May 2026

On May 16, voters across Lafayette Parish will have an important opportunity to support the future of our public libraries by renewing one of our existing library millages. It’s important to note that this is not a new tax, but rather a renewal which provides 65% of the funding that keeps our libraries open, staffed, and able to serve everyone in our community.

Our mission at LCAC is to protect the freedom to read, oppose efforts to remove or restrict access to books, and ensure that our public libraries remain spaces where everyone can explore ideas without limitation. But defending intellectual freedom requires more than advocacy—it requires strong, stable funding and broad community support. A well-funded library system is better equipped to maintain diverse collections, offer inclusive programming, and serve the needs of all residents without political interference.

The funding this millage supplies will also help fund important library expansion and upgrade projects, such as the new Northeast Library and the expansion/renovations happening at both the South Regional and North Regional branches.

Don’t forget where we were less than ten years ago, when we lost one of our millages due to low voter turnout and a last minute campaign to defund the library by then newly-formed Citizens for a New Louisiana. This was followed in short order by another election that allowed the parish to take $10 million of our fund balance for drainage projects that did NOTHING to fix drainage.

Early voting is happening now, May 2–9, with the general election taking place on May 16. The library millage is NOT one of the amendments, but rather a separate item at the bottom of your ballot.