The LGBTQ+ community in Lafayette suffered a blow recently when Bolt, the city’s only official gay club, closed in March. However, a new LGBTQ+ concept is set to rise up in its place at 222 Rue Jefferson when the Jefferson Street Library opens in late April. According to reports and posts on social media, The Library will feature an elevated, literary-themed lounge experience with cocktails, live entertainment, VIP areas, and a small library. In a post on Facebook, The Library said it will be a place for drag shows, karaoke, or just connecting with friends.
When Bolt made the announcement, the former nightclub hinted at a new concept in the works, and one of the owners has made the jump to ownership at The Library. Bolt had been open at different locations for around a decade. Mardi Gras 2025 was its last day of operations. While other gay bars have been open in Lafayette throughout the years, Bolt was the only such bar for the community when it closed.