Conclusion

Studying the New Orleans library has been an interesting project.  The city itself has origins that go back over a thousand years but for an English speaking library the origins are in 1843.  It all started with a donation and a dream but that spark launched a venture that now encompasses numerous branches, a few book mobiles, and a main library with sections that cater to the diversity that makes New Orleans so special.  Could Abijah ever have imagined such an outcome? 

Despite the problems and hardships that occurred through the years of growth and stagnation, the various city leaders kept the library open allowing continued learning and enjoyment for the patrons who used it.  But most importantly, this attention, whether it was grudging or just a signature on a line item in the budget, paved the way for major expansion closer to the turn of the century when there was sudden interest in the library.

There are probably not too many libraries who can claim to have gone through quite so many moves, name changes and management change in their history as the New Orleans Public Library.  From the line item in a will to numerous buildings throughout New Orleans, the march towards permanency has been unique and interesting.