Calcasieu Parish Public Library

What Calcasieu Parish Public Library does

Calcasieu Parish Public Library (CPPL) is a government state entity operating a public library system across Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, established in 1944 and serving residents, workers, property owners, and students of the parish. The system operates 13 physical branch locations spanning Lake Charles, Sulphur, Iowa, DeQuincy, Moss Bluff, Vinton, Westlake, Hayes, and Starks, plus the specialized SWLA Genealogical and Historical Library. Headcount is in the 101-250 range, and the entity is governed by a Library Board of Control with no parent company or private equity ownership.

The library's core platform is the Polaris integrated library system, which powers the online catalog, patron account management, mobile app, and branch operations. Beyond traditional book and media lending, CPPL offers a "Library of Things" including hotspots, laptops, American Girl BeForever dolls, cake pans, sensory backpacks, and Geaux Explore backpacks; Create & Make maker spaces at Central and DeQuincy branches equipped with laser cutters, sewing machines, embroidery equipment, and Adobe Creative Suite; and Library To-Go home delivery for homebound, elderly, and disabled residents. Research capabilities are delivered through subscription databases including Ancestry Library Edition, Fold3, HeritageQuest, NewsBank, Gale, and Britannica. Engagement programs are managed through Beanstack (reading challenges) and PatronPoint (the monthly #CPPLReads newsletter).

The entity is funded primarily through Calcasieu Parish tax millage originally set at 0.75 mills in 1944 and raised to 4.57 mills during the 1990 Capital Improvement Program. Core services are free to eligible residents with no direct revenue generation from patrons; minor fees arise from device lending overdue fines and $0.50 card replacement. Distribution is multi-modal: physical branches, 24/7 online catalog, mobile app, curbside pickup, Library To-Go delivery, and Little Free Libraries in parish parks. Marketing is community-led via social media (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn), the #CPPLReads newsletter, partnerships with local organizations including CSE Federal Credit Union, SWLA Bar Foundation, and Casa De Ajedrez, and in-branch programming. Recent strategic activity has centered on facility renewal, including the October 2025 reopening of the Epps Memorial Branch after a $2.4M reconstruction.

Name

Calcasieu Parish Public Library

Legal name

Calcasieu Parish Public Library

Website

https://calcasieulibrary.libnet.info

Company type

Private

Founded year

1944

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Calcasieu Parish Public Library is a tax-funded public library system operating 13 branches across Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, serving residents with free books, digital resources, maker spaces, genealogy research, and home delivery.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Library Services

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (51921), Libraries and Archives (519210)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO), Library-Based Learning Programs (Public Libraries) (EDAAAFAA), Libraries, Archives & Special Collections (BPAGAHAF)

Keywords

• Public library services
• Community lending programs
• Digital research databases
• Genealogy research services
• Maker space programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Lake Charles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices14 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Public Funding: Primarily funded through Calcasieu Parish tax revenues and millage levies approved by voters. No direct revenue generation from patrons for core services.
2. Fines and Fees: Fine-free for most materials. Fees collected for device lending (hotspots, laptops, dolls) and replacement cards ($0.50). Blocked accounts with $25+ balance lose checkout and computer privileges.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Calcasieu Parish Public Library provides free public library services to parish residents through 13 branch locations, including lending of physical and digital materials (books, eBooks, audiobooks, DVDs, video games), Special Collections/Library of Things (hotspots, laptops, dolls, maker kits), Create & Make maker spaces, Library To-Go home delivery for homebound patrons, curbside pickup, meeting/study room reservations, and access to subscription research databases. The system is funded by parish tax millage and serves all eligible residents with a free library card.

Product overview

Calcasieu Parish Public Library operates as a comprehensive public library system offering a unified platform of services centered on its online catalog and account management system. The core offering includes physical and digital material lending through full-service and online-only library cards, supplemented by a mobile app for convenient access. The library's portfolio extends beyond traditional lending through special collections (Library of Things) such as hotspots, laptops, and maker equipment; Create & Make maker spaces at Central and DeQuincy branches; Library To-Go delivery for homebound residents; and curbside pickup services. Reading engagement is supported through Beanstack reading challenges, the #CPPLReads monthly newsletter, and summer reading programs. Research capabilities are enhanced by subscription databases (Ancestry, HeritageQuest, Fold3, Gale, Britannica, NewsBank) and the specialized SWLA Genealogical and Historical Library. Additional services include meeting/study room reservations, Book-a-Librarian appointments, fax/scan services, ePrintIt remote printing, and Little Free Libraries throughout the parish.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SWLA Genealogical and Historical Library: Specialized genealogical and historical research branch located at 411 Pujo Street, Lake Charles, offering obituaries, yearbooks, census records, and family history resources

Products and services

• Online Catalog and Library Account Web-based Polaris catalog providing 24/7 access to physical and digital collections, allowing patrons to search materials, place holds, renew items, manage accounts, and pay fines online.
• Mobile App Library mobile application for iOS and Android providing account management, catalog searches, digital library card, and access to digital resources on the go.
• Library Card Services Free library cards for Calcasieu Parish residents, workers, property owners, and students, valid for five years, with replacement cards available for $0.50. Online-only and full-service card options.
• Library To-Go Home delivery service for Calcasieu Parish residents unable to visit library locations due to age, illness, or disability, serving nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and homebound individuals.
• Special Collections (Library of Things) Non-traditional lending of hotspots, laptops, American Girl BeForever dolls, cake pans, jigsaw puzzles, outdoor games, litter pickup tools, sensory backpacks, Geaux Explore backpacks, and video games.
• Create & Make Maker Spaces Bookable creative maker spaces at Central Branch and DeQuincy Branch equipped with laser cutter, engraver, Adobe Creative Suite, sewing machines, Cricut, embroidery machine, photography equipment, and craft supplies.
• Curbside Pickup Contactless pickup service allowing patrons to place holds online and retrieve materials at their vehicle without entering the library.
• Meeting Rooms and Study Rooms Bookable community rooms, conference rooms, and study rooms at multiple branches accommodating groups of various sizes for meetings, study, and creative projects.
• Book-a-Librarian One-on-one appointments with library staff for technology assistance, device setup, app guidance, and other tech help at Central and Sulphur branches.
• Subscription Databases Digital research resources including Ancestry Library Edition, HeritageQuest, Fold3, Gale databases, Britannica, NewsBank, ABC Mouse, Creativebug, Freading, and freegalmusic accessible with a library card.
• Summer Reading Program Annual reading challenge on Beanstack open to all ages from babies to adults, running May through July (2026 program: May 22 - July 24) with daily 10-minute reading goals and rewards.
• #CPPLReads Monthly Newsletter Monthly book recommendation newsletter published second Wednesday of each month via PatronPoint, featuring staff reviews, trending titles, and book club reading guides for Gen X, Y, and Z readers.
• SWLA Genealogical and Historical Library Specialized genealogy branch at 411 Pujo Street, Lake Charles, offering books, periodicals, microfilm, vital records, census data, obituary indexes, military records, and research databases with emphasis on Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi records; partner of the SWLA Genealogical Society.
• Little Free Libraries Community book exchange boxes at Lorrain Park (Hayes), River Bluff Park (Moss Bluff), Holbrook Park, Maplewood Commons (Sulphur), and The Grove of Heritage Square (Sulphur), part of the worldwide Little Free Library movement.
• Beanstack Reading Programs Online reading challenge platform for tracking reading progress, earning virtual badges, and participating in seasonal reading programs, accessible via web and mobile apps.
• ePrintIt Remote Printing Remote printing service allowing patrons to print documents from any internet-connected device and pick up at any branch location.
• Faxing and Scanning Services Outgoing fax services at all branches, with scanning services available at Central, Sulphur, Moss Bluff, and SWLA Genealogical Library locations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Summer Reading Program Challenge: Read 10 minutes/day for 30 days for all ages from babies to adults
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Little Free Library MovementcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013CPPL partnered with the Little Free Library movement to bring book exchange boxes to Calcasieu Parish communities. Locations include Lorrain Park (Hayes), River Bluff Park (Moss Bluff), Holbrook Park (between Sulphur and DeQuincy), Maplewood Commons (Sulphur), and The Grove of Heritage Square (Sulphur).
• SWLA Genealogical SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 1973, the society partnered with the library to develop the SWLA Genealogical and Historical Library. Society members helped form policies, acquire records, and build an outstanding genealogical research collection through donations and workshops.
• Louisiana Digital LibrarycoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for yearbook digitization project. Yearbooks are scanned by vendor and made accessible through the Louisiana Digital Library's Yearbook Collection.
• NewsBankcoreTechnology or IntegrationProvides American Press newspaper collection (2002-present with digitized editions from 2022), Southwest Daily News archives, and access to The Advocate, Times-Picayune, and USA Today.
• Ancestry (ProQuest)coreTechnology or IntegrationProvides Ancestry Library Edition with census, vital, immigration, and military records. Also provides Newspapers.com subscription with content up to 1922 for genealogical research.
• ProQuest (Fold3)coreTechnology or IntegrationProvides Fold3 Library Edition with military records, photos, and personal documents. Includes Black History collections with 35+ publications and 800,000+ original military records.
• CSE Federal Credit UnionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with library to present Money Matters for Teens program teaching budgeting basics and credit building skills for financial future.
• SWLA Bar FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVolunteer attorneys provide free civil legal information and connect patrons with additional resources through Lawyers In Libraries program.
• Louisiana Orphan Train MuseumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPresents programs on the Orphan Train (1873-1929) and its impact on Louisiana, including key stops like Opelousas.
• Casa De AjedrezminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChess instruction program teaching children and teens how to play chess, partnered with Central Branch for Chess Club.
• Dr. Dogs Pet Therapy GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTherapy dogs visit library monthly to listen to readers of all levels, supporting reading practice in a relaxed environment.
• Creative RootsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal artist Emily Parker leads hands-on workshops including botanical stamp art, teaching printmaking techniques and local plant knowledge.
• Gumbeaux GatorsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal baseball team and mascot participate in library programs for community engagement and entertainment.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Polaris Library Systems: Vendor of the integrated library system (Polaris ILS) that CPPL uses for catalog management. Not a direct peer but a key technology enabler that powers many comparable public library systems.

Broad incumbents

• Houston Public Library: Large metropolitan library system in nearby Texas with multiple branches and expansive programming. Comparable in offerings (maker spaces, genealogy, digital lending) but operates at much larger scale in an urban environment.
• Harris County Public Library: Texas county library system with extensive branch network and similar service mix. Comparable in operational model and offerings, but at substantially larger scale.

Direct peers

• Shreve Memorial Library: Public library system serving Caddo Parish with multiple branches, tax-funded model, and similar program offerings. Comparable Louisiana parish library with overlapping service categories.
• New Orleans Public Library: Major Louisiana municipal library system with multiple branches, tax-funded operations, and extensive special collections including genealogy resources. Operates as a direct peer in the same state.
• Lafayette Public Library: Louisiana parish library system with multiple branches, comparable tax millage funding model, and similar service mix including special collections, community programs, and digital resources. Operates as a direct municipal peer in the same state regulatory environment.
• East Baton Rouge Parish Library: Another large Louisiana parish public library system serving East Baton Rouge Parish with multiple branches, comparable tax-funded model, and similar offerings including genealogy resources, maker programming, and digital lending. Directly comparable in structure and scale.
• Jefferson Parish Library: Louisiana parish library system with extensive branch network, tax millage funding, and comparable offerings including e-resources, genealogy collections, and community programming. Comparable in geographic scope and population served.

Regional players

• Allen Parish Library: Smaller Louisiana parish library system with comparable tax millage funding model and branch operations, serving a different but adjacent geographic area in Louisiana.
• Beauregard Parish Library: Neighboring Louisiana parish library system with similar tax-funded model and branch-based operations, serving a different geographic area but with comparable service offerings and operational structure.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/calcasieulibrary
• Facebookfacebook.com/calcasieulibrary
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/calcasieuparishpubliclibrary
• Instagraminstagram.com/calcasieulibrary
• Xx.com/cppllibrary

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Calcasieu Parish Public Library