Perhaps no other neighborhood library in the South Georgia Regional Library System was built amid more controversy than the Walter R. & Dorothy S. Salter Memorial Library in Hahira, Georgia. For many years, the public library consisted of a few thousand books in a small room in City Hall, operated by Jackie Matthews and open only on Thursday afternoons. Then, the state of Georgia launched a massive grant program to its cities, promising funds that would pay 90 percent of construction and furnishings to local governments that matched funds and provided land. Hahira citizens found their population was divided down the middle, torn between serious water and sewage needs and their own public library. But, in the end, Hahira, which was known during the 1920s as the Queen Bee Capitol of the World, received a honey of a library, which opened on March 12, 1989. The library acquired its name from Walter R. Salter, a former mayor, councilman, and local business owner who had long desired a library for the community. Upon his death in 1984, the dream unrealized, his wife Dorothy came forward with a gift of $30,000. Dorothy was present at the library's formal dedication and Clara Vinson was named as the first manager.
Salter Hahira Library is widely used by educators and home school families for its outstanding programs, the Salter Hahira Library has earned a reputation of utmost friendliness and hospitality. It has become without a doubt, a true community center for Hahira’s citizens, and a touchstone for storytelling enthusiasts, well worth the miles one must travel north to visit.
The library underwent an $80,000.00 renovation (interior and exterior) during the summer of 2010. Cauthan Construction Company completed the work.
Salter Hahira Library
Kimberly
Library Manager
Salter Hahira Library
220 East Main St. Hahira, GA 31632
229-794-3063
HOURS
Mon - Thurs: 11 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Fri: 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Sat & Sun: CLOSED
Status: Branch Library
County: Lowndes
PINES Code - SGRL-HAHIRA
WHAT MAKES THIS NEIGHBORHOOD LIBRARY UNIQUE?
Known as “the small town library with down home appeal,” its strengths lie in the contagious charm of its customer service and its professional and dramatic children’s programming!
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WEEKLY
Toddler Time: Wednesday (during the school year) at 11:30 am
Begin your toddler’s path to literacy through songs, stories, and activities. Suitable for ages 1-4 years.
MONTHLY
Kid Explorers: 2nd Tuesday of the month at 3:30 pm
Kids will explore a different animal each month through a variety of stories and activities. Suitable for ages 5-11 years, but all are welcome!
Veteran Services Outreach: 1st Wednesday of the month 2-4 pm
Learn what services are available to veterans through the GA Dept. of Labor.
Teen Scene: 2nd Thursday of the month at 3:30 pm
Teens will explore a new concept each month with fun activities!
Adult Workshop: 4th Thursday of the month at 4:00 pm
Adults will explore a topic each month by creating a unique project!
YEARLY
Summer Reading Program: June-July
Participants receive incentives for meeting reading goals and can join in fun weekly activities! All children, teens, and adults are encouraged to participate.