Support for the EBR Library System

Over the last five years, I have learned more history than at any other point in my life. Although I spent years as a journalist, my focus was always on the present and future, rarely on the past. Ironically, most of my re-education has come from reading old newspaper articles.

All of the articles I used in my research can be accessed through the East Baton Rouge Parish Public Library’s online archives. This did not happen by chance, it was the result of a long and dedicated effort. Additionally, at the Main Library, there is an entire section devoted to preserving the history of Baton Rouge. From old yearbooks and city directories to maps of streets with long-forgotten names, the unique stories of our community are being kept alive thanks to the dedicated historians in our library system.

There is a proposal to drastically cut the library’s current budget and it was discussed at the Metro Council meeting on Wednesday, February 12. Here’s a summary of what happened: The library system is open to adjusting its proposed 10.5-mill property tax renewal amid the city-parish’s budget struggles but insists that all revenue must remain dedicated to library funding. Mayor-President Sid Edwards wants to redirect some library funds to increase police salaries, a move that would require voter approval. The budget shortfall stems from the newly incorporated City of St. George, which is diverting $48 million in tax revenue from the parish. The library may present a new proposal on February 26, but if no agreement is reached, it will push for its original dedicated tax renewal.

As a Baton Rouge native, I have spent my life defending my city, even when we land at the bottom of nearly every national ranking. Time and time again, our state has fallen short. But there are a few public institutions I am proud of, and our library system is one of them.

Earlier today, I conducted a tour on behalf of Visit Baton Rouge, the second time I’ve led this tour. As we pass the library, I highlight that our library system is one of the best in the nation. That’s not opinion, it’s fact.

The East Baton Rouge Parish Library system provides far more than just books, it serves as a historical archive, a cultural preservation center, and a vital community hub. It’s always nice to see the surprise on people’s faces when I tell them about all the services the library offers. It’s the same look I see when I tell locals about these very same services.

During the tour, I make special note of the amenities within the Downtown Library, which are particularly valuable to creatives. For example, they have a free podcasting studio, a space that would cost hundreds of dollars per hour to rent from a commercial provider. There’s also a makerspace with access to 3D printers and other high-tech equipment.

I recently learned that the library actually purchases art from local artists as part of its commitment to preserving local history and supporting our creative community.

Beyond the Downtown East Social Ride, I use the library system for my new business. I recently met with a Business Librarian, who walked me through all the free resources available to entrepreneurs, and let me tell you, it’s A LOT! On top of that, I use the library to print documents for free (you get $2.00 in printing credit every day).

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From the events they host to providing meeting spaces and free activities for families, the library is an essential resource in our community. While higher police salaries may help recruit and retain officers, the library system directly benefits thousands of residents daily—students, job seekers, seniors, small business owners, and families. Public safety is important, but so is building a stronger, more educated, and economically stable community. The best crime prevention strategy is investing in people, not just policing them.

Yes, our police officers deserve raises, I don’t dispute that. But this does not have to be a this-or-that discussion. There is another way to fund those raises, and I am sure that with more time and discussion, a better solution can be found.

Before I started doing the Downtown East Social Ride, I didn’t fully understand the value of our library system. In fact, I probably would have been one of the people arguing for budget cuts. Because of that, I encourage all of you to take a closer look at the jewel we have in our city. I’m proud of it and grateful for all it has to offer.