We can’t close the books on 2024 without acknowledging the 75th anniversary this year of a place for books and book lovers – the Jefferson Parish Library. On Nov. 30, 1949, a ceremony at the Gretna High School auditorium officially opened the parish’s library system. According to The Times-Picayune, the event included remarks from Mrs. George T. Heebe Jr., chairman of the parish library control board, and Bertha Hellum, parish librarian. The first library branch was located at Huey P. Long Avenue and Fourth Street in Gretna, with additional branches opened in Metairie, Marrero, Kenner, Jefferson and Grand Isle, as well as a mobile unit to serve other areas. “This is a big day in Jefferson Parish and it is hoped to be the beginning of a permanent library system,” Hellum said at the dedication ceremony. The library system opened with approximately 16,500 books.