I have always imagined paradise will be a kind of library.”
– Jorge Luis Borges

What We Fund

In keeping with its core mission, the foundation supplements government (tax-based) funding of our libraries by encouraging private donations and endowments that provide books and services and fund special programs and projects.

We Buy New Books for Our Libraries

Beginning in 1992 and to date (through 2019), the Lafayette Public Library Foundation has purchased over 10,000 books for the Lafayette Public Libraries through private donations.  Legacies established and funded through the creation of endowments in the names of corporations, organizations, families, individuals and LPLF honorees currently purchase and donate, on average, over 350 permanent new titles annually. Through the endowment program, the foundation has achieved one of its primary goals – establishing a continuous, long-term revenue stream for the purchase of new books and media for the library.

We Support Local Programs Such as Lafayette Reads Together

The foundation also has been the sole financial sponsor of the Lafayette Reads Together (LRT) program for five of the last six years of its existence, donating a total of $44,000 to fund the program to date. LRT is a community-wide reading program organized and supported by the Lafayette Public Library, the Lafayette Parish School System and many local organizations to get the community reading, sharing and discussing the same book.  

Foundation funding of LRT provides a free book to any member of the community who wishes to participate in the program.  Community members can pick up their free copy of the book chosen for that year at any library branch.  

For more on the program, please visit 

Lafayette Reads Together

We Fund Special Library Projects and Services

Over the years, the foundation has also provided funding requested for various library projects and services. In the early days, funding was provided for a much-needed printer for what today is known as the main library branch. More recently, the foundation funded the mural at the entrance of the main branch children’s wing.

We Support Outreach Services Like the Bookmobile

The foundation also funds library community outreach services such as the Bookmobile project. Production and application of the colorful artwork on the mobile branch was funded by the foundation.The Lafayette Public Library (LPL) Bookmobile is one of the ways the Lafayette Public Library brings library services directly to individuals and families of Lafayette Parish, providing access to library resources to community members who don’t have the mobility or transportation to access a library branch. The mobile branch has WIFI and a wheelchair lift and visits senior citizen centers, daycares, parks, community centers and special events.  Some of the outreach services delivered by the LPL Bookmobile include:

  • On-site library card registration
  • Presentations on library services and programs specific to current interest of group or organization
  • Hands-on help with getting started with eBooks, eAudiobooks and online resources
  • Personal delivery of materials to patrons with special needs via Homebound and Books by Mail Service
  • Deposit collections for approved childcare centers, senior centers and assisted living facilities
For more information on the LPL Bookmobile Outreach Services and to request a bookmobile visit to your center or event, please see here.
For more facts on the LPL Bookmobile