On August 21, the New Orleans Public Library announced its plans to open a new multi-use community center in the 7th ward, a historically black neighborhood. The REACH center will be an extension of the current African American Resource Collection (AARC). Located inside building C of the Corpus Christi Epiphany Church Community Center at 2022 St. Bernard Avenue will be a community event and resource center, free co-working space, and an art gallery open to the public.
The REACH Center's goal is to empower individuals and local businesses with a strong sense of equity, diversity, and inclusion. The leader of the project is Shukrani Gray, the Library's AARC Equity & Inclusion librarian. The African American Resource Collection's current collection will remain at Main Library, but it will now fall under the authority of the REACH Center. The catalog was introduced in 1997 and offered various services that addressed the informational, educational, and cultural needs of Black communities in New Orleans, and Gray believes the project is a return to this original vision of the AARC which was downsized in 2017.
"Our big-picture vision is to offer resources and engagement in a space that is built for the local community, with their needs in mind," Gray said. "Residents and businesses in this neighborhood have repeatedly voiced their desire for a free place to gather, learn, and grow together, and we're so excited to start filling that need."
City Librarian & Executive Director Emily Painton believes the REACH Center will represent the Library's commitment to serving its community's needs. "We're thrilled to be expanding the African American Resource Collection into a full-fledged center again," Painton said. "Reimagining spaces to create open doors is a key part of our 10-year strategic plan and the REACH Center's creation directly aligns with these goals."
The grand opening is not finalized yet, but it is set for early 2024 with several upcoming popup events. September 9th will be the first popup event with community partner information sessions. Other events include an art show, dance class, and free headshots for small business owners and entrepreneurs. There will be a raffle at each event for the chance to win a $25 gift card, courtesy of Capital One Bank and the Friends of New Orleans Public Library.
Community members can visit the New Orleans Public Library or call the REACH Center staff at 504-596-2597 for more information about popups and the limited library hours.
