IBERIA PARISH, La. (KLFY) — For nearly 80 years, the Iberia Parish Library System has offered services to the public. It is now on the verge of closing down if a reduced millage renewal is not passed come the March 29 election.

Marjorie Hills, the library system director, wants to be clear to everyone about the millage.

“If this reduced renewal is not passed, your Iberia Parish Library will cease to exist,” she said.

The renewal would help fund the operation and maintenance of all Iberia Parish libraries. Last year, the renewal failed to pass making this year’s election vital for the future of the system. It will be at a reduced rate from six mills to 4.5 mills.

Hills has been the Iberia Parish Library System Director for nearly two years with over 20 years of library experience. She said the library closing down not only takes jobs away, but it also takes opportunities of growth away from people.

“Our concern is for the community,” said Hills. “All these people that come in and use our services, like I say, our seniors who come, whether they’re coming in to play bingo or exercise or are able to come in and form friendships, they come in and form community. The library begins to mean something personal to individuals.”

All libraries in the system are operating off of a reduced balance of $3.3 million. If not passed, Hills said the funds will be depleted by March 2026.

“We certainly cannot tell people how to vote, but we can tell people that on March 29, you know, go to the polls and vote because your library is on the ballot,” she said. “And we can tell you the fact of what would happen should the millage not pass.”

Early voting starts on March 15 and runs through March 22.

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