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Library Services

Ask a librarian, get a library, book a study room or meeting room, or learn about our Makerspaces! You can also find information about how to sign up for our newsletters, get booklist recommendations from SelectReads, or even find your Next Great Read with personalized recommendations by our staff.

Ask a Librarian
Do you need answers? The Adult Services department of the Lafayette Public Library System provides walk-in, telephone (337-261-5787 or 337-261-5788), e-mail (reference@lafayettepubliclibrary.org) and mail reference services, assistance in using the library, and programs of interest to adults in the community. Please feel free to contact us by email, phone or mail and see what we can do for you!

Digital Microfilm Reader
For your convenience, the Main library provides a ST 200-DFV digital film viewer to view microfilm or microfiche images. You may save microfilm images to a flash drive, send documents by email or print copies of the images. These features are not available for microfiche or opaque images. Rather than having to toggle between document and software views, separate monitors facilitate working with the software while viewing the files.

Computers and Internet
Free Wi-Fi is available in all library branches.
All of our locations also have public access computers. You may reserve a computer for one hour at a time.
Our computers also have printing available at a small fee. Some locations have color printing, where others only have black and white printing.
For further information, please see the Electronic Resources Policy.

Copy Machines
Copy machines are available at all LPL locations. Copies are 10 cents per page. Please observe copyright laws when photocopying materials. Copies are available in black and white only.

Exam Proctoring
We’re proud to offer exam proctoring services. Click the link for more information.

Government Documents for Public Review
The Lafayette Public Library System has print copies of some Federal, State and Local Government documents available for review on the third floor of the Main Library located at 301 West Congress Street. Because they are strictly for public review, these documents cannot be checked out at any time. LPL provides links to public review documents when available.

InterLibrary Loan (ILL)
If you wish to borrow materials that LPL does not own, you may be interested in using our Interlibrary Loan (ILL) services. ILL involves borrowing materials from in-state and out-of-state libraries. Therefore, requests for materials through ILL can take as little as one week, or up to one month, depending on availability.

Lafayette Community M.I.Brary
Check Out the Musical Instrument Library (M.I.Brary)! You can now check out a guitar, keyboard, or even an accordion the same way you would a book at the Chenier Branch of the Lafayette Public Library. You must be 16 years or older and have a Lafayette Public Library card in good standing to check out an instrument. You can only check out one instrument at a time. Checkout is for 28 days and instruments cannot be renewed.

Makerspaces and Tech Labs
Come MAKE with us at the library! Our Makerspaces and Tech Labs offer classes in digital media, paper and textile arts, electronics and fabrication, as well as open access time. Open Access time allows patrons to explore and experiment as they independently work on projects of their choosing. Self-guided online tutorials are available for most applications.

Microfilm and Microfiche
Microfilm containing the Louisiana census records and the Daily Advertiser can be found in the Reference department of the Main Library. The Lafayette Public Library owns a ST 200 microfilm viewer-scanner that you can use to convert microfilm, microfiche, and microcards to digital image files. Please ask at the Information Services desk for assistance.

Outreach Services

The Outreach Services Department / Bookmobile of the Lafayette Public Library provides library services to individuals and families in community spaces beyond library branches.  By taking library services directly to the citizens of Lafayette Parish we strive to increase equitable access to library resources.

Reserve a Computer
Reserve a computer for personal use.

Sign Up for Library Newsletters
*Select Reads – Subscribe (will return soon) to receive free monthly book recommendations, updates, and the latest news from the Lafayette Public Library.
*Sign up for the Random House First Look Book Club
* View our BookTalk newsletter archive

Tax Assistance
The Lafayette Public Library System works with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to increase the availability of federal tax forms and publications by providing free tax products for the public at all library branches. For the 2018 tax season, there will only be ONE form – the 1040.  Along with this form will be 6 additional schedules or forms that will augment the 1040.  We expect to receive the forms in February and they will be available at all library locations. The library has one copy of reproducible forms that patrons may photocopy (10 cents per page). Patrons may also request that paper copies be shipped by mail or they may download forms (print at 10 cents per page). The IRS may be reached at 1-800-829-3676 (toll-free).

Your Next Great Read
Looking for your next great read? Let us help! Simply click here and fill out the form and on of our librarians will send you personalized recommendations based on your reading preferences and interests. The more information you provide in the form, the better your recommendations will be! For more information, contact readersadvisory@lafayettepubliclibrary.org or call the Main Library at 261-5787.
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