A Civic Anchor Shaped by Place
A civic institution, the St. John the Baptist Library now strengthens community identity and expands access to learning in the heart of Reserve, Louisiana.
Leroy D. Williams Memorial Library
Reserve, LA
The St. John the Baptist Parish Library has long served as a vital civic institution, promoting literacy, cultural awareness, and economic opportunity across the region. To support its growing role, the parish sought to replace the aging Reserve Library with a modern, multipurpose hub that could better serve residents of all ages while honoring the community’s rich history and identity.
Located near the Mississippi River and adjacent to the St. John Theatre, the new library creates a vibrant civic node in the center of Reserve. Shared-use pathways and landscaped gardens connect the library and theater, fostering neighborhood connections and promoting public use throughout the day.
Key Design Elements
- Open central atrium and monumental stair
- Shared-use pathways connecting the library and St. John Theatre
- Maker space, business center, and flexible meeting rooms
- Children’s programming area and teen/adult collections
- Rooftop terraces and outdoor garden spaces
- Catering kitchen and event-ready infrastructure
- Strong connection to local heritage and civic identity
The building’s layout centers around a large, open atrium with a monumental stair, offering visual connectivity across all floors and creating a dynamic sense of openness and discovery.
Expanding Opportunity Through Design
The new library provides far more than books. It’s a full-service community resource. Key features include a dedicated children’s program area, teen and adult collections, a maker space and business center, multipurpose meeting and event rooms, a catering kitchen, and accessible rooftop spaces that serve as outdoor classrooms and gathering areas. The design prioritizes intuitive circulation and efficient planning to maximize usability for visitors of all ages and abilities.
