Libraries on Vacation - St. Simons Island

This week I'm on vacation with my crew of 8 including my sister and her family and our mom, in the balmy and beautiful St. Simon's Island.  I won't lie to you, it's been a bit of a rough start.  We rarely ever vacation this late in the Summer season, but it seems the entire nation made travel plans this year and we got on board a little too late.  So we had to settle for the fiery pits of late July in South Georgia. 

Turns out our A/C isn't the absolute best and my husband is losing his MIND over here with his brand new mobile air unit he bought to make up the difference for the less-than-awesome system in this house.  In his defense, he was born up North in New York and has absolutely no patience for any temperature that rises above 65 degrees year round.  And for those of you that know me, you're fully aware that this causes chaos around our house all year long as I am now and forever more a Southern girl with no patience for the cold.  Not even a little.

But even I'm struggling this year and this evening I'm pretty sure I nearly died when we had to sit outdoors for dinner in the still hot heat while we watched our iced beverages melt at supersonic speed before our very eyes.  I write this now while sitting in front of a box fan, my husband's trusty mobile air conditioner and our sub par beach house A/C.

However it hasn't been all hot chaos.  We did manage to have an impromptu dance party in the dining room after dinner where our kids looked at us like we'd lost our minds.  We also got to see the historic World War II museum, the St. Simons Coast Guard Station built in 1936 and everyone tagged along as I got to visit the St. Simons Island public Library.

It looked great by the way, and it's the only Library I've been to so far that has a spectacular ocean view with oversized trees heavily-draped in Spanish Moss.  I think I'm in love.  I spoke with the very helpful Library pro at the front desk who told me so much about the new renovation they've just completed.

There were two phases, one just as Covid hit and shut everything down and then the final completion a couple years later.  If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend a visit.  The people were really kind and the updated furniture is fantastic.  I'll be posting more images like these on my DIY Library Design Facebook group throughout the week, so click on the link at the end of this post and join!

Here's my quick free design course plug:  Interested in some free courses to show you how to get started on a new renovation or construction project?  Join me HERE and learn more today!

Check out some quick facts I found while doing a little research about the St. Simons Island Public Library:

• It was Mrs. Abbie Fuller Graham who founded the Library in 1937 and there were only 50 books that they housed in the home of Captain J.C. Clark and his wife.
• That same year the County Commissioners would agree to move the Library to the Casino.  And if you are anything like me, you're probably trying to figure out why they would put a Library in a casino but my visit with that amazing Library pro I met today assured me that this was not the case.  This Casino was just a public meeting place.  Who knew?!
• In 1946, it was Mrs. Fraser Ledbetter who was appointed Head Librarian and she held that position for more than 40 years!
• In 1950, the Library was moved to the bowling alley in the Casino (no seriously) and kitchen shelving from the local closed air base was donated for book use.
• From '53 to '65, vast improvements were made that turned the Library into a fully functioning space that was clearly a long time coming.
• In 1987 authors Eugenia Price and Joyce Blackburn attended the 50 year celebration of the St. Simons Public Library.
• Eventually more renovations were completed as time moved into the 2000s and today it is this beautiful brick building with astounding views.

Facts Credit:  www.moglibraries.org

All kidding aside, we're enjoying our much-needed time away with family.  And being here in this beautiful location is so sweet.  Seeing their local public Library has just been the icing on the cake.  Well that and the kitchen dance party.  But at least we're keeping things interesting and our kids constantly guessing.

Go see St. Simons if you get the chance.  And stop by the Library while you're at it!

In the meantime, I hope you'll reach out to me with any questions you may have or comments.  I would love to hear about your own travel experiences to St. Simons Island!  You can join my DIY Library Design group on Facebook below to ask me any questions you may have, comment on my recent email topic and learn all about my upcoming design courses.

But mostly, use the group to stay in touch and help me get to know you and your Library better!  I'm happy to help in any way that I can. 

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