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As the East Baton Rouge Parish Library looks back on another year of service, the focus remains squarely on delivering unparalleled value and meaningful impact to the community it serves. Through strategic investments in facilities, resources and programming, the library has solidified its position as an essential hub of learning, discovery and enrichment.
AT A GLANCE
Top executives: Katrina Stokes, Library Director
Phone: 225.231.3750
Address: 7711 Goodwood Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Website: ebrpl.com
“Our mission has always been to make a positive difference in the lives of patrons, and that commitment has only grown stronger over time,” says Library Assistant Director Mary Stein. “Whether it’s providing access to cutting-edge digital tools, hosting engaging events or simply offering a welcoming space for people to gather, the library is constantly evolving to meet the diverse needs of our community.”
One area of particular focus has been the library’s support for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Over the years, the library has expanded its suite of business-focused resources, including access to industry-leading databases, market research tools and personalized coaching services.
Digital resources such as Data Axle, the premier business intelligence platform that normally costs $5,000 per year for a business subscription with limited data exports, or Statista, a comprehensive market research database with an annual price tag of more than $11,000, can be accessed for free with a library card. Along with access to those and other online data[1]bases, specially trained business librarians can show you how to use those resources to their full potential.
In addition, online versions of the New York Times, Washington Post and Wall Street Journal, as well as popular business magazines such as The Economist, Forbes Inc. and Fast Company, are all available through the EBRPL Digital Library.
“The value proposition for our business patrons is truly remarkable,” Stein explains. “By leveraging our digital subscriptions, they can access thousands of dollars’ worth of content and data that would otherwise be out of reach. It’s a testament to the library’s role as a catalyst for economic growth and innovation in our community.”
But the library’s impact extends far beyond the business community. Services extend from early childhood to a patron’s senior years, with books, programming and databases for every age group.
Approximately one-third of the library’s 150 databases are aimed directly at students, Stein says, including early literacy support, access to free tutoring every day until midnight on Tutor.com and practice tests to help get students prepare for college entrance exams.
The library has also made it a priority to ensure that seniors in our community have access to a wealth of engaging programs and resources to make their later years fulfilling.
Through the library’s bookmobile program, which visits over 50 retirement communities each month, seniors have access to a curated selection of large print books, audio[1]books and other materials tailored to their needs. Additionally, the library hosts a variety of programs and activities designed to promote lifelong learning, social engagement and overall wellness.
The library has solidified its position as a welcoming place to gather … an essential hub of learning, discovery and enrichment.
“We recognize that the golden years can sometimes bring unique challenges, but we’re committed to ensuring that our senior patrons have the resources and support they need to thrive,” says Stein. “Whether it’s technology workshops, creative writing classes or mindfulness sessions, our goal is to empower older adults to continue growing and exploring their passions.”
As the library looks ahead to the future, the focus remains on strategic investments that will yield the greatest return for the community. This includes the highly anticipated opening of the South Branch Library, a state-of-the-art facility that will bring the library’s resources and programming to an underserved area of the parish.
“We’re not just investing in bricks and mortar,” explains Stein. “We’re investing in the people of East Baton Rouge Parish—in their education, their well-being and their ability to reach their full potential. That’s the true measure of our success, and it’s what drives us every single day.”
With a steadfast commitment to innovation, collaboration and community engagement, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library continues to solidify its role as an indispensable resource for residents of all ages and backgrounds.
