With origins dating back to 1843, the New Orleans Public Library has grown from a single French Quarter house with a few volumes into a city-wide system serving all of Orleans Parish with locations throughout the City. MISSION STATEMENT Transforming Lives, Enriching Neighborhoods, and Preserving History VISION STATEMENT New Orleans Public Library is a catalyst for change in a growing, connected, and vibrant city. CORE VALUES ACCESS - We provide pathways to information and tools for empowerment. ACCOUNTABILITY - We are all responsible for and take pride in our work. CUSTOMER SERVICE - We provide an excellent library user experience to all. We embrace training opportunities and library user feedback. INNOVATION - We seek out and embrace new ideas. We encourage better solutions and creativity. INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM - We encourage the right of every individual to seek and receive information from all points of view. PARTNERSHIPS - We actively seek out ways to work with members of the community and other organizations. We can all do more if we do it together. PRESERVATION - We preserve and celebrate the rich and diverse culture of New Orleans. RESPECT AND COMPASSION - We approach our work with open ears, open minds, and open hearts. TEAMWORK - We value our individual and collective talents and work together to achieve solutions. We trust and respect each other.