New library gets green light in Madisonville

The newest library to be constructed in St. Tammany Parish is a done deal.

Madisonville town officials recently signed the agreement donating about an acre of land adjacent to the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum to the St. Tammany Parish Library. In return, the library donated the historic building it used to occupy on Cedar Street to the town.

After Hurricane Katrina caused irreparable damage to the building’s foundation, library officials decided to open the Black River branch a few miles west of town for residents in the southwest part of the parish.

Library officials announced last year their desire to construct a new library in Madisonville that would connect and possibly work hand in hand with the Maritime Museum. The $5 million, raised building is slated to cover 15,000 square feet with preliminary plans to include several state of the art amenities along with a parking garage under the building. The building will be the first library constructed in St. Tammany in 20 years. Further details of the construction have not been ironed out.

Renowned Dallas-based architect Denelle Wrightson, who is the designer of more than 100 projects nationwide, including libraries in Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Shreveport, has emerged as the Library Board of Control’s design frontrunner. The Library Board is also planning to hire a local architect to aid in the construction.

A separate committee formed by the board whittled eight architect applicants down to three that will go before the board early next year for interviewing.

Optimistically, Library Assistant Director Donald Westmoreland said ground could be broken for the new building as soon as next fall.

Madisonville Mayor Peter Gitz said they are seeking funding from FEMA to repair the historic building on 400 Cedar St., listed on the National Register of Historic Places.