Carnegie Library Heritage Center

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 Library

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.

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 →