Washington Parish Library Director Named Public Librarian of the Year

Sonnet Ireland, Washington Parish Library Director, received the Louisiana Library Association Public Librarian of the Year award on July 10th at the annual Louisiana Library Association Conference held at the Randolph Riverfront Center in Alexandria, Louisiana.

Sonnet Ireland has served the citizens of Washington Parish since the beginning of 2022 as Director of the library system which has four branches in our local communities. Previously, Ms. Ireland worked at the St. Tammany Parish Library as well as academic libraries, including those at the University of New Orleans and Tulane.

Louisiana Library Association President Jeremy Bolom presented the award to her during the Louisiana Library Association’s award dinner stating that “she is a smart, enthusiastic, and caring librarian, who continues to grow in her career (currently as a Director of Washington Parish Library system) and professional affiliations (most notably as an American Library Association Councilor At-Large).” He further noted that “Sonnet stands for truth of information, and she became a major voice for the education of library workers.”

Ms. Ireland has served in numerous capacities in the American Library Association where she is currently a councilor and the Louisiana Library Association, where she served an historic two-year term as President of the association in 2020 and 2021 when the association was transitioning to a new management firm and facing the COVID-19 pandemic. She led the organization in its first virtual conference during that time as well.

Her information literacy seminars have been relished by library workers and information professionals on a state and national level with classes held at library trainings as well as academic forums, including a presentation for Yale University. Ms. Ireland will continue her work with the Public Library Association’s Wednesday Webinars and leading the Washington Parish Library system to new heights of community service and impact.

Click here for previous stories regarding Ms. Ireland

Washington Parish Library Receives $20,000 Grant

Washington Parish Library has been selected as one of 240 libraries to participate in Libraries
Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities, an American Library Association (ALA) initiative that provides community engagement and accessibility resources to small and rural libraries to help them better serve people with disabilities.

The competitive award comes with a $20,000 grant that will help the library install handicap accessible doors at the Franklinton Branch and the Bogalusa Branch. This is the first step in a long-term Library project to eventually offer Homebound Services to those residents who need it.

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this amazing grant,” said Library Director Sonnet Ireland. “This grant will allow our library to improve our branches and, eventually, our services to ensure all residents feel welcome and comfortable in our space.”

As part of the grant, Washington Parish Library staff will take an online course in how to lead conversations, a skill vital to library work today. Staff will then host a few public conversations with residents about how the Library can better serve all residents and use the grant funds to install handicap accessible doors.

This is a topic close to Ireland’s heart. “Both of my parents were disabled by a horrific car accident on their wedding night about two years before I was born. So I grew up around wheelchairs and walkers–and keenly aware of how hard it can be to enter buildings for people with mobility issues. During my first year as library director, I noticed how heavy the front doors of our large branches were, and making them more accessible became a priority for me. When this grant was announced, I knew it was meant to be.”

If you are interested in getting involved or taking part in the conversation, please contact Sonnet Ireland at 985-839-7805, or visit washingtonparishlibrary.info for more information.

Since 2014, ALA’s Libraries Transforming Communities initiative has re-imagined the role libraries play in supporting communities. Libraries of all types have utilized free dialogue and deliberation training and resources to lead community and campus forums; take part in anti-violence activities; provide a space for residents to come together and discuss challenging topics; and have productive conversations with civic leaders, library trustees and staff.

“Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities is an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA) in collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL).”

Washington Parish Library strives to consistently discover new methods and improvements for better service for our community. The Library has branches in Bogalusa, Franklinton, Enon, and Thomas with plans to open a branch in Angie later this year.

Modern Library System Moving Washington Parish Forward

Submitted by Mary Jo Poole, President of Friends of the Library

The Washington Parish Library System has something for all residents to enjoy and be proud of.

In 2022, the library has had children, teen and adult programs. Adding to the rotation of programs that already existed, like the “Summer Reading Program” for children, the new Library Director, Sonnet Ireland, now includes adult programming such as recipe swaps, craft programs, programs that talk about crime and the avoidance of scams, how to talk to the doctor, and more “Tech Time” programs giving assistance with computers and technical devices. In addition, “Teen Game Night” has become popular with the teenage crowd at the Franklinton and Bogalusa branches. The Library has created partnerships to offer virtual programming on financial and legal issues.

The Library System has had multiple outreach programs working with the Council on Aging, the Franklinton Association of Challenged Citizens, Head Start, 4-H, the Chambers of Commerce, and the Washington Parish Animal Shelter, to name a few. The system has partnered with our local museums, and made an effort to promote them as well as other local events and organizations.

The future plans for 2023, according to Ireland, include multiple partnerships. Currently partnering with the Franklinton Police Dept. to create programming on public safety, the Library hopes to expand the partnership to Washington Parish Sheriff's Office and Bogalusa Police Department. Partnerships with the parks departments will result in outdoor programming and additional outreach. Plans are being made to partner even more with local schools to ensure the library is able to meet the needs of the young people in our communities. Ireland wants more partnerships with first responders to help children get comfortable with firefighters, 911 operations, paramedics, and police. “Of course, a primary goal of 2023 will be to maintain our current partnerships, and deepen them, to provide even more programs and services that our community needs”, says Ireland.

The Library System serves homeschool families, and will be expanding homebound services to residents who are unable physically to come into a branch. The system hopes to increase virtual programming to allow residents access to the programs when it's most convenient for them.

Friends of the Library are very happy with the excellent programs the Library provides for all of Washington Parish. We would like to invite everyone to join Friends of the Library to support our Library System. For more information about the Washington Parish Library System or about becoming a Friend, visit the Library website https://washingtonparishlibrary.info.

Library Hosts Free Public Safety Programs

The Washington Parish Library is partnering with the Franklinton Police Department to bring a series of public safety programs to the public. Sgt. Jared Stubbs will be leading the programs at the Franklinton Branch at 825 Free St. The first program is set for 6pm on Wednesday, March 15th and will focus on general safety tips that everyone should know.

Library Director Sonnet Ireland states, “I’m extremely excited about this new partnership. We will be hosting these programs every few months with sessions focused on general public safety, protecting your children online, and even tips on staying safe while dating.”

The second program, focused on how parents and guardians can keep their kids safe online, is currently planned for June as part of the Summer Reading Program. Ireland explains, “This year’s Summer Reading theme is All Together Now. I think that’s a perfect opportunity to learn what we can do to keep our children safe–especially with so many dangers online. Things have changed a lot since we were kids, so it’s important to make sure adults know what to be on the lookout for.”

While the program is focused on Franklinton right now, Ireland assures that this is just the beginning, “We are developing so many exciting community partnerships that are really going to help our patrons. We are working to create a similar program at the Bogalusa Branch with the Bogalusa Police Department. Eventually, we’d like to see similar programs at the other branches with our local law enforcement officers for those areas. On top of that, we are working on a series of First Responder Story Times where kids will get to meet police officers, firefighters, paramedics, 911 operators, and more.”

These public safety programs start Wednesday, March 15th at 6pm in the Franklinton Branch. Refreshments will be provided, courtesy of the Friends of the Washington Parish Library. The event is free and open to the public.

Washington Parish Council Meeting of May 23, 2022

The Washington Parish Council received information Monday (May 23, 2022) evening from Washington Parish Animal Shelter Manager Kelsey Knight, Washington Parish School Board Superintendent Frances Varnado, and Washington Parish Library Director Sonnet Ireland.

For Knight's report, see the video beginning at 3:00 into the video.

For Varnado's report, see the video beginning at 5:35 into the video.

For Ireland's report, see the video beginning at 12:45 into the video.

The Council approved a resolution declaring surplus and/or scrap moveable property and authorized its disposal.

Parish President Richard Thomas (beginning at 16:35 into the video) reported on a successful Bogalusa Balloon Festival, announced that parish government offices would be closed May 30 in observance of Memorial Day, announced the new holiday “Juneteenth” to be observed this year June 17, announced that a Memorial Day Tribute will be held at 9:00 AM on May 30 at Veterans Memorial Park, and announced the Washington Parish Animal Shelter is sponsoring a Canine Carnival on June 11 at the Fairgrounds.

Reports were made by Financial Director Donna Graham and Public Works Director Ken Wheat.  

Washington Parish Library Staff Saves Kitten Trapped in Plastic

On Wednesday, August 3, Washington Parish Library staff members Waleah Dillon and Karen Galivan finally managed to catch a kitten that has been eluding library staff for weeks. Outside of the Franklinton Branch, a family of cats has taken residence: the momma cat, the daddy cat, their three kittens, and another kitten (likely from momma cat’s previous relationship). Staff have been watching over the cats and were deeply upset when one of the kittens became stuck in what appeared to be the lid of a Slurpee cup that had been carelessly discarded. For weeks, staff attempted to lure the kitten with food in order to free her from the plastic, but the kitten was too smart to be caught. Finally, Waleah Dillon and Karen Galivan spied the injured kitten in the staff parking area after the library had closed. Using a net and ingenuity, they managed to capture the kitten. Unfortunately, the wound was too deep for them to remove the plastic and release the kitten back to her family. Washington Parish Library Director Sonnet Ireland raced the kitten to MedVet Mandeville for emergency care. Staff at MedVet expected the kitten to need surgery to heal the deep wounds and to lose her front right paw due to the damage from the plastic. 

The Northshore nonprofit Scott’s Wish x Mardi Paws raised funds to help cover the cost of the kitten’s care. Dozens of people stepped up to contribute money for this kitten through Mardi Paws, but there was still the issue of finding the kitten a home. Luckily, a friend of Ireland’s and St. Tammany Parish Library staffer Stacey Demichiel stepped up to offer the kitten a safe and loving home. Demichiel and her wife Amanda Jacob say the kitten is doing well and using her injured paw more and more everyday. It looks like this kitten may get to keep all her paws at this rate. 

Thanks to the hard work of library staff, the wonderful staff at MedVet, and the generosity of Scott’s Wish x Mardi Paws and their supporters, as well as Stacey Demichiel and Amanda Jacob, the kitten has a second chance at life. Mardi Paws, the Northshore's beloved parade for dogs that takes place each Carnival season in Covington, Louisiana, isn’t just about doing good one day of the year. It’s an organization that raises money all year round for Scott’s Wish, a nonprofit that’s been helping pets and people since 2008.

Scott’s Wish is 501c3 non-profit led by an all-volunteer team that strives to make a difference in the lives of both people and pets. Nearly every dollar raised goes toward helping sick people and homeless pets, both in the immediate community of St. Tammany Parish and further afield. Named in memory of Scott Lala, the organization has been spreading kindness, assistance, hope and joy since its inception. Scott’s Wish helps patients of all ages who are managing cancer treatment, organ transplants, birth defects and ALS. The organization helps close gaps of financial need, assisting with travel, car repairs, clothing and supplies for families dealing with difficult health circumstances.

Pet-oriented beneficiaries include “In Honor of Duco,” which pays homage to the elite canines who play critical roles in the U.S. military and who need specialized medical care after their years of service, and the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services, a no-kill shelter that never turns an animal away. Funds raised by Scott’s Wish allow the shelter to offer adoption programs, air and ground transport to permanent homes, and lifesaving medical care.

Fresh Start in 2025 with Thomas Branch Renovations

The Washington Parish Library is excited to announce that the Thomas Branch will be receiving some touch-ups this month. The staff have started packing up the materials and furniture in the Thomas Branch in anticipation of this project.

The Thomas Branch has been a part of the community for over 20 years. In more recent years, the original carpet has become a tripping hazard and has been notoriously difficult to keep clean. To create a better and healthier environment for the community, especially the children, the Library is replacing the carpet. Since that requires removing everything from the branch, the staff is taking this time to paint the walls inside the branch to help keep the costs down.

Mrs. Sonnet Ireland, Library Director, is also taking this time to consider how to best use the space in the branch. “We are looking at ways that we can make the most of this space in the least expensive way possible. I want to encourage our patrons to see this as a space for the community, where the Library can have programs like Crochet Club and story time, while also providing the books and services they love.”

Unfortunately, the Thomas Branch will be closed for the month of December for these renovations. But Mrs. Ireland wants to remind Thomas Branch users that they are welcome at any of the other three locations: Enon, Franklinton, and Bogalusa. She also assures us an exciting new year in 2025, “Not only will we have a refreshed space for our patrons, but we will also be increasing the programs we offer at the Thomas Branch this year!” The Thomas Branch is scheduled to reopen in early January.

Give Back in Franklinton: Winn-Dixie Community Bag Program

This year, local community non-profits are more in need of support than in any other time in the recent years’ past. Now shoppers can give back to the local community and help to reduce single-use plastics by purchasing a special reusable bag at Winn-Dixie. 

Friends of the Washington Parish Library has been selected by local Winn-Dixie store leadership as the benefiting non-profit in the Winn-Dixie Community Bag Program for the month of June!

The Winn-Dixie Community Bag Program is designed to give back to the local community with every reusable bag purchased. Every $2.99 reusable Community Bag sold supports a non-profit local to the store in which it was purchased. This program offers a way for shoppers to give back as part of the regular weekly routine.

Every month, at every Winn-Dixie location, a different local non-profit is selected to benefit from the sale of these special reusable Community Bags. Friends of the Washington Parish Library was selected as the June beneficiary by local store leadership at the store located at Washington Street. Friends of the Washington Parish Library will receive a $1 donation for every $2.99 reusable Community Bag purchased at this location in June.

“The Library deeply appreciates the support of the Friends of the Washington Parish Library, as well as the support we get from our community,” said Sonnet Ireland, Director of the Washington Parish Library. “Initiatives like the Winn-Dixie Community Bag Program really make a difference.”

Friends of the Washington Parish Library is a non-profit in Washington Parish, focused on actively promoting Library services and resources while sharing their love of books with the community. The Friends foster a positive relationship between the Library and the community, secure volunteers, and raise funds to support the Library. For more information about joining Friends of the Library or their activities, call 985-839-7806. Learn more about the Friends of the Washington Parish Library by visiting https://washingtonparishlibrary.info/friend-of-the-library.

For more information about the Community Bag Program, please visit seg.bags4mycause.com.

September is Library Card Sign-up Month

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, when libraries nationwide join the American Library Association (ALA) to remind parents, caregivers, and students that signing up for a library card is the first step on the path to academic achievement and lifelong learning.

Libraries play a crucial role in the education and development of children, offering a variety of programs to spark creativity and stimulate an interest in reading and learning. Through access to technology, media resources and educational programs, a library card gives students the tools to succeed in the classroom and provides people of all ages opportunities to pursue their dreams, explore new passions and interests, and find their voice.

At Washington Parish Library, patrons of all ages can find a variety of educational resources and activities, including Tech Time, Book Signings, Financial Workshops, and more!

“Libraries play an important role in the education and development of children,” says Sonnet Ireland, Library Director. “But it’s important that we don’t forget the needs of teens and adults. That’s why we have library programs that serve students of all ages and backgrounds such as our popular story times and movie times, as well as fun programs to help the lifelong learner with technology or other important skills. We also have laptops and hotspots that adult residents can check out!”

This year, Tony Award-winning performer, actress, singer-songwriter, and philanthropist Idina Menzel (Frozen, Wicked) and her sister, author and educator Cara Mentzel, will serve as honorary chairs of Library Card Sign-Up Month. Idina and Cara are excited to remind everyone that one of the best places to find your voice is at the library. During Library Card Sign-Up Month, they want us to explore all the library has to offer, like new children’s books, access to technology, and educational programming.

Washington Parish Library, along with libraries everywhere, continues to adapt and expand services to meet the evolving community needs. To sign up for a library card or to learn more about the library’s resources and programs, please visit https://washingtonparishlibrary.info/.

Washington Parish Library Announces Fine Amnesty Program in Time for National Library Week

Washington Parish Library Director Sonnet Ireland announces that, starting Friday, April 1, 2022, the Washington Parish Library is kicking off a six-month Fine Amnesty Pilot Program. Through Saturday, October 1, 2022, library users will be forgiven of all previous overdue fines for library books, DVDs, CDs, and magazines. We welcome library users to return any materials that have been long overdue. In exchange, replacement costs and fees for these items will be waived. For library users who have lost library materials and have no hope of returning them to the library, all four branches of the Washington Parish Library will be accepting nonperishable food items for our Food For Fines program. Each nonperishable food item brought to a branch can eliminate up to $3 in library fines/replacement costs.

The Washington Parish Library also encourages all community members to visit their library in person or online to explore and access services and programs. We welcome library users–new and old–to our branches and are offering free replacement library cards for any users who need one.

The Washington Parish Library offers a wide array of programs, classes and resources that are available in person or from the comfort of home, including our popular ebook resource CloudLibrary. Washington Parish Library also offers technology that patrons can borrow, such as hotspots and laptops, as well as wifi and small community collection at Rawl’s Pharmacy in Mt. Hermon.

April 3-9, 2022 is National Library Week, a time to highlight the essential role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. The theme for this year’s National Library Week is “Connect with Your Library,” which promotes the idea that libraries are places to get connected to technology by using broadband, computers and other resources. Most importantly, libraries also connect our communities to each other. This National Library Week, the public can show their appreciation and support for libraries by visiting their library in person or online, following them on social media and using the hashtag #NationalLibraryWeek. First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries of all types across the country each April. For more information, visit the library’s website at https://washingtonparishlibrary.info/.

Washington Parish Library Offering FREE Internet Safety Class in Angie

Washington Parish Library is a step closer to returning to the town of Angie!  The Library has recently purchased Boyd’s Museum & Ice Cream Shop (30245 Railroad St, Angie) for the new Angie Branch, which will be opening later this year.  To celebrate, the Library is hosting an outdoor event on the lot next door!

Come visit the Library’s tent on Friday, March 17th from 9am to 12pm.  Library Director Sonnet Ireland will host a program on Internet Safety at 10am and again at 11am.  Residents can sign up for a Washington Parish Library card, learn how to keep their online accounts safe, and enjoy some light refreshments.  We hope to see you there!

The Washington Parish Library is Coming to Angie!

Washington Parish Library currently serves our communities through branches in Franklinton, Bogalusa, Thomas and Enon — and Angie is next!

Washington Parish President Ryan Seal signed a contract on Tuesday (August 18, 2026) with KTS Construction, LLC to begin renovations of the old soda shop in Angie, transforming this familiar community landmark into the parish’s newest library location.

The press release from Washington Parish Government stated, “We’re excited to see this project get underway and to bring library services closer to the residents of Angie and the surrounding area. There’s something especially meaningful about giving an old community gathering place a new purpose — and we look forward to watching this building come back to life."

(pictured from left to right: President Ryan Seal, Contractor Kevin Steele, Jr., Director Sonnet Ireland, and Architect Tom Pistorius)  

Washington Parish Council Recognizes Library Card Sign-Up Month

On September 8, 2025, the Washington Parish Library joined the Washington Parish Council meeting to showcase the vital role libraries play in strengthening communities across the parish. During the meeting, Parish President Ryan Seal signed an official proclamation declaring September as Library Card Sign-Up Month in Washington Parish, underscoring the importance of connecting residents with library services and resources.

Director Sonnet Ireland presented the library’s Economic Impact Statement, demonstrating how public libraries contribute to the local economy, support workforce development, and provide essential services to rural and underserved residents.

Highlights from the presentation included:

• “Check Out Louisiana” Program – library cardholders can access free passes to state parks and museums.

• Technology Access – the library offers laptops, tablets, and Wi-Fi hotspots for checkout, along with free “Tech Time” assistance to help residents use personal devices. All branches provide free Wi-Fi, with passwords posted on the front doors for 24/7 access.

• Community Value – the library offers a wide variety of free programs and clubs for all ages, fostering learning, creativity, and social connection within the parish.

The Washington Parish Library encourages all residents to sign up for a free library card this September and take advantage of the many services available.

For more information about library resources, visit washingtonparishlibrary.info or call 985-839-7805.

Washington Parish Council Agenda for June 15, 2026

The Washington Parish Council will meet at 5:30 PM on June 15, 2026 upstairs in Courtroom 1 at the Courthouse in Franklinton. The meeting will  be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/mthermonwebtv  On the Agenda are the following:

Sonnet Ireland: Washington Parish Library

Ashley Thomas and Tab Seals: Washington Parish Watermelon Festival

ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS/DISCUSSION ITEMS

• Ordinance No. 26-789: Introduce an Ordinance Establishing "No-Thru Truck Routes" on Certain Parish Roads as per Ordinance No. 13-577.

• Resolution No. 26-1499: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Acquisition of Surplus Property Through the Louisiana Property Assistance Agency Preference Buyers Program for Emergency Response and Public Safety Purposes.

• Resolution No. 26-1500: Adopt a Resolution Selecting the Official Journal for Washington Parish Government for the Period of July 1, 2026 — June 30, 2027.

• Resolution No. 26-1501: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Parish President to Execute a Contract with KTS Construction, LLC for the Angie Library Renovation Project.

• Resolution No. 26-1502: Adopt a Resolution to Appoint Abigail Kemp to the Washington Parish Library Board of Control.

• Resolution No. 26-1503: Adopt a Resolution Appointing Members to Serve on the 22nd Judicial District Children and Youth Planning Board Representing Washington Parish.

• Resolution No. 26-1504: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Parish President to Execute an  Engagement Letter with Taylor Porter

Following Public Participation, the Council will hear reports from the Parish President and his staff before adjourning 

Local Author M. Scott Smallwood at Your Local Library

Washington Parish Library Director Sonnet Ireland announces that Washington Parish author M. Scott Smallwood is celebrating the publication of his latest book, The Thrilling Adventures of the Secluded Man, with book signings at all four of the Washington Parish Library branches.

Described as an adventure/fantasy with plenty of plot twists, The Thrilling Adventures of the Secluded Man has themes of time travel, reality itself, and a race against time. The new book is published through Larger Than Life Books, an imprint that Smallwood also owns. “I am excited to finally release the first book in my adventure series,” said Smallwood.

Mr. Smallwood will be talking about his new book and signing copies at the following times. More information about his new release can be found at largerthanlifebooks.com. Copies of his book will be available for purchase at the signing.

• Franklinton Branch on August 22nd, 3pm-5pm
• Bogalusa Branch on September 1st, 1pm-3pm
• Enon Branch on September 15th, 3pm-5pm
• Thomas Branch on September 22nd, 3pm-5pm

Washington Parish Council Elects New Leadership at First Meeting of 2025

The Washington Parish Council met on Monday (January 13, 2025) evening with a full Agenda (Click
here for the Agenda).

The evening began with a well-attended retirement party, recognizing the retirement of Wayne Kuhn as the Council's long-time attorney. Shortly thereafter, Matt Garver, the Council's new attorney, presided over the election of the Council's Chairman and Vice Chairman for 2025. Kim Wagner was elected as Chairwoman and Reginald McMasters was elected Vice Chairman, both elections being unanimous. Of note is the fact that Kim Wagner is the first female to serve as Chairman, or rather Chairwoman, in the Council's history.

The Council heard a report from Washington Parish Library Director Sonnet Ireland (beginning at 8:40 into the video), adopted one Ordinance, introduced two Ordinances (that will be addressed at the next Council meeting), and approved fourteen Resolutions. 

During Public Participation (beginning at 37:20 into the video), Sheriff Jason Smith gave a report to the Council and two addressed the Council with complaints regarding internet availability in their areas.

President Ryan Seal and his staff made their reports to the Council (beginning at 45:25 into the video). The litter problem in the Parish was emphasized and noted that 535 bags of trash was picked up by the parish crews. President Seal recognized the value of volunteers on the various boards and commissions and spoke of other ongoing projects.