SPRINGFIELD, Ga. — Effingham County commissioners will consider a resolution Tuesday to formally request withdrawal from the Live Oak Public Libraries regional system and establish a standalone county library system. The public meeting begins at 5 p.m. at the Effingham County Administrative Complex, 804 N. Laurel St., Springfield.
A public hearing on the removal of Erica Biezenbos, library board chair, is scheduled for 7 p.m., followed by discussion of the resolution that, if approved, would end Effingham’s more than 80-year partnership with Live Oak.
How we got here
The county recently completed a detailed review of its relationship with Live Oak, led by retired school librarian and media specialist Nate Ball. The analysis found that Effingham’s library funding is significantly higher than comparable counties, largely because of administrative overhead.County records show Effingham spent about $442,000 on administrative costs under Live Oak in fiscal year 2025, compared with $50,000 in Bulloch County, which participates in the Statesboro Regional Public Library System. Overall, Effingham budgeted nearly $1 million for library services — more than double the average for similar counties. Consultants told commissioners last month the county could save up to $373,000 annually by operating a standalone system or partnering with Statesboro. Under any new arrangement, residents would still have access to PINES, the statewide library lending network, and GALILEO, Georgia’s online library of scholarly resources.
Arguments for change
County officials say leaving Live Oak could reduce administrative overhead, give the county more control over hours, policies, and programs, and allow savings to be reinvested in services, staff pay, and new facilities.“Effingham County is dedicated to providing quality services while being mindful of costs to our citizens,” County Manager Tim Callanan said. “Routine audits of outside contractors are a standard part of our operations, ensuring our community receives fair value. This cost-conscious approach has allowed us to lower the millage rate for five consecutive years.”
Library response
In a statement, Lola DeWitt, executive director of Live Oak Public Libraries, emphasized the value of public libraries and transparency.“Communities create public libraries to provide access for everyone to truthful information and credible, sourced facts,” DeWitt said. “We take that obligation very seriously. We believe any decision to separate the Rincon and Springfield branches after more than 80 years should be taken only after careful deliberation of the facts and services. A decision like this deserves daylight and community engagement.”
DeWitt noted that Effingham residents could lose access to most of the physical collection and technical equipment, literacy programs, early learning centers, community programs like the StoryWalk®, and Live Oak partnerships that provide free museum admission. She said the public deserves to understand how a separate library would operate and announced a webpage to provide information to the community.
