Bunche Library is in Rayne, Louisiana. Opened in 1953, it served African American patrons during segregation.[1] It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is at 1100 Section Street.
It was named for civil rights leader Ralph J. Bunche. The small library closed in the 1980s and became vacant. After being purchased it was used as a storage shed. Restored, it is again serving as a library monthly on first Saturdays.[1]
It was rededicated on Juneteenth 2024.[2] Tours of former mayor Bernard Bertrand's house were also part of the ceoebration.[3]
Montez Guidry, Mrs. Stamm Guidry, was the librarian for the "unit" of the Arcadia Parish library for Negroes. It was originally scheduled to open 4 to 6 hours per week.[4] It was at 305 Reynolds Street. It is now at 1100 Section Street.[5]
See also
editReferences
edit- 1 2 Malbrough, Jae (June 25, 2024). "Historical library reopened in Rayne". KATC News.
- ↑ Marcantel, Stephen (July 7, 2024). "Historic Black library reopens in Rayne: 'This is where I learned to read and write and imagine'". The Advocate.
- ↑ "Rayne celebrates Juneteenth at historic Bunche Library". June 19, 2025 – via YouTube.
- ↑ Negro Library to Open Soon newspaper clipping
- ↑ "Weekly List 2026 03 06 - National Register of Historic Places (U.S. National Park Service)". www.nps.gov.