Sometimes those of us working at the library take for granted that our patrons know all about BPL (Bossier Parish Library), when actually that is not the case. One of the things we overlook is that our name does not give the whole picture. BPL is not only a library, but rather a group of libraries.
There are seven locations to be exact. Bossier Central and the History Center, Aulds, Benton, Haughton, East 80, Koran, and Plain Dealing. The Central branch is where the largest collection of materials is housed. It is where all materials are cataloged before going out to the branches. The Administrative Staff is also located at the Central branch.
The Bossier Parish Historical Center has the same address as Bossier Central, but is a separate building adjacent to the library. It is filled with historical information about Bossier Parish. Locals have donated many, many items to the History Center such as clothing, photos, documents, maps, and other artifacts. Genealogists can use the computers for research at no charge and print for a nominal fee.
Although the libraries and History Center are spread out across the parish patrons can still use their library cards at all of the locations. Books, DVDs, and CDs can be transferred to patrons from one branch to another by placing a Hold request on the item(s) designating their home branch for pick up.
Ordinarily, it should take about a week to receive a Hold if it is not on a waiting list or already checked out. Please keep that in mind when placing a request.
Patrons can also borrow books from outside the BPL system by filling out an ILL (Interlibrary Loan) form at any branch. This method takes a little longer because some of the item(s) come from other parishes, states, or institutions.
Stop by any of the branches for a visit. We hope to see you soon.
Make a note:
- Wednesday, Feb. 13, from 4-5 p.m., teens ages 13-18 are invited to attend the Valentine Cupcake Decorating Program in the History Center meeting room. To register call Tonya at the Bossier Central Library (318) 746-1693.
- Thursday, Feb.21, from 6-7 p.m. local author Judy Christie will discuss her book “Gone to Green,” the first in her new “Green Series,” at the Bossier Central Book Club.
- Saturday, Feb. 23, at 2 p.m. in the Historical Center the public is invited to attend a Black History Month program, “The Emancipation Proclamation – At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality” presented by Dr. William Pederson, professor from LSUS and storyteller Ms. Thelma Harris. For more information call (318) 746-7717.
New Books
Fiction
“The Black Box” by Michael Connelly
“Life in a Jar” by Jack Mayer
“Proof of Guilt” by Charles Todd
“A Deeper Love Inside” by Sister Souljah
“Until the End of Time” by Danielle Steel
“Life After Wife” by Carolyn Brown
“The Road to Cardinal Valley” by Earlene Fowler
“The Last Renegade” by Jo Goodman
“The Right Hand” by Derek Haas
“Cold Quiet Country” by Clayton Lindemuth
Nonfiction
“The Roots of the Olive Tree” by Courtney Miller Santo
“The Wayward Moon” by Janice Weizman
“The Family Classic Diabetic Cookbook” by American Diabetes Assoc.
“Seductive Tables for Two” by Moll Anderson
“Living Paleo for Dummies” by Melissa Joulwan
“Zero Risk Real Estate” by Chip Cummings
“History in the Making” by J.H. Elliott
“Theodore and Woodrow” by Judge Andrew Napolitano
“Living Beautifully with Uncertainty and Change” by Pema Chödrön
“My Share of the Task: A Memoir” by Stanley A. McChrystal
Vickie Hardin is Outreach Specialist for the Bossier Parish Library. She can be reached at
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