LAPLACE — The St. John the Baptist Central Library in LaPlace recently held an open house to show off the results of months of renovations and updates that started in October.

Parish Library Director Randy DeSoto said the project started with a plan to adjust the layout of the shelving and do some rearranging to use space more effectively.

The renovations, fully funded by the library’s general fund, cost a little over $500,000 and include new carpet, a change of direction in shelving, new displays for recently-released books, a new teen space, increase in the number of computer stations, new front desk, expansion of the Louisiana Room, lots of additional seating, bistro tables, a technology bar with outlets to charge phones or laptops and a completely renovated children’s space called the Book Bayou.

All adult reading material is now located on the main floor of the library, and DeSoto said patrons have been very happy with the renovations.

“We want to enhance the experience of coming to the library and give value back to people in the parish,” said DeSoto.

He added the building is now entirely equipped with wireless Internet capabilities and the landscaping of the library was also enhanced during renovations.

LaPlace resident Kristen White, senior biology student at Xavier University, frequently uses the library to study and likes the renovations. “It’s much more convenient now with all of the outlets,” said White as she sat studying at the technology bar. “It’s just much more comfortable.”

DeSoto said the next project for the library system is a renovation and expansion of the Edgard branch. He said the Garyville branch was recently built and the Reserve branch was renovated two years ago.