The Most Iconic Libraries in Louisiana

The saying “there is something for everyone” rings true for the Louisiana Public Library System. Bibliophiles, students, and tourists will find more than 333 libraries and 28 bookmobiles throughout the state. Traditional and modern libraries are available, and they all offer services ranging from story time hours to backpacks for exploring Louisiana’s numerous state parks.

The State Library of Louisiana is the central agency, although the public system is not monolithic. The collection of libraries functions independently, each having its own leadership and offering specific services.

A handful of The Pelican State’s libraries have earned iconic status. Keep reading to discover when to find the state’s most memorable libraries and what to expect when you visit.

River Center Branch Library

Downtown Baton Rouge is home to the River Center Branch Library, a beautiful branch of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library system. The original River Center branch opened in 1980 and was demolished in 2016 to make way for a new building.

The building opened in 2020 and stands on the same site, covering 48,490 square feet over four floors. In 2025, visitors can explore all four floors. The library includes a dedicated Children's Services section and a Teen Room. Additionally, there is an Electronic Arts Teen Technology Lab, a digital media studio, workrooms, meeting rooms, and free internet.

Visitors can enjoy the view from the rooftop terrace before exploring the Foundation Center Grants Collection. This collection supports grant-seekers with periodicals, online tools, and directories.

There is more to see nearby, with the adjacent Bernardo de Galvez Plaza boasting two incredible bronze sculptures by Frank Hayden and four works by Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović in the greater River Center Plaza area.

A short walk from the library is the Louisiana State Capitol, an architectural landmark that offers expansive views of the greater Baton Rouge and Mississippi River areas.

Howard-Tilton Memorial Library

The Howard-Tilton Memorial Library is Tulane University’s official library. It sits on the uptown campus in New Orleans and is ranked among the 120 research libraries in the U.S.

The library was founded in 1938 after three smaller libraries merged. The most extensive library collection among the three was that of the F.W. Tilton Memorial Library. The Howard Memorial Library sported a significant collection of manuscripts.

Today, the merged library is home to the Southeastern Architectural Archive, the Louisiana Research Collections, and the William Ranson Hogan Jazz Archive. The library also houses a Latin American Library of rare maps, books, manuscripts, and more.

Unfortunately, Hurricane Katrina in 2005 severely damaged the library. More than eight feet of water flooded the library, while four feet of water damaged the basement in Jones Hall. Millions of microform pieces, 700,000+ print volumes, and 700,000+ archival items and manuscript folders were merged.

Luckily, many materials could be salvaged and restored, and the library reopened in 2006. In 2025, the library will offer public access while also serving the staff, faculty, and students of Tulane University. Students can take books home, while the public can access rare collection items, video recordings, newspapers, and journals. There is even a small coffee shop in the lobby.

After visiting the library, you can explore the shops in Magazine Street, take in the sights of Audubon Park, visit the garden center, or take a streetcar to the French Quarter.

Milton H. Latter Memorial Library

Milton H. Latter Memorial Library is a New Orleans Public Library System branch. It was once an imposing private mansion that changed ownership several times before being gifted to the city in 1948.

The neo-Romanesque-style house is located at the Dufossat streetcar stop, which is perfect for students walking from campus. The library is also on beautiful grounds, creating a tranquil environment for reading and studying. The reading rooms are gorgeous, with ceiling paintings and large windows. The vintage feel meets technology at this library, which has several power outlets and payment options during book sales.

The library is dedicated to preserving local heritage and culture, and as such, offers numerous books and materials that go into detail about the history of New Orleans. It even provides quiet writing rooms for those who need to focus on writing papers or articles.

After lingering in the library for a few hours, you can explore the walking paths in Audubon Park or ride on the historic St. Charles streetcar. You can even catch a classic movie at the historic Prytania Theatre.

State Library of Louisiana

The State Library of Louisiana is located in Baton Rouge. According to its 2023 data, more than 10 million people have visited the public libraries within this system and borrowed nearly 40 million items.

The current state library is not the original building. When the Louisiana State Library was first created in 1838, the building was situated in New Orleans, the state capital. The library was also moved when the capital moved to Baton Rouge in 1849. Then, when the Civil War broke out, the library temporarily moved back to New Orleans for protection. It remained in New Orleans until 1904 and was closed in 1911.

The library reopened in 1925 and offered book lending by mail. Until 1932, it was located in the Old State Capitol. The new building that still houses the library was opened in 1958.

The state library offers many resources, including books, newspapers, government publications, audiobooks, online databases, and microforms. It also provides accessible materials for the blind or disabled.

Some of the special materials include the acts of the Louisiana Legislature dating to 1810. The library also holds historical state maps, ship passenger lists, and state-related federal government documents.

Just a short walk from the State Library, the Louisiana State Museum offers permanent and rotating exhibits providing in-depth information about the state’s history. The Old State Capitol is also close by and a must-see if you are interested in Gothic Revival architecture.

Jennings Carnegie Public Library

The Jennings Carnegie Public Library is the oldest established library in Louisiana. The original library also stood in Jennings, but burned down in 1901. A new structure was built in its place in 1908. The library is instantly recognizable with its V-shape and Corinthian columns. In 1952, the south wing was extended to make more room, while still being compatible with the original design.

Today, the library holds a vast number of collections. These include historical Jennings photos, a newspaper collection, a postcard collection, and an extensive genealogy collection.

The library services are user-friendly, and there is ample space to take in the quiet while reading or researching. The library holds a fun story time every Wednesday for families with small children. Plus, older children who complete 100 books get a special certificate.

If you visit the Jennings library, consider visiting the Zigler Museum or the alligators at The Gator Chateau. You can also have a relaxing day outdoors at Marcus Cain Park.

Louisiana’s iconic libraries are more than just book repositories. They anchor communities to their local history, information, art, and culture. You will find diverse materials and modern technology if you enter one of these libraries as a student, researcher, author, or reader. While you access the resources you need, you will also learn more about Louisiana and its communities.