By Barbara Augsdorfer, editor for the Effingham Herald
Some of the patrons of the future replacement Rincon library at this point are babies or probably not even born yet; so, it might be okay that their future library is also still in its embryonic stage.
They can grow up together and be lifelong friends.
The Live Oak Public Libraries held a town hall meeting April 2 at the Springfield library where about 25 people attended. Members of the public were joined by library staff and a few public officials to hear an update on the future Rincon library replacement.
A final location has not been determined, nor a cost with a budget.
It might not sound like much, but at least a concept plan has been drawn.
A possible location for the future library might be next to the Rincon Y on Patriot Drive next to the new playground. But that hasn’t been finalized.
The final location has to be agreed upon by Effingham County and the City of Rincon.
That amount is not going to be borne by Effingham County alone. Public libraries receive funding from a variety of sources – federal, state, and local. The state allocates funds to local libraries based on population. And since Effingham County is projected to grow to just over 125,000 by 2060, funding for libraries should increase as well – to include new construction.
According to the five-year plan (through 2028) from Georgia Public Library Services:
“Increase collaboration on technology planning for library renovation and construction projects, allowing improved implementation of technology associated with library building projects.”
Locally, libraries are funded through Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds. And Effingham County continues to be supportive of its libraries. The county’s allocation for the libraries increased 12% from 2024 to 2025 – from just under $754,000 to nearly $849,000.
While not much to go on right now, the plans for the future library include a modern airy feel with natural wood, and lots of windows to let in natural light.
“And as we all know, being in an environment that’s full of natural wood is very pleasing thing to the eye and to the heart as well,” Shay said.
The concept drawing includes walls that can be moved to create spaces where young children can be creative inside and outside (and yes, make noise) without disturbing other patrons who may be silently reading or studying.
The future library will also have a community room where people and groups can hold meetings and events, such as art exhibits.
Shay said the community room can be divided up so maybe four different meetings can be going on at once, or the walls can be moved to make one big meeting room.
Brett Sandusky of Rincon asked about a maker space – a place with 3D printers, cutter machines and woodworking machines. While the library couldn’t say it would dedicate a room for such activities, it did seem open to the idea of a 3D printer. But, then again, this is all at the concept stage.
Organizers of the town hall were quick to point out that the Springfield library is not “going anywhere” and in fact, a 30th anniversary celebration is planned for that location on May 24.
Residents who want to keep up with the Live Oak Public Library’s capital projects, including the future Rincon library replacement, can click on the library website at www.liveoakpl.org and scroll over “About” and click on “capital projects.”
