State Library of Louisiana

The lack of funding lasted long after the war had ended and greatly impaired development of the collection.

In 1925, the Commission joined with the philanthropic Carnegie Corporation to create a network of libraries across the state under the direction of Essae Martha Culver.

[5] The League of Library Commissions was searching for a rural state in need of a book service but without any funds to begin operation on their own.

[6] The league chose Louisiana to receive $50,000 from the Carnegie Corporation which was made available for a three-year demonstration period.

Yearly library appropriations by the state legislature have increased steadily over time.

[6] From 1925 until 1932, the library was located in the Old State Capitol, in what was then called the old Adjutant General's Office.