April 24 through 29 happens to be National Library Week, a special observance celebrating libraries and all of the opportunities they present to the communities they serve. This year’s theme is ‘There’s More to the Story,’ and that’s certainly the case with Live Oak Public Libraries. Beyond books, our local libraries offer so much to enjoy and discover.

Media wise, library cardholders can check out e-books, music and movies in addition to an ever growing collection of hardcopy books for readers of all ages. LOPL also presents a range of exciting programs like book clubs, story times, movie nights and art classes to engage community members.

Credit: Ben Prueitt/NOAA

This month, the libraries have also collaborated with local organizations to present some special history exhibits at two locations. The Oglethorpe Mall Library is currently hosting a “Catch the Wave” science exhibit in partnership with the Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary. The exhibit features segments of the Gray’s Reef Wave Wall highlighting the history and habitat of the sanctuary. It was constructed by Savannah Technical College students and faculty members. The exhibit will be on display through May 22. 

“We are excited to present this dynamic exhibit raising awareness about our coastal environment and bringing the experience of Gray’s Reef to the community. Since the reef is located out in the Atlantic, the Wave Wall is an excellent way to explore the wonders of the ocean on land,” said LOPL Executive Director Lola Shelton-Council.

Credit: Fort Pulaski National Monument

LOPL has also partnered with Fort Pulaski National Monument to present another special exhibit called “Fort Pulaski’s Workers’ Village.” The exhibit will be on view at Islands Library through April 28 followed by Tybee Library through May 26. The display features five panels detailing the current archaeology project taking place at Fort Pulaski. It covers the history of the Workers’ Village, special artifacts and how climate change is affecting the fort and archaeology work. 

“Fort Pulaski archaeologists are excited to bring more of the fort’s stories to light,” said Laura Seifert, cultural resources specialist for Fort Pulaski National Monument. “While most people know of the military presence at Fort Pulaski, it was civilians, including enslaved workers, who built the fort decades before the Civil War. . . Archaeology is especially good at uncovering the everyday details of lives, and this exhibit allows us to share these artifacts.” 

Both exhibits are free and open to the public. 

In addition to these exciting opportunities, the libraries also provide free passes to Georgia state parks, Coastal Heritage Society sites and Telfair Museums, allowing cardholders to discover so much more beyond library walls. LOPL maintains a Seed Library that offers free seed packets to visitors so they can start gardens at home. And soon, several library locations will plant community gardens for patrons to use and enjoy. 

Another amazing fact is that the libraries also support economic empowerment, providing job seekers, small businesses and entrepreneurs with technology access. LOPL even offers checkout use of laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots to get work done at home. 

According to LOPL, in the last year, more people have visited libraries, attended programs, signed up for library cards and made use of library resources. National Library Week is an especially good time to take advantage of all of the amazing opportunities that our local libraries present. 

For more information, visit liveoakpl.org/.

This article appears in Apr 1-30, 2023.

Chantel Britton is a compelling storyteller with an ever-growing curiosity. She's built a rewarding writing career for herself in addition to serving five years as a Public Affairs Officer in the U.S....