J.O. Modisette

J.O. Modisette (1881–1942) was an attorney and the Louisiana Library Commission’s chairman. He was not an advocate of the law but one of the most dedicated advocates of Louisiana libraries. For seventeen years, Modisette worked to improve Louisiana libraries were improving and provide more Louisianans with the opportunity to read books.[1]

Early life

Modisette believed every Louisianan deserved the right to read and served as an advocate for those people. This stemmed from a childhood without libraries and an intense craving for books, knowledge, and learning.[2] Modisette made it to law school and became a lawyer. He was barred in several states including Louisiana and California.

Louisiana Library Commission

Modisette first became associated with the Louisiana Library Commission (LCC) in 1925. In 1925, the American Library Association became interested in supporting the development of rural libraries in Louisiana and provided a three-year grant of $50,000.00 to promote the development of libraries and the creation of a library commission.[3] The Louisiana Library Commission selected librarian Essae Martha Culver as she had worked with rural library development in both Oregon and California.

Quickly after Culver’s arrival in the foreign state of Louisiana, she received a letter from Louisiana lawyer J.O. Modisette who wanted to offer his services in any way possible. Culver accepted his offer as she had identified shortcomings in the existing library law.[4] Additionally, Modisette was a licensed California lawyer. His familiarity with both Louisiana and California laws was a benefit as the Louisiana rural library development was modeled on that of California. Culver and Modisette continued their working relationship until his death in 1942. Modisette was named the Louisiana Library Commission’s chairman during this period.

Death and Legacy

Modisette died in New Orleans on June 19, 1942 from leukemia.

The American Law Library Association posthumously awarded Modisette its Citation of Trustees, the highest honor it gives to library board members, and the Louisiana Library Association named an award in his honor.[5] That public libraries eventually spread to every parish in the state Louisiana, concluding with Modisette's own Jefferson Davis in 1968, is a testament to his contributions and legacy in Louisiana's library development.

References

  1. ↑ Jumonville, F.M. (2013). "). "Interested in Public Libraries": J. O. Modisette and the Contributions of a Louisiana Library Commissioner". Information & Culture. 48 (1): 112–133.
  2. ↑ Jumonville, F.M. (2013). "). "Interested in Public Libraries": J. O. Modisette and the Contributions of a Louisiana Library Commissioner". Information & Culture. 48 (1): 112–133.
  3. ↑ Jumonville, F.M. (2013). "). "Interested in Public Libraries": J. O. Modisette and the Contributions of a Louisiana Library Commissioner". Information & Culture. 48 (1): 112–133.
  4. ↑ Jumonville, F.M. (2013). "). "Interested in Public Libraries": J. O. Modisette and the Contributions of a Louisiana Library Commissioner". Information & Culture. 48 (1): 112–133.
  5. ↑ Jumonville, F.M. (2013). "). "Interested in Public Libraries": J. O. Modisette and the Contributions of a Louisiana Library Commissioner". Information & Culture. 48 (1): 112–133.
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