Ouachita Parish Public Library Considers New Name for Library

"In 1948 a group of citizens got together with the then Police Jury and established a library for Afro-Americans,” said Carver Library branch manager, Robert Tanzy. “It was located at the corner of 10th Street and Adams Street." Two years later the library was moved to 2491 Renwick Street and it was named Carver. "George Washington Carver and Booker T. Washington were at the forefront of the most of the educational institution," explained Tanzy. Library officials thought the name carver would be best to honor a leader in education. So, if the library already has a name whats the problem? Library officials say the community wants it to bear the name of a local hero--although carver is well known in a national sense. Many people have shaped the history of the Carver Branch of the Ouachita Public Library along the way. But, whose name will appear on this sign remains to be seen. There are groups lobbying for who they think should be honored with a name on the library--most worked here at some point in time. "At this particular branch there were about 5 people that were over this branch," continued Tanzy. Among them is the branches first librarian, Odalie McDonald; followed by a mentee and successor of hers, Irene Dotson--all being considered for the name.