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Live Oak Public Libraries

Historic Carnegie Library

Renovation and Historic Preservation
Project Summary Current Status – November 2025
  • Essential repairs and restoration for this historic structure were originally scheduled to begin in Fall 2024.
  • Water intrusion from Tropical Storm Debby required LOPL to temporarily close the Carnegie Library in August 2024 while damage, costs, and repair needs were assessed.
  • The Carnegie Library will reopen as the Carnegie Library Heritage Center in Spring, 2026.
  • Site material was tested in November 2024.
  • Demolition began in June 2025.
  • See final design concept from GM Shay below.
  • Restoration and repair underway. 
  • Reopening planned for February, 2026.
Original 1914 Carnegie Plan
Carnegie Library as constructed in 1914

 

   

Carnegie lab testing

November 2024: Site material testing

Carnegie material testing

November 2024: Site material testing

Carnegie demolition begins

June 2025: Demolition begins

September 2025: Interior construction

September 2025: Exterior membrane installation

September 2025: Storm drain infrastructure laid out

September 2025: Continued work on storm drain

Digital render of Carnegie's prospective garden.

October 2025: Digital render of the garden to be installed

Digital render of the prospective Carnegie garden.

October 2025: Digital render of the garden to be installed

Preparation to pour concrete in the rear parking lot of Carnegie Library.

November 2025: Preparation to pour concrete in the rear parking lot

A photo of a small paved parking lot behind the library as well as fresh asphalt in the alley leading to the lot.

November 2025: Completed paving of back parking lot.

Carnegie Library Timeline

1915: The Library opens under the colloquial name "Carnegie Colored Public Library".

1963: The Library joins the larger Savannah Public Library system following the end of segregation.

1997: The Library closes due to a leaking roof, water damage, and a lack of funding.

2001: Live Oak Public Libraries sets forth a campaign to renovate and expand the historic building.

2003: Addition and reconstruction is completed, and in the following years receives multiple awards from organizations on both the state and national levels.

2024: The Library is closed for renovations pending reopening in 2026.

   

Demolition for the historic Carnegie Library’s repairs and restoration began in June 2025.