What was to become the western-most branch of the St. Tammany Parish Library earlier this year has run in to extreme shipment delays, forcing the opening date of the Black River branch to be pushed back a second time.

“We didn’t realize it would take so long for the manufacturer to deliver the furniture,” Library Director Jan Butler said in February, the first time the delivery was held up.

The new opening date of the library at 1519 Louisiana Highway 22 W., about three miles west of Madisonville, was moved to “sometime in March,” but again the manufacturer failed to deliver the goods and now library officials say the company promised the shipment to come during the latter part of this month.

The first books have gone up but piles more linger while officials for the Black River branch of the library await the furniture'€™s delayed arrival. (Staff Photo by Chad Ruiz)

The decision to open a new branch in the southwestern portion of the parish came shortly after the historic building housing the Madisonville branch suffered irreparable damage from Katrina. Vowing to leave no reader behind, Butler spearheaded the process to acquire a new location and open another branch to serve the people of Madisonville, but for now, they are forced to visit the nearby Causeway or Covington branches while the shipping delays are worked out.

Currently, the branch has most of the metal shelves in place with the gobs of books stuffed in boxes on the newly carpeted surface, awaiting their placement. But it is missing the all important circulation desk, tables, chairs and other wooden accessories to complete the interior.

There’s still hope for a sooner-than-later opening.

Assistant Director Don Westmoreland said if they receive the essential materials to run the branch, officials would open its doors while they waited on the minor items.

Once up and running, the 2,000-square-foot structure will be the first of the 13 branches to issue out wireless laptops for in-library use. It will also feature wireless Internet access for anyone bringing their own computer.

Officials said this is all part of their effort to give the branch more of a bookstore-type atmosphere with comfortable seating and even a coffee station.