The Red River Parish Library Board of Directors held its spring meeting on March 9, 2026. Board members in attendance included Trey Lewis, Barbara Brister, Ann Shaw, Virginia Webb, Judy Covington, Bob Harris, and Alvester Barfield.

Librarian Trey Lewis read the minutes from the previous meeting and reported that board member Laurie Jones had resigned. The board also approved an 8% annual raise for library staff and authorized a $3 million capital outlay project.

During New Business, Lewis welcomed new board member Dr. Virginia Webb and praised the success of a recent AI workshop, noting a follow-up workshop is scheduled for April. He also reported that recent earthquakes had caused minor stress fractures in the library building’s sheetrock. Lewis added that no spring book sale will be held this year due to limited inventory in storage.

The board then heard a presentation from architect Wayne CoCo regarding a proposed historical cultural center connected to the library. The plan includes a 7,000-square-foot facility capable of holding about 300 people, featuring a 4,000-square-foot display area for historical exhibits and dioramas highlighting the history of Red River Parish. The estimated construction cost is $3 million, with an additional $500,000 projected for exhibit preparation. No vote was taken to move the project forward.

Guests at the meeting included Alison Strong, superintendent of Red River Parish Schools, and Hunter Brown, principal of Riverdale Academy. Strong presented a proposal outlining possible alternative uses for surplus library funds, including a bookmobile program, mobile GED and adult education services, satellite library locations, school partnerships, community STEM and writing programs, social service collaborations, and workforce development support.

Board member Bob Harris thanked Strong for her suggestions but stated the board intends to move forward with the museum project first and consider additional community outreach if funds remain. Several board members emphasized preserving parish history as a priority. Strong noted the importance of responsible use of taxpayer funds.

Shane Young of the Red River Parish Police Jury asked why the proposed facility would only be located at the current library site, suggesting other communities, such as Hall Summit, might also benefit. District Attorney Jones explained that library tax funds must be used for library purposes, noting the museum concept is possible because it would be structurally connected to the library. She added that smaller library facilities in other areas could also qualify for funding. Jones also stated that one of her concerns was that the museum must be sustainable and not a burden on the parish in 20 years.  

After much discussion and audience comments, Harris made a motion, seconded by Barfield, to form a committee of board and school/community representatives to explore ways to implement some of the proposed community programs. The motion passed, and the meeting was then adjourned.