The Slidell Branch location of the St. Tammany Parish Library is the largest of the 12 branch locations, and serves more people than any other location. The St. Tammany Parish Library began serving Slidell as a part of the State of Louisiana’s Library Demonstration Project in June 1950. The initial branch was in a building owned by the Carroll Plumbing Company. In 1954, the branch relocated to space inside the Slidell City Hall. A new 2,000 square foot building at 444 Erlanger Avenue opened in June 1964.
"My favorite thing about the Slidell branch is the welcoming and helpful staff," notes Hilari Melerine, Branch Manager.
After exponential growth in the Slidell area due to the aerospace industry, it became necessary to build a new larger branch. The current 22,000 square foot Slidell Branch Library, located at 555 Robert Blvd., opened on March 15, 1989. The large metal and stone sculpture Vortex by Harold Van Hoten stands outside of one entrance to the branch. An educational herb garden maintained by the St. Tammany Master Gardeners is also on the grounds.
We asked Hilari what patrons look forward to when visiting the Slidell branch. Here are some things she shared with us:
"We have lots of programs for various ages: babies, children, teens and adults."
"Friendly and knowledgeable staff, including two reference librarians, a children’s librarian and a teen librarian."
"Coming soon: more parking for patrons!"
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