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New Orleans, Orleans Parish / Landmarks

Milton H. Latter Memorial Library

A stunning stone mansion on Saint Charles Avenue, this former private residence of aviators and movie stars now serves as a public library dedicated to the memory of Milton H. Latter.

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Milton H. Latter Memorial Library
nolalibrary.org, og_image_nolalibrary.org

What is the Milton H. Latter Memorial Library known for?

It is a public library housed in a historic stone mansion, originally built for merchant Marks Isaacs, that retains home-like features such as mahogany paneling, ceiling murals, and a dining-room mantel.

What are the hours?

The library is open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM and 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on different days.

Is it free?

Yes, access to books and e-resources is free with a New Orleans Public Library card.

What is the history of the building?

Constructed in 1907 for Marks Isaacs, the house was later owned by lumber baron Frank B. Williams and his son Harry Williams, a pioneer aviator married to silent-film star Marguerite Clark. It was purchased by Harry and Anna Latter in 1947 and donated to the city as a library in memory of their son, Milton, who was killed in World War II.

Where is it located?

The library is located at 5120 Saint Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70115.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Milton H. Latter Memorial Library is housed in a grand stone residence originally constructed in 1907 for Marks Isaacs, a merchant from Canal Street. The building occupies an entire city block and is distinguished by its position on a raised embankment. Its early history is marked by glamour and tragedy; in 1912, it was purchased by lumber baron Frank B. Williams and later inhabited by his son, Harry Williams, a pioneer aviator, and his wife, the silent-film star Marguerite Clark. The property transitioned through several owners following the death of Harry Williams in a 1936 plane crash. It was eventually acquired by Harry and Anna Latter in 1947. In a gesture of remembrance for their son, Milton, who was killed during World War II, the Latters donated the estate to the City of New Orleans. After the city funded the necessary conversions, the facility opened as a public library by the end of 1948. Inside, the library maintains a homelike atmosphere by preserving historic architectural details. Visitors can find mahogany paneling, an original staircase, and ceiling murals in the dining room. The mansion's original luxury is further evidenced by the fact that it once featured a third-floor ballroom and one of the first home elevators in New Orleans. Today, the library is a vital community hub within the New Orleans Public Library system. It manages a collection of nearly 50,000 books and materials, circulating over 200,000 items annually. A separate carriage house also remains standing at the rear of the property, preserving the estate's original layout.

Visitor tips

  • Check the New Orleans Public Library website for current hours, which typically range between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
  • Walk around to the rear of the property to view the surviving separate carriage house.
  • Look up at the ceiling murals in the dining room area to appreciate the original mansion's artistry.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the building is situated on a raised embankment.

Nearby context

Located at 5120 Saint Charles Avenue, the library is a centerpiece of one of the city's most historic residential corridors, surrounded by the opulent mansions and oak-lined streets typical of the Garden District area.

Sources

Evidence and links