Rouquette Library Opens - Watch Building Go Up in 8o-second Timelapse

Construction was recently completed on Rouquette Library, the first new building at Saint Joseph Abbey and Seminary College in more than half a century. 

The three-story library, named after Father Adrien Rouquette, the first native-born Louisianian to be ordained to the priesthood, encompasses approximately 18,000 square feet to include space for a 35,000-volume book collection, support offices, collaboration clusters, computer stations, storage, tech centers, large and small conference rooms, and other service areas to support the operations. 

The highlight of the new building is its "user-centered" design, which allows not only study and quiet spaces but also provides gathering spaces for groups, fostering interaction in social and collaborative ways. This approach gives seminarians the tools to engage creatively and critically with information contained in a multitude of formats available on campus in the library building and digitally across the globe. 

''I want to thank Archbishop Gregory Aymond for his support of this project, made possible through the generosity of so many through the 'I Will Give You Shepherds Campaign.' I also want to recognize Bonnie Bess Wood, our library director. Her leadership during the planning and construction has been vital to the project's success. We couldn't have done it without her," said Fr. Gregory Boquet, President-Rector of the Seminary College. 

Construction of the new library is essential to Saint Joseph's master plan to enhance its academic and formation programs. VergesRome Architects designed the library. Voelkel McWilliams Construction, LLC led the construction.