Builder picked for $1.2 million Paradis Library

The St. Charles Parish Council authorized a contract with Lamar Contractors for construction of a new Paradis library.
The library will be constructed on 1.18 acres of land that formerly housed the old Paradis Elementary School. The building will be 6,374 square feet and will cost a little over $1.2 million to complete.

The library should take 10 months to construct, according to architect Norman Chenevert.

“This has been a long-awaited project,” Councilman Paul Hogan said. “Residents can’t wait to see it happen.”

Library Board member Dolores Chauffe agreed, saying that for 55 years the library system has provided the best possible library service, but that the Paradis, Des Allemands and Bayou Gauche areas were under served.

“This is much anticipated,” she said.

As the size of the building stands now, it will be about 1,000 square feet bigger than the Hahnville branch and nearly 3,000 square feet smaller than the St. Rose branch.

Head librarian Mary desBordes said that the Paradis Library will have a separate children’s activity room and an individual study room.

“Esthetically, it will resemble the St. Rose branch,” desBordes said.

Before land along Old Spanish Trail was chosen for the project, the library system considered converting an old seafood restaurant on Highway 90 into a library. Councilman Terry Authement instead told residents that a new library could be constructed for almost the same cost as renovating a used building.

“It’s right on line and just a few dollars more than the estimate on converting a used building,” Authement said. “This is really a big breakthrough for that area and it is a long-awaited project.

“I want to thank everyone for being so patient. This is going to be such a nice facility and I know the people there are really going to enjoy it.”