New Orleans Public Library: Sep 17 Cita Dennis Hubbell Library: A Neighborhood Treasure Since 1907

New Orleans LA

18 September, 2021

5:03 AM

Description

Press release from the New Orleans Public Library: 2021-09-17 Nestled within the historic Algiers Point neighborhood, Cita Dennis Hubbell Library is almost always buzzing with activity and is widely considered one of the defining features of the community.  The quaint, one-room building sits on Pelican Avenue and is the New Orleans Public Library's oldest operating location. Originally called the Algiers Branch, it was one of five public libraries in the city established with funds donated by Andrew Carnegie. Of those five, only two remain open today: Hubbell and the Children's Resource Center Library on Napoleon Avenue.  After first opening its doors on December 28, 1907, the Library quickly stole the heart of its community, including a little girl named Cita who would prove to be instrumental in the Library's longevity.  In April of 1966, the Algiers Branch was closed due to the building's deteriorating conditions, including from damages due to Hurricane Betsy. The Library remained shuttered for years and there was talk of abandoning it completely, much to the neighbors' dismay.  Then, in the early 1970s, Cita Dennis Hubbell and a group of volunteers banded together to campaign for the Library's renovations and reopening. Their actions proved successful, and on October 14, 1975, the Algiers Point Branch returned to its proper place on Pelican Avenue, quickly becoming a centerpiece of the tight-knit neighborhood once again.  Nestled within the historic Algiers Point neighborhood, Cita Dennis Hubbell Library is almost always buzzing with activity and is widely considered one of the defining features of the community.  The quaint, one-room building sits on Pelican Avenue and is the New Orleans Public Library's oldest operating location. Originally called the Algiers Branch, it was one of five public libraries in the city established with funds donated by Andrew Carnegie. Of those five, only two remain open today: Hubbell and the Children's Resource Center Library on Napoleon Avenue.  After first opening its doors on December 28, 1907, the Library quickly stole the heart of its community, including a little girl named Cita who would prove to be instrumental in the Library's longevity.  In April of 1966, the Algiers Branch was closed due to the building's deteriorating conditions, including from damages due to Hurricane Betsy. The Library remained shuttered for years and there was talk of abandoning it completely, much to the neighbors' dismay.  Then, in the early 1970s, Cita Dennis Hubbell and a group of volunteers banded together to campaign for the Library's renovations and reopening. Their actions proved successful, and on October 14, 1975, the Algiers Point Branch returned to its proper place on Pelican Avenue, quickly becoming a centerpiece of the tight-knit neighborhood once again.  This press release was produced by the New Orleans Public Library. The views expressed here are the author's own.