L’Observateur / March 18, 1998

LUTCHER – For 20 senior citizens, their St. James Parish library cardopened up a whole new world.

“I always read to my children, but this is the first time I’ve ever been here,” commented Helen Bailey.

Library Director Julie Champagne welcomed the group, regular participants at the Lutcher Senior Center, to the library’s Lutcher branch.

There, they received a tour of the facilities, including the newly- purchased bookmobile, applied for their library cards and discovered the collections and programs available to their use.

These services include story hours, genealogy collections, books on cassette, videos and albums, current newspapers and magazines, copy and fax services as well as thousands of books of every variety and interest.

The St. James Parish Library traces its origins to a demonstration librarydeveloped in 1966, which grew into the present system, according to Champagne.

Now, the library has 68,000 books and 2,000 videos available to patrons.

Access is easy, with computerization well under way and scanner checkout of items, similar to supermarkets.

“We’re in trouble!” joked one senior lady.

Following coffee and cake and a brief talk by Champagne, the group was given a guided tour of the Lutcher library. Each then completed anapplication for their library cards, which will be mailed to their homes.

Charles Clayton, 88, a resident of Paulina, was the oldest person present to acquire his new library card. He was assisted by Council on Agingactivities coordinator Loyce Wallace.

Photo: HELEN AND MELVIN LOUQUE of Gramercy learn about quality time together, enjoying their mutual love of reading.

Photo by Leonard Gray.

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