Trying to Meet the Needs of all Our Library Users

Ms. Boatman witnessed a change of location for the Greensburg Branch library.  She was instrumental in overseeing this relocation.  The change in location and space allowed library services to be expanded in St. Helena parish.  The offering of more computers, greater wifi capabilities and enlarged meeting areas created a better library atmosphere.  

In addition, Ms. Boatman also helped to update the library logo as it is known today.

Mrs. Jones first worked for Audubon Regional library as a manager at the Jackson Branch.  She worked for 3 years and began working on her MLIS at LSU under the encouragement of Director, Mary Lindsey.  She gained her Master's degree in 2010 and promptly went to work as the Librarian at West Feliciana High School until 2017.  

At the end of those 7 years, Michele had overseen all library operations, completed  the first inventory, taught career classes, research classes and managed the Gifted program for 4 years. One of her most important accomplishments was starting the first West Feliciana High School reading club called "Club Read." This was a continuance of the "Club Read" organization which was started and already being offered at the middle school under Mrs. Janet Lathrop.  

West Feliciana High School's teenage reading club went to convention for 4 years and produced officers for the unique State Association named The Louisiana Teen-Age Librarians Association, LTLA.   She oversaw 3 Presidents and 3 Treasurers during her time at West Feliciana High School.  https://www.ltlaonline.org/

Mrs. Jones also gained a Baccalaureate in Education for the Gifted student.

She brings her experience in management, education, library science as well as her upbringing in a rural setting to the position of Director.  

2020- 

Audubon Regional Library has seen many changes and alterations during 2020 due to COVID.  For approximately two months, the library was closed due to the Governor's mandate. The library offered curbside services in May and June saw the first public opening days.  In July, the library entered the current phase which allowed limited public access with hour open 6 days/week.  

June- July- Despite the unforeseeable future and fluidity due to COVID, the library was still able to hold its annual Summer Reading program for the children of our communities.  The delivery of this program was adapted due to circumstances and built-in incentives were geared toward strengthening local community businesses.  The end of the Summer Reading Program prizes were provided by local businesses as well.    In addition, the library tried to reinstitute an Adult Summer Reading Program.  It's meager beginning was well received with adults from the Jackson area in most support of the program.

In July, The Clinton Presbyterian Church, built in the 1950's, donated their building with a $46,000 monetary donation toward renovations to the library for a future library site.  Library Board President, Carol Kiff negotiated the library acceptance of the building at the July 12th Library Board meeting.  Final property transfer to the Police Jury occurred in Sept 2020 with final lease arrangements between the Police Jury and the Library Board being planned toward the beginning of 2021.  Renovations are planned and will last approximately one year from time of start date.  The Clinton Friends' of the Library have generously purchased a sign outside the property to announce the site of the new library location. The new location will be across the street from the Marston House on Bank Street.

Also in July- The Library received a grant from the Cares Act. This money was earmarked for securing and installing advanced wifi services outside of all library locations so that the public could have access 24/7.  In addition, the library began building its eBook collection to accommodate the rising demand in virtual services, and educational needs due to COVID.

2019-

Renovations to the interior of the Jackson Branch Library were finished early in 2019.  These renovations saw the return of the Children's room which had always been present until changes were made sometime after 2010.  The library saw newly painted walls, newly acquired furniture for children and a rug in the children's areas.  All blinds were replaced and/or added to all windows at this location.  The Jackson Branch incorporated carrells for computer usage in the adult area in the front of the library.  Staff along the way, added their "homey touches" to the library. The St. Helena Branch also received a new rug for its Children's room.  In Clinton, the library was completely repainted and flooring was stabilized in the Fiction room.  The Clinton Friends' of the Library purchased new blinds for windows for the Clinton building on Lawyer's Row.

During 2019, the Library also worked to bring jobs back to local businesses.  Mrs. Brignac who lives locally was hired to provide cleaning services to the library and she was able to provide these services for a lower cost than the cleaning company who was hired from Baton Rouge to handle services.  Mrs. Brignac has been a reliable company.

2018-

The focus for 2018 was on streamlining administrative functions of the library.

Cost effective measures were taken, staffing accountability, new programming ideas and the library partnership with Quad Area Head Start was strengthened with the Director attending all Policy Council Meetings.   

Due to the untimely death of long time accountant, friend, and staunch supporter of the Library, Mike Felps, the library sought the services of a new accountant. With accounting services from Mr. Moss and in partnership with the Auditing office of Mr. Herrod, the Director began focusing on meeting the ever changing auditing rules being adopted across the State of Louisiana. This goal has been reached and is striving to be maintained so that Audubon Regional  Library continues to receive a positive yearly audit report.   In addition, the library worked to secure new technology services through MIS Technology  who provides technology services across East Feliciana, the Baton Rouge area and some surrounding parishes. This improvement has reversed the constant technology issues faced by Audubon Regional Library in the past.  Patrons can enjoy the reliability of free, dependable wifi across East Feliciana and St. Helena Parishes.  

The Digital and Social Media presence was expanded during 2018.

Due to unfortunate circumstances with previous companies, Audubon Regional Library did not own its own website.  It, like many other businesses across the nation fell prey to lack of understanding about how a digital presence on the internet works. The library was unable secure ownership of its own address and make autonomous decisions about its presentation.  Mrs. Jones worked to return the library's digital identity to itself.  For this reason, a new website was acquired and Audubon Regional Library's URL changed from a ".org" to ".net."  Current library information was updated regularly on the new official website and a patron following has been slowly building as patrons become acquainted with it.

The Library's  Facebook page was also re-organized and streamlined from it initial beginnings and began to be used to communicate more fully with the patrons in all our communities. Newspapers are still good areas for communication but the younger generations had moved to a more digital format. This goal was to try and meet their needs and become more relevant to their lives.

2017- The tax renewal scheduled for the ballot in the fall of 2017.  With the help of many members of the community, the library board, the library renewal tax was passed which ensured daily operations of the library at all three locations. In addition, Audubon Regional Library was able to use the courier van for approximately 11 months to deliver services to Head Start programs in both St. Helena and East Feliciana, nursing homes in both parishes, private schools, the Villa and the Veteran's Home in Jackson.

Other changes have included expanding the use of social media via Facebook and the new website which is owned by the library.  The library has also seen new and improved  technology services,  and a new patron category for patrons aged 65 and older which does not charge late fees.

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