Hammond Branch Library: A Vital Resource
Hammond Branch Library
Candess Robinson may not own the Hammond Branch of the Tangipahoa Parish Library System, but as its branch manager for the past two years, she has become an essential part of its success. Her journey into the library system was driven by her deep love for children and her belief in the importance of childhood literacy. As a mother of four, she understands firsthand how crucial reading is to a child’s development, and she sees the library as a vital resource for families and the community as a whole.
For Candess, libraries are more than just buildings filled with books—they are welcoming spaces that provide free resources for everyone. She wants people to remember that libraries offer not only books and computer access but also essential services like internet hotspots. Patrons who have held a library card for six months can check out a hotspot for a week at a time, a service that becomes especially important during hurricane season when internet access can be unreliable.
Candess comes from a legacy of community involvement. Her mother, Chantal Robinson, is well-known and loved in Hammond for her wisdom and activism, and Candess is proud to follow in her footsteps. Before stepping into her role as branch manager, Candess worked as a nanny for many years, forming strong bonds with the children she cared for. That experience shaped her passion for helping people, a passion that continues in her work at the library. Her favorite part of the job is the diverse group of people who walk through the doors each day. She enjoys learning their personalities, assisting them, and making them feel heard—especially elderly patrons, who are often overlooked or not met with the patience they deserve.
Beyond books and resources, the library offers a variety of programs for children of all ages, and Candess wants parents to know how valuable these programs can be. Baby & Me, designed for children up to three years old, focuses on movement and vocabulary. Story Time, for ages three to eight, incorporates art activities, read-alouds, dancing, and singing. Adventure Club, geared toward children nine to twelve, explores STEM activities and art projects. For teenagers, there’s Teen Time, which offers a variety of activities to keep them engaged and connected.
Candess believes the library has something for everyone; they just need to be reminded of all it has to offer. She credits her ability to be a good manager to the lessons she has learned as a mother and nanny, balancing patience, leadership, and care in everything she does. Through her dedication, Candess Robinson is not only strengthening the Hammond library branch but also making a lasting impact on the community—one book, one program, and one person at a time.
