First Lady Sandra Deal today announced that she will donate a copy of “Memories of the Mansion: The Story of Georgia’s Governor’s Mansion,” to every public library in Georgia. This announcement was made in partnership with The Georgia Council of Public Libraries during “Public Library Day” at the Georgia State Capitol.

“We wanted to make ‘Memories of the Mansion’ available to everyone in Georgia, and the best way we know how is to have a copy available at every public library in the state,” said Deal. “Public libraries are a wonderful resource for the people of Georgia, and they will now allow for these historical photos and stories to be cherished for free.”

The book, co-authored by Kennesaw State University history professors Dr. Catherine M. Lewis and Dr. Jennifer W. Dickey, launched in September of 2015 at the Atlanta History Center. Deal and her co-authors worked closely with the Maddox, Carter, Busbee, Harris, Miller, Barnes and Perdue families to include their memories and behind-the-scenes photos of life in the mansion.  

"The success of ‘Memories of the Mansion’ has been overwhelming," said Lewis. "We have participated in more than a dozen book events since the launch, and we are pleased to see that the book is going into its third printing. What began as First Lady Sandra Deal's dream to document the history of the mansion has become an important legacy for our state, one that will preserve the history of this important landmark for generations to come."

“Memories of the Mansion” is available for purchase at the Governor’s Mansion for $40 during public tour hours. All proceeds benefit Friends of the Mansion, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining the mansion’s furnishings and artwork.