Current Projects & Updates
Providing Inspiring, Accessible and Inviting Spaces for the Community
Stay informed on Live Oak Public Library’s Capital Projects.
This page provides the latest updates on active projects, including current locations, project goals, progress status, and funding details. Explore how we are working to create welcoming, accessible, and innovative library spaces to meet the evolving needs of our patrons. Check back regularly for new information. Together, we’re building the future of our libraries!
Director of Construction and Facilities
Micheal Summers | email
Micheal joined the Live Oak Public Library’s team as Capital Projects Manager in October 2024, bringing extensive experience in higher education and institutional capital project management.
Alongside managing preventive maintenance across the system, Micheal manages our expanding list of capital projects, including the restoration of the Carnegie Library Heritage Center and replacements for the Oglethorpe Mall and Pooler Library.
Historic Carnegie Library Heritage Center
Renovation and Historic Preservation
Project Summary
- 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 reopened as the Carnegie Library Heritage Center, a special collections library, in February, 2026.
The Project Today
- The Carnegie Library Heritage Center celebrated its 112th birthday with a week of festivities and programming for the communities August 10th – 14th.
- The Carnegie Library Heritage Center is operating six days a week and open to all.
CLHC received a 2025 Job Order Contracting Award of - Merit from Gordian on June 17, 2026. For more on the award go to Award for Restoration.
- For more information see the Carnegie Library Heritage Center webpage.
Oglethorpe Mall Library
Growing with the Community: Replacement of Current Facility
Project Summary
Outdated, obsolete, undersized building will be replaced to meet the needs of the growing population
Proposed Building
- Single-story ~20,000 SF structure
- More natural daylighting, open spaces
- Accessibility for all; adequate parking
- Community meeting/activity rooms
- Enhanced programming and collections space
- Technology upgrades
Current Status August 2026
A new, fit-for-purpose structure will replace the current Oglethorpe Mall Library
- Public commentary invited on conceptual designs in August, 2026. (Linked below)
- In a competitive process that included national firms, Savannah-based GMShay Architects was awarded the design project, with Chatham County Commissioners voting their approval on February 13th.
- New Savannah site location secured at Eisenhower Drive & Waters Avenue on property owned by Chatham County.
- Preliminary design concept is below.
- RFP received in Fall, 2025 for project architect firm.
- Funding includes:
- Local share $5.5 million
- $3 million from State of Georgia
- $3 million in federal funding
Project Slideshow coming soon
Pooler Library
Growing with the Community: Replacement of Current Facility
Project Summary
Existing Structure
- 6,800 square feet
- Built in 1982
- Insufficient size to meet demand
Proposed Structure
- 20,000 square feet
- Natural daylighting, flexible spaces
- More accessibility, additional parking
- Increased community meeting/activity space
- Technology upgrades
Current Status - November 2024
- Preliminary conceptual design complete
- Current land parcel too small to expand on same site
- Funding and project execution to be determined
- Pooler patrons encouraged to advocate for their new library
Project Slideshow coming soon
Forest City Library
The Forest City Library roof was repaired, patched, and re-sealed as of December 2025
Southwest Chatham Library
Roof and Exterior Wall Repairs Completed
Project Summary
Repairs to TPO on the roof and exterior brick veneer commenced in January, 2025, requiring reduced normal operating hours.
Current Status - May 2025
- Work completed on time and under budget as of the last week in May.
- Normal operating hours are resumed.
Project Slideshow coming soon