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The Webster Parish Library System has seen steadfast growth throughout the decades. What started out as a rented, converted car dealership building on South Broadway has transformed into a total of 7 branches with the main Minden branch totaling to 16,387 square feet along with an adjacent administrative building located in the center of downtown Minden.
Webster Parish Library, the fourth oldest system in the state, began in 1929 and owes its start largely to the Women’s Department Club. In 1925, Dr. Mary Mims arranged a meeting between club president, Mrs. Robert Baker, and the newly appointed Executive Secretary of Louisiana Library Commission, Miss Essae M. Culver. From that meeting the club’s first library committee was appointed for the purpose of obtaining signatures to petition the Webster Parish Police Jury to establish a parish library.
In 1928, the Rosenwald Foundation had begun a program to set up demonstration libraries on a trial basis. Miss Culver recommended that Webster Parish, because of its citizens’ interest and the parish’s excellent school system, be selected for one of these demonstrations. The Foundation agreed, and the demonstration was set up under supervision of the Louisiana Library Commission.
The parish police jury appointed a library Board of Control whose members consisted of J. J. Heflin, president of the policy jury; H. L. Bridges, mayor of Minden; E. S. Richardson, superintendent of schools; Marshal Pearce; R. L. Ensey; Mrs. Dan W. Stewart, Jr.; and Mrs. Robert Baker. On October 3rd of 1929 the Webster Parish Library opened its doors to the public for the very first time.
In June of 1937, the main branch in Minden was enlarged, and the newspaper invited people to come enjoy the coolness offered by the addition of three new electric fans. In 1954, an open house in celebration of the library’s first quarter century of operation was held and attended by people from all over the parish. The Webster Parish Library had come of age. Not only was it one of the first libraries in Louisiana, but also one of the best.
In 1993, parish citizens approved a construction bond to fund the building of a new library for Springhill and Minden, and renovations and improvements for the smaller branches. Once the new branch was completed in Springhill, bids were let out for the new main branch in Minden. The architectural firm used for this project was Richard LeBlanc Architects, Inc. and the interior designer was Denise Klibert. The new facility was built by the Finney Company and is located beside the old Ferguson home, which is now called the Stewart Center. The new main branch was completed in 1997 and has 16,387 square feet of heated space.
The Webster Parish Library System has been honored by the receipt of three Modisette Awards, and to this day continues to serve all within the parish by offering a wide array of services and materials.
From within the Minden Main Branch, patrons can access books, audiobooks, magazines, blu-rays and DVDs, Wi-Fi, Laptops, Computers, Printers and Fax Machines, equipment such as projectors and microfilm readers, historic newspapers, Wi-Fi hotspots, and much more. Please call or visit our website for more information.
