Library staff and leaders cut the ribbon to open the new Library Annex branch of Middle Georgia Regional Library.
Georgia public libraries are transforming to meet the evolving needs of their communities. With support from Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) and state funding, libraries are creating new spaces and revitalizing existing ones to foster lifelong learning, creativity, and collaboration in welcoming, modern environments.
As of September 2024, 28 public library facilities in Georgia are being planned, designed, or built. Additionally, 39 libraries received financial assistance this year for structural repairs such as roofing or HVAC, or technology upgrades like faster Wi-FI or computers, ensuring they can continue to serve their communities effectively.
GPLS supports these projects with expertise on the planning and funding of construction, remodeling, energy conservation, emergency preparedness, and accessibility.
“Library construction projects include increasing access to new technology, building meeting spaces, and making updates to help libraries become dynamic community hubs with services and resources to support learning at any age,” said Nate Rall, assistant vice chancellor of Planning and Programs at Georgia Public Library Service.
Creating a Third Place for the Community
In July, Sequoyah Regional Library System (SRLS) opened the newly renovated Hickory Flat Public Library in Canton, where patrons were welcomed by a colorful design and welcoming spaces, bigger areas for books and technology, meeting and program rooms, and additional seating for studying or reading.
“This library is all about people and spaces,” said Angela Cortellino, executive director of SRLS. “We still have books, with better design for browsing. We still have technology. But you also will find some unique spaces for people to connect, explore, and discover.”
Since its reopening, many in the community have taken advantage of the renovated spaces.
“We created a Third Place – somewhere to hang out outside home or work – with a community-focused kitchen and multiple styles of seating. Designed to be adaptable to our community’s needs, people have used our Third Place as a place to study, connect, create, or take a break,” said Sarah Childers, marketing manager at SRLS.
The new and renovated spaces were designed with the needs of the growing community in mind.
“The library is located near elementary, middle, and high schools,” said Cortellino. “The students, as well as young families living around the library, influenced the design. The renovated library has a dedicated teen room, which we did not have before. We also have multiple areas for tutoring and a play space with musical instruments.”
Families utilize the renovated space at Hickory Flat Public Library for reading, learning, and more.
Meeting the community where they are
A unique aspect of the Library Annex branch that Middle Georgia Regional Library opened earlier this year is that it’s located in a fully enclosed shopping mall.
“Having a branch inside the busy Macon Mall enables shoppers to discover the library,” said Middle Georgia Regional Library Director Jennifer Lautzenheiser. “When the Library Annex opened, it joined several county offices and government services already stationed at the mall, along with the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility, making it an ideal spot for county workers, university students, older adults, and residents seeking library services.”
According to Lautzenheiser, the new branch allows the library system to more efficiently serve its existing patrons and prepare for new ones. The location features a children’s area, three study rooms, and the first public meeting room in Macon-Bibb County.
Many community members use the study rooms daily, and many mall employees have also become regular patrons.
“In one instance, a patron came in just to print her resume but was able to reformat the resume and write a cover letter with assistance from library staff, remarking that the help she received made her feel confident to apply for the job she was seeking,” said Lautzenheiser.
Building with community support
“Support for building and renovating libraries starts with local communities,” said Rall. “These libraries, in turn, support their community’s needs.”
Kathy Pillatzki, director of Henry County Library System, whose library recently completed a renovation to repurpose areas to better serve their engaged community.
When library systems apply for state funding through GPLS, communities must match a certain percentage of the project’s cost to be considered for a Capital Outlay Grant, which is primarily for new construction and also provides financial aid for full-facility renovations and large additions to existing facilities. To help get matching funds, community members advocate for funding by contacting Senate and House committee members. In 2019, Henry County Library System sought state funding to renovate McDonough Public Library to address safety and security issues and to repurpose underutilized space. With support from then Henry County Commissioner Gary Barham, 10% of matching funds were provided through SPLOST.
“All members of the Henry County delegation to the Georgia General Assembly were supportive when it came time to advocate for funds from the legislature,” said Kathy Pillatzki, director of the Henry County Public Library System. “Senator Emanuel Jones provided key support by writing a letter of support to the chair of the Senate budget committee.”
With the local 10% match of $100,000 secured, the system applied for a Capital Outlay Grant and was awarded the remaining 90% ($900,000).
“We repurposed an area that was once reference stacks to create a new Young Adult section. We repurposed an unused hallway to create a new study room and a separate lactation space. We also reconfigured the main circulation desk to improve safety for both staff and patrons,” said Pillatzki.
Commissioner Barham died of COVID-19 during the pandemic and did not get to see the final project. In his honor, the library’s Board of Trustees named a collaborative meeting and programming space the Gary Barham Community Studio.
The library reopened in August 2024 with overwhelming support and enthusiasm from the community.
“We had a line at the door when we opened. People were lined up like they were waiting for concert tickets to go on sale,” said Pillatzki.
A patron uses McDonough Public Library’s updated space to schedule clients for her small business.
