Live Oak Public Libraries invites the public to view preliminary architectural plans and share comments and input with library leadership,  LOPL Effingham County Library Board members and the architectural team at the Springfield Library, Wednesday, April 2nd, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

Preliminary plans for the proposed new library were drawn up by GM Shay Architects after the Advisory and Regional Boards approved moving forward with drawings in 2024. There has been interest in replacing the Rincon Library for about a decade to meet growing community needs and library patronage.

Funding and a project start date is yet to be determined.

"We know our Rincon patrons need a new library and it is appropriate for the Effingham community at large to have an opportunity to weigh in on the conceptual plan at this stage of the process," said Lola DeWitt, Live Oak Public Libraries Executive Director and Effingham County resident.

In the year ending June 30, 2024, more than 14,000 cardholders checked out about 38,800 physical materials from the Rincon Library. Attendance at programs was up 29%, largely driven by the annual Summer Reading Challenge, which occurs every June and July to help students retain reading skills over the vacation break.

"We would have preferred to have this Town Hall in the current Rincon Library, located at 105 West 17th Street," added DeWitt, "But it does not have enough space inside for us to hold a public meeting of this size and scope."

From Tuesday, March 25th through Tuesday, April 1, members of the public are invited to visit the RIncon or Springfield Libraries during normal operating hours to view the concept drawings and leave comments. Comments will be gathered by library staff to share in connection with the April 2nd Town Hall.

The Springfield Library is located at 810 Highway 119 South in Springfield.

Progress on this proposed capital project and others within the Live Oak Public Libraries system is posted regularly at www.liveoakpl.org/about/capitalprojects.