BIG EASY: The Historic Latter Branch Library

As a still-enamored transplant, I often wonder if it’s possible for natives to truly appreciate how amazing New Orleans is. So much culture, so many hidden gems tucked away everywhere. Is its abundance of charm taken for granted if you’ve grown up with it? Because no other city I’ve ever lived in (the final count is nine) is such a treasure trove.

Being the library geek that I am, I was especially thrilled to discover my latest find. (Disclaimer: “library geek” kinda implies some sort of lofty intelligence. I’m medium-smart and not exactly the most well-read chick ever. I’ve just had multiple library/publishing industry jobs, and have an abnormal affinity to writers and the buildings that house their wares.) Anyway, my latest discovery: The Milton H. Latter Branch of the New Orleans Public Library.

When we first moved here a year ago, I immediately began dragging my son up and down every street and alleyway, investigating every nook and cranny in this burg. Museums, parks, various neighborhoods, festivals, you name it. And every time we rode the St. Charles streetcar last summer (which was a lot), I gazed at that lovely, tarp-covered mansion on the hill and wondered when the renovations would be completed. I was dying to see the inside of this palace-cum-library, with its huge yard (would you refer to the huge space surrounding the house as grounds? Yard seems so inadequate!) and enviable location.

Anyway, when fall rolled around and school started and Saints fever broke out and work got revved up – I totally forgot about my castle crush. Then, a couple of months ago, as we chauffered out-of-town guests down St. Charles, I saw that it was finally open. Hooray! Of course, this town is so packed with festivals and parties and distractions, it took me until now to actually cross the threshold, but I finally did.

Have you ever been in there? Man, it’s like getting to forgo the $25+ admission fee charged by fancy Uptown or Garden District tours-of-homes. This particular home is, of course, a bit on the shabby-chic side and still being renovated, but I happen to find that endearing. I was happy to see that they have a printed brochure as you enter the building, which delves into the structure’s history and details regarding its decorative features. Built in 1907, its previous inhabitants have ranged from silent film star to a famous aviator to a horse racing magnate. The final owners purchased the mansion with the specific intention of transforming it into a memorial public library for their son Milton Latter, who died in Okinawa during World War II. A-ha. This explains it. That loving gesture certainly translates into the overall vibe of this library.

After passing through the art deco-ish front doors and tile mosaic entryway, you’re kind of transported back in time. To the right is a sitting room – no books or computers or anything – just an ornate room, complete with a marble fireplace, silk wall panels, a charmingly shabby pink settee and chairs, and an amazing fresco on the ceiling, picturing a multitude of cherubic angels. I learned that the fresco (as well as the one in the other front room) was imported from France, and originally graced the ceilings in a French Quarter mansion. The room to the left of the entry is a little more functional, and I think I shall henceforth refer to it as the “periodicals parlor.” As it's, y’know, where the magazines are.

The librarians’ desk is on the back wall of the great foyer, and on my visit, was crowded with very friendly and helpful staff (I’ve worked in many a library – trust me, that ain’t always the case). To my delight, steps away from the desk, I spotted a large, cedar-shaving-filled aquarium, which houses a fluffy and lively guinea pig named, “Rhetoric.” (I’m told there’s a movement afoot to change this rather, um, academic moniker.) What a sweet little surprise!

To the left of the front desk is the rather imposing, medieval-looking dining room, which contains several long tables that were populated by students on a field trip when I was there. Through the dining room, on the front corner of the house is a bright, cozy, little sunroom with a mosaic tile floor, a couple of small tables, some wicker chairs, and a bay window filled with potted plants. I had to sit in here for a few minutes and jot down notes as I enjoyed the view, which included a passing streetcar. Ahhh.

Past the front desk, towards the back of the house is the comfy, homey children’s section. In addition to shelves full of kids’ books, it features a shelf of Caldecott-winning books right up front, clothes-line displays of coloring sheets overhead, and a super sunny glass alcove filled with beanbag chairs! I resisted the urge to plop down for an afternoon siesta, but it wasn’t easy.

Up the soaring, curved mohagany staircase is… well, a much less charming space. Grownup books, tables, chairs, computers, blah blah blah. But, I guess this is where the actual work gets done!

A walk around the grounds reveals long-ago abandoned patios and gardens, and a lovely carriage house (that’s almost as big as my actual house), which hosts a book sale every Wednesday and Saturday, from 10am-2pm.

Who has public libraries like this?! God bless New Orleans and its ability to preserve and repurpose historic structures.

I look for any excuse to venture into New Orleans’ historic neighborhoods, and this is a great one. It’s somehow satisfying to be able to pull up to a grand ol’ St. Charles mansion and stroll in like I own the place. As extra incentive, they’re challenging children to register to read five books and win free admission to the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus (New Orleans Arena, June 16-19). Count us in!

For a full list of events, stop in at 5120 St. Charles Avenue, call 596-2625, or visit nutrias.org.