Central Branch
This South Lake Charles location offers public computers, study and community rooms, and a creative space.
301 West Claude Street, Lake Charles, LA 70605
337-721-7116
337-721-7117 (curbside only)
Branch Manager - To Be Hired
cenref@calcasieulibrary.org
Explore the history of the Central Branch.
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| Mon, May 04 | 9:00AM to 8:00PM |
| Tue, May 05 | 9:00AM to 8:00PM |
| Wed, May 06 | 9:00AM to 8:00PM |
| Thu, May 07 | 9:00AM to 8:00PM |
| Fri, May 08 | 9:00AM to 6:00PM |
| Sat, May 09 | 9:00AM to 5:00PM |
| Sun, May 10 | 1:00PM to 5:00PM |
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Branch Programs
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Wed, May 20, 10:00am - 11:30am
Central DeBakey Community Room (2nd floor)
Join us for an interactive introduction to our newest CPPL resource, Creative Bug! We'll start with a guided virtual tour of the platform and how to access it through the library. Afterward, we'll head downstairs for a tour of our Create & Make space, where you can turn your ideas into a reality!
Wed, May 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Central Thielen Community Room (2nd floor)
Join us on the third Wednesday of the month for our Adult Book Club. Let's discuss our current read, "Death Wears a Beauty Mask and Other Stories" by Mary Higgins Clark. We can't wait to hear what you think of this month's book! For more information about the book, check our catalog.
Thu, May 21, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Central Thielen Community Room (2nd floor)
This Library Board meeting will be held at the Central Branch.
Fri, May 22, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Central Children's Area (1st floor)
Kick off the Summer Reading Program (SRP) with fun for all ages! Join us for our SRP Kickoff, featuring crafts, games, activities, and the chance to sign up for a summer full of reading fun.
Fri, May 22, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Central Children's Area (1st floor)
Teens, get ready to start your summer your way! Join us for the Summer Reading Kickoff featuring games, hands-on activities, and chances to connect with friends, plus everything you need to sign up for an awesome summer of reading.
Mon, Jun 01, 10:00am - 11:00am
Central Children's Area (1st floor)
Join us each week for stories, songs, movement, and playful activities designed to support early literacy for children ages 0-5. With a focus on "read, sing, talk, write, play," little learners build vocabulary and social-emotional skills while caregivers pick up tips they can use at home.
Mon, Jun 01, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Central DeBakey Community Room (2nd floor)
Get creative with a fresh twist on crafting! In this hands-on program, you'll use cut fruit as stamps to design and decorate your own unique tea towel. It's a fun, colorful way to make something beautiful and useful to take home. Registration is required.
Registration opens Monday, May 18 2026 at 9:00am
Fri, Jun 05, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Central Children's Area (1st floor)
Join us for an hour of creativity! We'll provide LEGO® bricks in all shapes, sizes, and colors to help your child build to their heart's content and let their imagination soar!
Fri, Jun 05, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Central Thielen Community Room (2nd floor)
Do you miss hearing Cajun French being spoken in your home or on the front porch while your family members swapped stories about the old days? Then join us at Central Branch on the first Friday of each month at 4:00 PM as we practice our Cajun language skills!
Sat, Jun 06, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Central Create & Make
Curious how a laser cutter works? Join us in the Create & Make for a live demonstration where staff will walk you through the entire process, from setting up a design to cutting and engraving a finished piece. This is a demonstration only, but we'll show you how to book time for hands-on use.
Mon, Jun 08, 10:00am - 11:00am
Central Children's Area (1st floor)
The Story Ship is coming to Calcasieu! Join Paleontologist Diggery for a high-energy dinosaur adventure filled with music, magic, comedy, and audience participation. Families will dance, solve puzzles, and help save the world before it's too late!
Tue, Jun 09, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Central Create & Make
Drop in and get creative at an open collage and scrapbooking session! Explore a variety of supplies available, browse inspiration examples, and design freely at your own pace. Bring your own project or use one of our blank scrapbooks to create something as unique as you! Registration is required.
Registration opens Tuesday, May 26 2026 at 1:00pm
Tue, Jun 09, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Central DeBakey Community Room (2nd floor)
Let your creativity bloom with your friends at the Central Branch! Children will choose and decorate their own garden rocks using colorful acrylic paint, creating a one-of-a-kind piece to take home.
Registration opens Tuesday, May 26 2026 at 3:30pm
Thu, Jun 11, 3:45pm - 4:45pm
Central DeBakey Community Room (2nd floor)
Have you ever wanted to learn how to play chess? Now is your chance! The Central Branch is excited to partner with Casa De Ajedrez, which will be teaching children and teens how to play chess. Join us for an hour of fun and strategy. All skill levels are welcome!
Fri, Jun 12, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Central Create & Make
Love fiber arts? Join our monthly meetup at the Create & Make to craft, connect, and share ideas! Knitters, crocheters, quilters, and all handheld fiber artists are welcome. Bring a project, meet others, and help grow a creative community. New faces are always welcome! Registration is required.
Registration opens Friday, May 29 2026 at 4:00pm
Mon, Jun 15, 10:00am - 11:00am
Central Children's Area (1st floor)
Join us each week for stories, songs, movement, and playful activities designed to support early literacy for children ages 0-5. With a focus on "read, sing, talk, write, play," little learners build vocabulary and social-emotional skills while caregivers pick up tips they can use at home.
Wed, Jun 17, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Central Create & Make
Curious about machine embroidery? Join us for a live demo and learn how to select a design, hoop your fabric or garment, set up the machine, and watch it stitch in action! This is a demonstration only; chat with us after to learn how to book your own session! Registration is required.
Registration opens Wednesday, June 3 2026 at 9:00am
Wed, Jun 17, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Central Thielen Community Room (2nd floor)
Join us each month for a relaxed and engaging adult book club where readers come together to share stories, spark thoughtful conversations, and enjoy the company of fellow book lovers.
Rooms and Spaces
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Community and Conference Rooms
Large-capacity community rooms and small-capacity conference rooms are available.
Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Speak with staff at the Information Service Desk or contact the branch for assistance. Reservations can only be made on the day of use, and are not available outside of library hours.
A bookable space for patrons to learn, craft, or enjoy hobbies.