Something new is telling the story of something old, now that a local author’s book has hit the shelves.

“Bossier City” is Kevin Bryant Jones’ newest release in Arcadia Publishing’s popular “Images of America Series.” It boasts 200 vintage images, many of which have never been published.

Jones said he hopes the book will be a history lesson that will instill pride among local residents.

“I would like all the people of Bossier City to know what a rich history they have,” Jones said. “I hope they treasure their downtown and historic buildings, and I want them to support their local organizations’ efforts to rejuvenate the downtown area.”

Once considered a small town in Shreveport’s shadow, Bossier City sprang up around cotton fields, railroads, steamboats and factories. Today, the city thrives as one of the fastest growing in Louisiana.

Jones believes books that tell history through pictures are becoming very popular.

“For one, it gives a local author/historian a great opportunity to write a book for an established and interested audience,” Jones said. “Secondly, it mixes images as well as a story. I’ve talked to people who have seen the book, and many images bring back lots of memories for them.

That is something that doesn’t always happen with just words.”

The format is creating a higher interest level in reading history. This collection captures 1920s architecture, hardworking residents and downtown roots, but it also celebrates the emergent and progressive nature of Bossier City.

“It is an easy read – the images bring back emotions and memories, and it is local history, so locals are naturally drawn to reading about it,” he said.

“It’s one of those ‘good ole days’ type of things.”

Jones’ book recalls days of community and closeness, capturing the era when people built their own houses out of materials they had, walked downtown to a diner or market and saw the first bomber fly overhead at Barksdale Air Force Base.

“As a history buff, I’m all for more people being interested in history,” he said. “I think it promotes a community spirit and pride that many neighborhoods, schools and post-war towns sometimes lack.”

Today, the arts are flourishing, stores are busy, the air base is the jewel of the city and that strong community identity is continually evolving.

Jones is a native of West Monroe and Huntsville, Ala. After serving a two-year deployment in support of the War on Terror, he began a career as a defense contractor that brought him to Barksdale and Shreveport. He teaches social studies in Caddo Parish schools.

A 2007 graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a degree in history and minor in English, Jones is realizing a career goal with his first book.

Now that “Bossier City” has been released, Jones is considering another book.

“I was thinking about expanding it to more rural areas of North Louisiana and including more areas,” he said. “Also, I’ve got a couple of novels bouncing around in my head, but don’t we all?” An active volunteer for the Bossier Arts Council, Jones will share anecdotes about his book from 2 to 3 p.m. June 27 at The Wine Boutique, 630 Barksdale Blvd., Bossier City.

A portion of book sales will go to the Bossier Parish History Center and Bossier Arts Council. It is available at area bookstores, independent retailers, online retailers, the publishing company online or by calling 888-313-2665.

–Bonnie Culverhouse