New Orleans Opens Four New Libraries

New Orleans is marking the opening of a fourth new library in as many weeks. 

Mayor Mitch Landrieu, speaking at the opening of the New Orleans East Regional Library, says the facilities have grown to be more than just a book depository.

“Six years ago, the day before Katrina hit, it was a place where people came to read and to edify themselves. But immediately after Katrina hit, libraries became a refuge of hope for people all over the state of Louisiana. It became a place where the community could gather, where they could find information.”  

Other new branches are now open in Gentilly, Broadmoor and Lakeview. The $25 million dollars in funding mostly comes from recovery money budgeted by FEMA, and from Housing and Urban Development block grants.