Live Oak Libraries and county outline new library site across from DMV; design near complete

Library staff and the county updated the board on the new library project to replace the mall branch. The planned site is across the street from the DMV on Eisenhower Drive.

Michael Summers, director of construction and facilities for the library, described the procurement and selection process: roughly 20 firms showed interest, six finalists were vetted and evaluated, and the recommended architect listed in the board packet is Jim Shea. Summers said design work is about 90% complete.

County staff noted the selection used procurement processes and local firms were engaged; the manager asked library staff to include Commissioner Kicklider in Pooler-branch discussions because the Pooler project faces a funding deficit and will require more conversation. The board praised using local firms to retain project dollars in the community.

What’s next: library staff will continue design work and coordinate with the county on Pooler-branch funding issues and construction scheduling. The board will receive updates as agreements and designs progress.