Loganville, GA is set to receive a new O'Kelly Memorial Library

Project Background

The existing O'Kelly Memorial Library, built in 1989, has been serving the Loganville community for over 30 years. However, with only 7,162 square feet of usable space, it has been struggling to meet the needs of the rapidly growing population in Loganville and Walton County.

Funding and Support

The project has garnered substantial financial backing:

• $3 million Capital Outlay Grant from the State of Georgia
• $1.2 million allocation from the Walton County Board of Commissioners
• $1.5 million in ARPA funds from the City of Loganville2

New Location

After some deliberation, the City Council of Loganville approved a new site for the library on July 20, 2023. The new library will be located on the western segment of City-owned property on Main Street, at the intersection of Main Street, Covington Street, and Lucy Streets.

Project Scope

The new library is planned to be significantly larger than the current facility:

• Phase 1: 10,833 square feet (nearly 50% larger than the existing library)
• Phase 2: Additional 10,000+ square feet
• Total planned size: 25,000 square feet

Current Status

As of December 2024, the project is progressing:

• Architectural firm McMillian, Pazdan, Smith was selected for the design in October 20231.
• The Azalea Regional Library System (AZRLS) issued an Invitation to Bid for construction services on October 15, 20248.
• The bid opening process occurred on November 20, 2024.

Next Steps

With the bid opening process completed, the project is likely moving towards the contractor selection phase. Construction is expected to begin soon, though specific timelines have not been publicly announced.

Community Impact

The new O'Kelly Memorial Library is set to become a cornerstone of downtown Loganville, offering expanded services and spaces for the community. It will feature a dedicated children's area, additional meeting spaces, and a collaborative greenspace shared with the City of Loganville. As the project moves forward, it represents a significant investment in Loganville's cultural and educational infrastructure, promising to serve the community's needs for years to come.