Bishop Perry Center opens lending library

Cynthia and Juan Valadez enjoy the seats in the lounge area known as the Faulkner Wing.

The Bishop Perry Center recently opened a fully operational on-site lending library open to the public. The St. Catherine of Alexandria Library, named for the patron Saint of libraries, is a cultural resource for downtown New Orleans neighborhoods and many residents in the vicinity who are within walking distance.

Housed on the second floor of the center, the library consists of two spacious rooms, the main shelving and lending area with tables and work areas, and a reading room with comfortable chairs and couches, dubbed the “Faulkner Wing.” There are two computers and free WiFi access available for patrons, facilitating research and online reading.

James Webb peruses the titles on the bookshelves. “I only live a couple of blocks from here, so it’s very convenient,” he said.

“It’s a real library, not just books on the shelves,” said library volunteer George Jeansonne. “Someone was surprised it wasn’t Dewey Decimal!”

Jeansonne, a retired librarian, said procuring the computer software to operate the lending library was instrumental in bringing the idea to fruition.

“It was a big expense,” Jeansonne said, “but it was what was needed. You can put all kind of good books up, but if you can’t keep track of them, it’s not a lending library.”

The library will issue laminated photo ID cards to members and patrons, and the library cards will serve a dual purpose to those who do not have a driver’s license but need a photo ID for voter registration and check cashing.

In the fall, the library plans to host regular book clubs with author appearances, a literary program, and music events.

“It’s a work in progress,” said Joe DeSalvo, volunteer and owner of Faulkner House Books. “We’ve made huge strides, but you’ve noticed we’ve still got a lot of empty space on the shelves.”

The Rev. William F. Maestri, director, Bishop Perry Center, visits with patrons at the Bishop Perry library. Two computers are online and available in the main shelving and lending area.

Volunteer Rosemary James said the library is especially in need of books of history, important biographies, survey texts, such as English literature, French literature, Spanish literature, and contemporary non-fiction such as author memoirs, presidential and classic works of fiction. James said the library welcomes interested benefactors to contribute with donations that will be used to purchase current magazines and newspaper subscriptions.

Donations of gently used books, both fiction and non-fiction, may be dropped off during library hours at 1941 Dauphine St., New Orleans, LA. 70116. The library is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Published in The New Orleans Advocate, September 4, 2014.