January 21, 1936 marks the date when the very first library for African Americans in Lowndes County was opened. Housed in the Walton Building, in a room given by the City Council. It was managed by Luretha Gilmore, the system’s first African American librarian. A heavy loss of books was among the reasons that led to its closure in February of 1939. It would not reopen until 1955, when the South Georgia Regional Library System would once again expand to extend services to the African American community. Its new home known as Branch No. 1, located in the community building of the Hudson Dockett Housing Project, was managed by Adelle Lee. She was succeeded by Fuleria Gertrude Manning in 1961. By this time, with the purchase of a second bookmobile, the collection was being shared with African-American schools in the region. Historical documents record 1963 as the year library facilities became integrated. Branch No. 1 relocated to the Carnegie Library in 1968, and was temporarily housed at Lomax Junior High School from 1976 to 1979. In 1979, Branch No. 1 moved to the Corbett Building and was renamed the Central Avenue Library.

Opened May 31, 1992, the Mae Wisenbaker McMullen Memorial Southside Library was named in honor of the mother of J.C. McMullen, a Lake Park businessman who donated the land. This library was the fouth installment in a five-libraries building campaign begun in 1988. Built to accommodate people living in the southern part of Valdosta, the McMullen Southside Library is home to an impressive African American book collection and state of the art technologies available.

 

 

McMullen Southside Events

Kathy
Library Manager

McMullen Southside Library
527 Griffin Avenue Valdosta, GA 31601
 229-253-8313

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-SSIDE

WHAT MAKES THIS NEIGHBORHOOD LIBRARY UNIQUE?

This library's strengths lie in its Internet computer availability and its vast collection of African American books and special annual events. Just take a look at this!

March 2024

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  • Crochet/Knit program
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  • Teen Board Game
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FOR CHILDREN & THEIR PARENTS/TEACHERS

Check out our monthly calendar to see what we've got going on for adults throughout the year.

TEEN PROGRAMS

Check out our monthly calendar to see what we've got going on for adults throughout the year.

ADULT PROGRAMS

Check out our monthly calendar to see what we've got going on for adults throughout the year.

SPECIAL EVENTS

  • Fall Fun Fest: Held annually in October. A literary alternative to Trick-or-Treating with stories, games and prizes.
  • Juneteenth Celebration: Held annually in June. A multi day event that strives to educate the public about the history of Juneteenth. This is a family affair, complete with entertainment.
  • Children's Toy Drive: Held annually in December. Arts and crafts and more!
  • Kwanzaa: Held annually near the end of December. This event highlights the 7 Principals of Kwanzaa.
  • Annual Summer Reading Program