According to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Lavonia is the smallest city in the United States with an original Carnegie Library building. The Lavonia Carnegie Library, which celebrated its 100th birthday in 2009, began its history in December of 1904.  The Lavonia Woman’s Club bought 18 books for circulation among members, soon bought additional books then rented a room which became the city’s first small library.
In March of 1909, the Lavonia Woman’s Club petitioned Andrew Carnegie and the city council for the erection of a building to house the library. Carnegie granted $5000 and the city council agreed to provide $500 per year for ten years for books and upkeep. The lot where the building is currently located was donated by R. T. Poole.

Construction on the library was completed in 1911 and it became the first library in the county. In 1914, the library began holding story hour and a city summer reading program was started in 1928. In 1974, the library became a branch of the Athens Regional Library system. It was remodeled in 1977 with the help of a $100,000 grant.
Today, the Lavonia Carnegie Library, located at 28 Hartwell Road, still serves the citizens of Lavonia.  For more information, call 706-356-4307