By Marilyn Miller & Savannah Jones
After nearly a decade at the helm of the Webster Parish Library in Minden, Savannah Jones will step down to join her family-owned business at the end of July.
“Since 2019, Webster Parish Libraries has accomplished many new projects and have introduced new services and improvements that have strengthened the library system,” Savannah said. “We have expanded what we are able to offer our communities.”
In addition to the new Doyline branch build-out, the library system has completed various roof replacements and other facility improvements “to help protect and maintain our buildings for long-term public use.”
According to Savannah, the Minden branch has seen several major updates. “These include painting the interior of the building, introducing debit and credit card machines for patron convenience, adding vending machines and creating The Quad, a business meeting space within the branch.”
“We also revamped the children’s area with murals and a giant playhouse, creating a more engaging and imaginative space for families and young patrons. We have also focused on improving patron comfort and access at other branches, including the addition of outdoor seating at the Cotton Valley Branch, and the inclusion of the Little Free Library in Springhill.”
Webster Parish Libraries has also made major progress in technology and digital access since 2019.
“We created and launched our current website, released a library app, upgraded our catalog to Discover, and added Beanstack, a reading track app,” Savannah said. “We also placed WI-FI hotspots into circulation, introduced ROKU/hotspot bundles for checkout, and launched Sora, a children’s reading app powered through the library for Webster Parish schools.”
Another important project has been the creation of the Yearbook Archive, which helps preserve local history and gives the community access to valuable historical records. Webster Parish Libraries also became an affiliate library for FamilySearch, expanding access to genealogy and family history resources.
According to Savannah, “Marketing and community engagement have also grown significantly. Since 2019, we have rebranded the library system with a new logo and signature colors of green and blue. We combined our social media outlets into one main page to create a stronger and more consistent public presence. We also introduced marketing and community engagement as a more intentional part of the library system.”
Programming has also continued to grow.
“Discovery Camp, formerly known as the Summer Reading Program, has developed into a major summer experience for children, combining reading, learning, STEM, creativity, and fun,” Savannah said. (Libraries are increasingly offering a variety of STEM programs that engage patrons of all ages in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics activities. Some have added the Arts as part of STEM, and call it STEAM.)
“Trunk or Treat” has fast become a community and family favorite for the Fall season, with hundreds participating in the outdoor Halloween-type event.
The Webster Parish Libraries has been recognized for their work. The Minden Branch was named Community Partner of the Year in 2021 by the Greater Minden Chamber, and the Springhill Branch earned the Ambassador of the Year Award for 2024 from the Springhill Chamber. “These recognitions reflect the libraries’ commitments to serving as an active and valuable part of the Webster Parish community,” Savannah noted.
“Overall, since 2019, Webster Parish Libraries has grown through new facilities, updated technology, expanded digital services, improved children’s spaces, stronger community engagement, new branding, preservation projects, and enhanced programming. These accomplishments show our continued commitment to keeping the library relevant, welcoming and responsive to the needs of Webster Parish,” Savannah said, noting that the Webster Parish Library has served the people of the parish since 1929.
“The library was created with the support of local community members, and assistance from the Rosenwald Foundation, with the goal of becoming a model parish library for the State of Louisiana.”
What began as a forward-thinking effort to expand access to books, education, and learning has grown into a parishwide library system dedicated to literacy, technology, local history, lifelong learning, and community connection.
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