Courthouses of Georgia book receives national recognition

Photo courtesy of Courthouses of Georgia anniversary project Colquitt County, Ga. courthouse is among all the state's courthouses that are featured in ACCG's Courthouses of Georgia anniversary project.

Courthouses of Georgia, a photographic narrative of the state's courthouses, was recently named as one of the Best Print Reference Books of the Year for 2014 by the Library Journal, a national publication for the library community.

The book was envisioned and developed by ACCG, (formerly the Association County Commissioners of Georgia) to commemorate the association's centennial anniversary in 2014 and to recognize the significant role that county courthouses play in the history and function of county government. Each year, the Library Journal Book Review lends its professional oversight to more than 7,000 titles in a wide range of disciplines. Fewer than 50 books are recognized by the Library Journal each year.

Courthouses of Georgia was only one of four books in the nation recognized in the general reference category. "This prominent, national recognition by the Library Journal is another indicator of the quality work put forth by the association and our partners to celebrate Georgia's county courthouses," said ACCG Executive Director Ross King. "Courthouses of Georgia continues to receive an outstanding reception here in Georgia and is already in its second printing." The book, which was published by the University of Georgia Press and released in October, was produced in partnership with the Georgia Humanities Council, Newington Photography and the State Bar of Georgia.

Organized by the nine travel regions of Georgia, the book offers the perfect starting point for touring any of Georgia's counties and instills an appreciation for historic preservation. International photographer Greg Newington's images pay tribute to the community's investment in preserving historic courthouses for future generations and celebrate new facilities designed to accommodate expanded county programs and services, keeping pace with the state's growth. Former Georgia House of Representatives Majority Leader Larry W alker wrote the book's introduction. Walker shares his personal memories of Houston County's courthouses and weaves together stories of other courthouses as told by recognized Georgians.