Rayne Ralph Bunche Library Received National Recognition

Rayne's Second Site Recognized by the National Register of Historic Places This Year

4 hours ago

Site Staff,

Rayne Ralph Bunche Library 2026

Rayne, La. – The Ralph Bunche Library of Rayne will be recognized as a site in the National Register of Historic Places during a ceremony at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, as announced by the Rayne Historic Preservation Commission.

In addition to receiving the National Register of Historic Places distinction, a new historic city marker will also be unveiled on the grounds, which adds to the city’s landscape for locals and visitors.

The historic structure is the nation’s oldest public Bunche Library, built in honor of Dr. Ralph J. Bunche.

The Ralph Bunche Library of Rayne was built in 1953 and re-dedicated in 2024 to again serve the City of Rayne.

Event Details

Dual ceremonies at 1 p.m. at the Bunche Library (1100 Section Ave.) in Rayne, followed by refreshments at the historic Bernard-Bertrand House (1115 The Boulevard).

History of The Rayne Ralph Bunche Library

Historical information shared by Lisa Soileaux, managing editor at the Rayne Acadian-Tribune and co-chair of the Rayne Historic Preservation Commission, and Dr. Denise Underwood, chair of the Rayne Historic Preservation Commission.

On May 24, 1953, the Bunche Library in Rayne officially opened its doors to encourage and support the literacy and education of African Americans in the community during the segregation era. The library was originally located at 305 Reynolds St.

Spearheaded by the Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church, the library was built by prominent African American community leaders and fully supported by the mayor at the time, Mayor Gossen, and the Acadia Parish Library.

The Bunche Library was named in honor of Dr. Ralph J. Bunche, a distinguished diplomat, civil rights activist and leader.

Once a new Rayne library was completed for the entire community in the early 1980s, the Bunche Library location was dissolved, but the building remained.

The building was located on the property of Candyland Cottage on The Boulevard. Once it was found and verified, the building was donated to the City of Rayne.

In the Spring of 2024, the Bunche Library was restored and rededicated on Juneteenth Day.

Under the guidance and actions of the city’s new Rayne Historic Preservation Commission, plans were made for the historic structure to be moved onto city property for the public to enjoy and learn about its history.

Because of the Bunche Library, many children throughout the community learned to read, hope, dream and advance in society.

Second Site Recognized This Year

While Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church contributed to the Bunche Library, which will now be listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the church itself was also named in the list earlier this year.

The National Register of Historic Places plaque was unveiled Saturday, Jan. 24, at The Shrine of Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church, which is in its 101st year as a church parish.