Remembering Former Library Director Sona J. Dombourian

Lafayette, LA - Former Library Director Sona J. Dombourian passed away on Friday, February 28, 2020 after a two-year illness. A native of New Orleans and a graduate of both LSU and UL Lafayette, she made her home in Lafayette for 36 years where she served our community as the library system's Assistant Director from 1980 until 2005. In 2005, Sona was appointed as the Library Director until her retirement in May 2016.



Sona had a love of all things related to computers and technology, and she led the way in computerizing the Lafayette Public Library System. She added public computers, automated library functions for efficiency, and was on the forefront of the Makerspace movement. Her financial expertise kept projects within budget and allowed library funds to accumulate for maintenance and future improvements.


One of Sona's proudest accomplishments was the renovation of the Main Library downtown and the construction of numerous regional libraries throughout Lafayette Parish. Her professional involvements at the local and state level, along with her commitment to library service, led to Sona receiving many awards including the prestigious Anthony H. Benoit Mid-Career Award and the Lynda Carlberg Award for outstanding contributions to libraries. In 2013, she received the Louisiana Library Association's highest honor, the Essie M. Culver Award.


Library Director Teresa Elberson states, "I worked with Sona for 34 years, and everything our library system is today, I feel, we owe to her. She was my good friend and mentor, and I owe her so much personally and professionally. I know many librarians in the state feel the same way."



A celebration of her life will be held in New Orleans at a later date, and her family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Lafayette Public Library Foundation<https://lplfoundation.org/about/contact-us/> Endowment Fund in Sona's name. Her obituary can be read at the following link: https://www.lafuneralservices.com/obituary/sona-dombourian

Our most sincere sympathies go out to the family and friends of Sona Dombourian. She will be greatly missed and always admired.