Perhaps you’re seeking a quiet escape. Maybe you need a wealth of knowledge. Port City Library awaits. It is part of the Live Oak Public Libraries system. That system serves a 3-county region in southeast Georgia.
Live Oak Public Libraries sees many visitors. Over 1.1 million people visit each year. The libraries check out over 1.1 million items annually. Library staff answers more than 485,000 questions. They register over 555,000 computer sessions. The libraries also present programs to nearly 125,000 patrons. These patrons reside in Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty Counties.
Live Oak Public Libraries began in 1809 in Savannah. It was the first known library in Georgia. It started as a subscription-based library. The Savannah Public Library merged with the Georgia Historical Society in 1847. The Society housed and maintained the collection.
In 2002, the library system became Live Oak Public Libraries. This change reflected the region’s character. The system joined PINES in February 2018. PINES is Georgia’s statewide library consortium.
Port City Library, like other branches, offers resources. They include books, computers, and meeting rooms. Meeting rooms require a user account. You must represent an organization or community group. They don’t allow reservations for personal use.
The Live Oak Public Libraries system has sixteen branches. They are spread throughout the Savannah metro area. They also extend into the Hinesville-Fort Stewart metro area. The Bull Street Library serves as the headquarters. It is one of two Carnegie libraries in the system. The other is the Carnegie Colored Library.
The Carnegie Colored Library has a unique history. It began in response to segregation. The original Savannah Public Library excluded the Black community. The Colored Library Association of Savannah formed in 1906. They opened their library in a rented space.
In 1913, the Association received a grant from the Carnegie Corporation. They built their own building on E. Henry Street. Julian deBruyn Kops designed the library. It is a rare example of Prairie Style architecture in Savannah. The Carnegie Colored Public Library became a vital center for the Black community. It provided education and refuge during segregation.
In 1963, the Carnegie Colored Library joined the Savannah Public Library system. This ended segregation in the library system. The Carnegie Library fell into disrepair and closed at the end of the 20th century.
Live Oak Public Libraries renovated and expanded the historic building in 2001. The renovated library reopened in 2003. It received several preservation awards. A historical marker was erected in 2014. It commemorated the library’s history.
Today, Port City Library continues the Live Oak Public Libraries mission. It provides access to information and resources. It fosters community engagement. It enriches the lives of residents in Savannah and beyond. So, step inside Port City Library. Discover what awaits you within its walls.