Carnegie Library Heritage Center

OUR MISSION

The Carnegie Library Heritage Center exists to preserve and celebrate the powerful legacy of Savannah’s historic Carnegie Library.

Through museum-quality exhibits, oral history recordings, and interactive displays, we honor the library’s role as a beacon of knowledge and community empowerment for Black Savannahians during segregation and beyond. Our mission is to uplift these stories, connect generations, and ensure that our shared history continues to inspire the future.

Circulating Library vs. Special Collections Library

Below is a comparison to help explain how a circulating library differs from a special collections library like the Carnegie Library Heritage Center.

Circulating Collections

Example: Southwest Chatham Library

Purpose: Borrow books, movies, and other materials
Access: Open shelves with free browsing and checkout
Programming: Storytimes, book clubs, and community events
Materials: General collection (fiction, nonfiction, popular titles)
Environment: Familiar layout with service desks and public seating

Special Collections Library

Example: Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History
(Atlanta, GA)

Purpose: Research, preserve, and showcase unique cultural materials
Access: Materials are used on-site and do not circulate
Programming: Lectures, exhibits, panels, and curated experiences
Materials: Archives, rare books, manuscripts, and heritage collections
Environment: Gallery-style spaces, reading rooms, exhibits, and archival storage

The Carnegie Library Heritage Center is designed as a special collections library—focused on preservation, discovery, and learning on-site.

How do I connect to the wireless Internet?

Launch your web browser. The Library WiFi Terms of Use Agreement page should appear. If you cannot connect, open your network settings and select LOPL Public.

Is Internet access filtered?

Library Internet access is filtered to comply with CIPA regulations. Use of this service is also governed by our Public WiFi and Computer Access and CIPA Compliance Policy (see link above).

How secure is the wireless connection?

The Library’s public wireless connection is not secure. There can be untrusted parties between you and anybody with whom you communicate.

Limitations and Disclaimers

There is no guarantee that you will be able to make a wireless connection. The library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for device or laptop configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library’s network. Live Oak Public Library is not responsible for any changes you make to your device or computer settings and cannot guarantee your hardware will work with our wireless connection.

Social Media

Voices of Colored Libraries in Segregated America

Explore Voices of Colored Libraries in Segregated America, an interactive ArcGIS StoryMap collection documenting the history and lasting impact of libraries created to serve Black communities during segregation.

The collection features “By and For Black Savannah: The Carnegie Colored Library and the Geography of Reading,” highlighting Savannah’s Carnegie Library and its important role in providing Black residents with access to books, information, and community space during segregation.

Explore “By and For Black Savannah” in a new window →