A project to improve ADA Accessibility and expand parking at the Slidell Branch, opens a new window location lot is currently underway. The project, announced in late 2021, precedes a planned 4,500 Square-foot expansion project for the Slidell branch location, meets the parking requirements that such an expansion will require, and provides improved access to the Library on busy days.
As part of the expansion project, patrons and future patrons, are asked to offer their input on what proposed features they would like to see as part of the planned 4,500 square foot addition, expected to begin in early 2023. Everyone who visits the Slidell Branch location in the coming weeks will have the opportunity to see and hear about possible expansion options and vote for their choices by marking their favorite features on display boards. Please visit the circulation desk at the Slidell Branch location, at 555 Robert Boulevard, to get the materials needed to make your choices. The project boards will remain open for viewing and voting through Saturday, May 14th. You can watch the full video presentation of feature ideas here, opens a new window. The future expansion is a project identified in the St. Tammany Parish Library Capital Projects plan for renovation and preservation.
“Enhancement to patron services, including ease of access into our branch location, as well as preparation for the future expansion at the Slidell Branch are priorities for this Accessibility Improvement and Parking Lot Expansion project,” said Kelly LaRocca, Director, St. Tammany Parish library. “We timed this project to be completed before we begin our planned expansion, to lessen the disruption to patrons, and to have adequate parking in place so that upon completion, patrons can begin using the new space right away.”
The Accessibility Improvement and Parking Lot Expansion Project will improve ADA accessibility to the south entrance of the Library through the addition of a handicap accessible ramp, the regrading of an existing handicap accessible ramp, modifications to the existing sidewalk and parking lot to more easily access the doorway at the south entrance, and the addition of six additional handicap accessible parking spaces.
The parking lot will gain 93 additional parking spaces, retain the tree line buffer adjacent to the Forest Manor neighborhood, remove storm-vulnerable pine trees and add a mixture of 36 additional trees and 91 shrubs. (Trees: Eastern Redbuds, Sweet bay Magnolia Tree, Crape Myrtle, Nuttall Oak, and Vitex —Chaste Tree. Shrubs: Wax Myrtle, Shenandoah Switch Grass, Camellia, Palmetto, and Dwarf Camellia.) In addition, the six-foot wooden fence that lines the parking lot and flanks homes in the Forest Manor neighborhood, has been replaced.
Kort Construction is the contractor for the Accessibility Improvement and Parking Lot Expansion Project. The projected cost of this project is $782,500. The project is expected to be complete in approximately four months, barring delays.
The St. Tammany Parish Library began serving Slidell as a part of the State of Louisiana’s Library Demonstration Project in June 1950. The current location of the Slidell Branch at 555 Robert Boulevard, was opened in 1989. It is the largest of the 12 branch locations serving 24 percent of all patrons who visit St. Tammany Parish Libraries. In 2021, this branch served 102,978 patrons. In the first quarter of 2022, this branch has served 28,634 patrons. This branch location is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5p.m. This branch offers curbside pickup, public computers, free patron Wi-fi in the branch, free patron Wi-fi in the parking lot until 10 p.m., and copy and faxing services. For additional information about the Slidell Branch location, and all other St. Tammany Parish Library branches, visit www.sttammanylibrary.org.
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The St. Tammany Parish Library has been serving the citizens of St. Tammany Parish for over seventy years. Our twelve branches offer over 542,000 loanable items including books, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, and magazines. The library’s website offers 24/7 access to downloadable audio and e-books, music downloads, research tools, magazines, and newspapers. Our programs and services are designed to meet residents’ cultural, informational, educational, and recreational needs.
