources, multi-purpose meeting rooms, exhibit areas, areas devoted to small group projects, inviting children’s spaces, browsing areas and furnishings.

One library board member recommended that the new facility be located downtown, perhaps at the current location. All agreed that parking would be the number one issue in choosing a location.

Cormier said he could not be certain at this early stage but that he believes, because of prudent money management by Parish Government, most if not all of the cost of the project could be paid for without borrowing.