Savannah, Ga. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is delivering resources to help build a new library for Savannah families.
Today, Sen. Ossoff announced he is delivering Federal resources to help build a new library in Savannah to serve communities in Midtown, Southside, Isle of Hope, Skidaway Island, and Sandfly, as well as veterans and military families living near Hunter Army Airfield.
The current Oglethorpe Mall Library was built in 1978 without functioning central heating, leading to closures on days when temperatures drop below freezing. The library has not undergone a significant renovation since its construction, and according to local officials, the elevator breaks down frequently, making it non-ADA compliant.
The Federal funding will go toward ongoing efforts to build a new, replacement library.
Sen. Ossoff brought Republicans and Democrats together to deliver $3,000,000 for the project through this year’s bipartisan Federal government funding package.
“Early access for children to books and educational opportunities boost chances for success in life,” said Sen. Ossoff. “That’s why I brought Republicans and Democrats together to help build a new library for families in Savannah and Coastal Georgia. I thank Georgia State Librarian Julie Walker and Live Oak Public Libraries Executive Director Lola Shelton-Council for bringing this proposal to my office and for their leadership in the community.”
“Live Oak Public Libraries is thrilled that $3 million in CDS FY24 funding will go toward the construction of a replacement building for the Oglethorpe Library in Chatham County, Georgia thanks to Senator Ossoff,” said Lola Shelton-Council, Executive Director of Live Oak Public Libraries. “The new library will provide greater opportunities to meet the increasing and diverse needs of our growing community. We are very grateful to the Senator for helping us get shovels in the ground quicker.”
“We are so grateful to Senator Ossoff for his continued support of Georgia’s libraries,” said Julie Walker, Georgia State Librarian. “Libraries stand at the hearts of our communities, and today more than ever, provide essential programs and services for students, families, seniors, and everyone who seeks knowledge and information. Funding for the replacement of Live Oak Public Libraries’ Oglethorpe Mall branch is much needed and much appreciated. This opportunity will allow the library system to replace an outdated, outgrown library with a modern and spacious twenty-first century library poised to serve a thriving community.”
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