Library news (Georgia Public Library Service), 2024 Fall

LIBRARY NEWS
Sharing stories of Georgia's libraries changing lives and communities Fall 2024
More Georgians are reading ebooks and audiobooks from their library
Movement and literacy combine for outdoor Story Strolls Libraries host "Comfort of3 Recovery" quilt
Georgia Public Library Service | georgialibraries.org | Empowering libraries to improve the lives of all Georgians

Enjoy reading and nature through Story Strolls at the library.
Movement and literacy combine for Story Strolls
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Families looking to enjoy the outdoors while teaching their children the importance of reading may find the perfect solution through Story Strolls at Georgia public libraries, provided by Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS).

Story Strolls are an outdoor activity where pages of a children's book are spread across a series of panels in a guided path. This encourages families to walk, read, and discuss a book together while connecting with their community and enjoying nature.

GPLS provides Story Strolls that any public library in the state can check out and use locally. Libraries partner with schools, parks, and other organizations so families can enjoy the stories in their community.
The backs of Story Stroll signs encourage children to do different movement activities between each page. Children can hop, skip, march, and more as they make their way back to the beginning of the path. Many families have said that these movement activities are their favorite part of Story Strolls.

"Our library is next door to an elementary school, and every grade came over to enjoy the Story Stroll!

"The teachers at our local school have asked me to set up a Story Stroll once per month! Children love the kinesthetic activities, which are presented almost as a surprise to discover on the back of each sign," said Angela Willis, youth services supervisor at Live Oak Public Libraries. "With the Story Stroll kit we can create a different path for every story and turn the pages into a scavenger hunt, inviting the children to hunt for the next number."

We are already planning our next Story Stroll. This is a gift to every community."
- Dianne Chambers, West Georgia Regional Library

GPLS secured the rights to use 12 different children's stories for the kits. The most popular stories are "The Hike," by Alison Farrell, "I Took a Walk," by Henry Cole, and "I Got the Rhythm," by Connie Scholfield-Morrison.
"What we enjoyed most was the experience of being outdoors on a beautiful afternoon and enjoying a cute children's story," said one patron after her family read a "Read Me a Story, Stella" Story Stroll placed at the Museum of Arts and Sciences in Macon.
Families can scan a QR code on each panel to hear the

story read aloud. Each panel has tactile markers to guide those who are blind to listen to the audio version as well.
GPLS created Story Strolls kits as a way for libraries to offer a free and unique, outdoor reading experience for families during the pandemic, but their popularity continues to grow. Story Strolls have been checked out 90 times by libraries in 2024.
Only library staff, not patrons, can check out a Story Stroll kit. Reach out to your local public library and encourage them to check one out for your community. n

LEFT: A child reads a panel of the "Drawn Together" Story Stroll at Black Rock Lake through the Northeast Georgia Regional Library. The family said they enjoyed that the experience combined reading and nature.

RIGHT: Live Oak Public Libraries check out Story

Stroll kits monthly for the students at a nearby

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school to enjoy.

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More Georgians are reading ebooks and audiobooks from their library
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Georgia Public Library Service | georgialibraries.org | Empowering libraries to improve the lives of all Georgians

More Georgians are reading ebooks from their public library. Checkouts of ebooks from Georgia public libraries increased 12% in 2024, according to preliminary data. Libraries continue to expand their digital reading collections to meet patron needs and adapt to shifting reading trends.
All Georgia public libraries offer access to free ebooks and downloadable audiobooks through services such as The Palace Project, Libby, Hoopla, Tumblebooks, GALILEO, or other platforms. Patrons can reach out to their local library to learn what digital reading services are available.
Ebooks and downloadable audiobooks allow users to find their next read, conduct research, or explore new topics from the convenience of their homes, keeping those who can't visit their library in person connected to a vast reading collection of over 700,000 ebooks and 30,000 digital audiobooks.
The complexities of providing ebooks
Libraries face a complex process to provide access to these digital materials.
Sarah Holmes, director of Catoosa County Library, says that offering ebooks involves navigating intricate agreements with publishers, dealing with various platforms, and managing changing pricing structures.
"There are a lot of rules and licensing surrounding ebooks. Our job is to make sure patrons can use their library cards to access relevant and timely available content," she said.

While more expensive, Georgia public libraries recognize the importance of investing in digital reading collections and have developed ways to ensure their patrons have free access.
For example, over 50 library systems are part of Georgia Download Destination (GADD), which provides shared access to over 100,000 titles for their patrons in a more cost-effective way, especially for smaller library systems.
This past summer, Georgia Public Library Service provided nearly $575,000 in initial funding to 45 library systems that opted into curating a shared collection through The Palace Project, which combines collections of ebooks and audiobooks using an easy-to-use app. GPLS also provided half a million dollars toward the establishment of a statewide, multilingual children's collection.
"Utilizing The Palace Project through Georgia Public Library Service funding not only enhances access to our statewide collection of ebooks and audiobooks, but it also significantly alleviates the financial strain libraries experience when acquiring digital content, particularly for smaller library systems," said Vice Chancellor for Archives and Libraries and State Librarian Julie Walker.
Libraries can access a wider variety of licensing terms for ebooks and downloadable audiobooks, including those that allow for permanent retention instead of rentals, through The Palace Project. These favorable licenses allow libraries to develop a longer-lasting collection.

The pandemic increased the need and demand for ebooks.

"The use of ebooks and digital audiobooks has rocketed in the last few years due to such factors as the pandemic and the closing of brick buildings for a time. The popularity also is due to an increased quantity of content," said J. Sara Paulk, director of Houston County Public Library.

Public libraries across the state have increased their budgets for electronic resources such as ebooks and downloadable audiobooks by 60% over the last five years, according to preliminary 2024 fiscal year data.
According to Beth McIntyre, director of Piedmont Regional Library System, it can be difficult for a library system to pay for a digital collection without broader financial assistance.

Check out ebooks and audiobooks through apps like Libby or The Palace Project with your library card and PIN.

"For Piedmont Regional Library System, the average cost for a library of an ebook or audiobook is about $70, compared to $30 for a physical book. And many of the digital titles are only `on loan' to libraries. Publishers dictate whether we can have a title in perpetuity, or only for a number of years, usually two, or only for a certain number of checkouts," said McIntyre.

Find popular fiction and nonfiction,
graphic novels, early readers, and more
using a mobile device or tablet. Learn more: g3eorgialibraries.org/eread-georgia

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Books for all types of readers
Ebooks and audiobooks continue to complement the physical titles that patrons can check out at the library. According to preliminary data, in 2024 there were 22,372,988 physical checkouts across Georgia public libraries, compared to 4,010,248 ebook circulations and 4,242,182 audiobook circulations.
"Readers today have the option of choosing different formats based on their needs at specific times," said Paulk. "Digital audiobooks can help new learners with pronunciation, while printed materials provide selfpaced learning. Readers who always want to have the next book ready use ebooks to have multiple books in the queue."
Libraries recognize the changes in reading trends and ensure their patrons continue to have access to reading materials, no matter what format they need.
For example, Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (GLS) provides library services for individuals who are blind or whose physical abilities require the use of books and magazines in audio format or in braille.

Studies show that audiobooks can support and promote literacy, comprehension, and a love of reading in students with reading disabilities. GLS supports those with dyslexia by providing audiobooks and magazines that are easy to access. Patrons can instantly download titles, begin reading, and take the time they need to enjoy a book. There are no holds or delays in getting books and no fines in returning items after a due date. GLS does have an application process, and individuals are eligible if they have been diagnosed with a perceptual or reading disability that prevents them from reading regular print materials.
According to Holmes, providing digital reading materials is just one way libraries support their community's needs.
"There is still a need for physical collections, not everyone has the ability to access digital collections, especially in more rural areas," said Holmes. "And libraries are more than just books. As librarians, we do our best to cultivate a safe space for learning and discovery, cultivating relationships, and building community." n

Any Georgian with a reading disability is eligible for the GLS talking-book program.

"As librarians, we do our best to cultivate a safe space for learning and discovery, cultivating relationships, and building community."
Sarah Holmes, director of Catoosa County Library

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Georgia Public Library Service | georgialibraries.org | Empowering libraries to improve the lives of all Georgians

Libraries create new places

and updated spaces to meet

community needs

Creating a Third Place for the community
In July, Sequoyah Regional Library System (SRLS) opened the newly renovated Hickory Flat Public Library in Canton, where patrons were welcomed by a colorful design and welcoming spaces, bigger areas for books and technology, meeting and program rooms, and additional seating for studying or reading.

"This library is all about people and spaces," said Angela Cortellino, executive director of SRLS. "We still have books, with better design for browsing. We still have technology. But you also will find some unique spaces for people to connect, explore, and discover."

Since its reopening, many in the community have taken advantage of the renovated spaces.

Library staff and leaders cut the ribbon to open the new Library Annex branch of Middle Georgia Regional Library.
Georgia public libraries are transforming to meet the evolving needs of their communities. With support from Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) and state funding, libraries are creating new spaces and revitalizing existing ones to foster lifelong learning, creativity, and collaboration in welcoming, modern environments.
As of September 2024, 28 public library facilities in Georgia are being planned, designed, or built. Additionally, 39 libraries received financial assistance this year for structural repairs such as roofing or HVAC, or technology upgrades like faster Wi-FI or computers, ensuring they can continue to serve their communities effectively.
GPLS supports these projects with expertise on the planning and funding of construction, remodeling, energy conservation, emergency preparedness, and accessibility.
"Library construction projects include increasing access to new technology, building meeting spaces, and making updates to help libraries become dynamic community hubs with services and resources to support learning at any age," said Nate Rall, assistant vice chancellor of Planning and Programs at Georgia Public Library Service.

"We created a Third Place - somewhere to hang out besides home or work - with a community-focused kitchen and multiple styles of seating. Designed to be adaptable to our community's needs, people have used our Third Place as a place to study, connect, create, or take a break," said Sarah Childers, marketing manager at SRLS.

The new and renovated spaces were designed with the needs of the growing community in mind.

"The library is located near elementary, middle, and high schools," said Cortellino. "The students, as well as young families living around the library, influenced the design. The renovated library has a dedicated teen room, which we did not have before. We also have multiple areas for tutoring and a play space with musical instruments."

Meeting the community where they are
A unique aspect of the Library Annex branch that Middle Georgia Regional Library opened earlier this year is that it's located in a fully enclosed shopping mall.

"Having a branch inside the busy Macon Mall enables

shoppers to discover the library," said Middle Georgia

Regional Library Director Jennifer Lautzenheiser. "When

the Library offices and

Agnonv3eerxnompeenntesde,ritvijcoeinseadlreseavdeyrsatlactoiounnetyd

at

the mall, along with the world's largest indoor pickle-

ball facility, making it an ideal spot for county workers,

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At left: Kathy Pillatzki, director of Henry County Library System, whose library recently completed a renovation to repurpose areas to better serve their engaged community.
"We had a line at the door when we opened. People were lined up like they were waiting for concert tickets to go on sale."
Below, a patron uses the library's updated space to schedule clients for her small business.

university students, older adults, and residents seeking library services."
According to Lautzenheiser, the new branch allows the library system to more efficiently serve its existing patrons and prepare for new ones. The location features a children's area, three study rooms, and the first public meeting room in Macon-Bibb County.
Many community members use the study rooms daily, and many mall employees have also become regular patrons.
"In one instance, a patron came in just to print her resume but was able to reformat the resume and write a cover letter with assistance from library staff, remarking that the help she received made her feel confident to

apply for the job she was seeking," said Lautzenheiser.
Building with community support
"Support for building and renovating libraries starts with local communities," said Rall. "These libraries, in turn, support their community's needs."
When library systems apply for state funding through GPLS, communities must match a certain percentage of the project's cost to be considered for a Capital Outlay Grant, which is primarily for new construction and also provides financial aid for full-facility renovations and large additions to existing facilities. To help get matching funds, community members advocate for funding by contacting Senate and House committee members. In 2019, Henry County Library System sought state funding to renovate McDonough Public Library to address

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Georgia Public Library Service | georgialibraries.org | Empowering libraries to improve the lives of all Georgians

safety and security issues and to repurpose underutilized space. With support from then Henry County Commissioner Gary Barham, 10% of matching funds were provided through SPLOST.
"All members of the Henry County delegation to the Georgia General Assembly were supportive when it came time to advocate for funds from the legislature," said Kathy Pillatzki, director of the Henry County Public Library System. "Senator Emanuel Jones provided key support by writing a letter of support to the chair of the Senate budget committee."

tive meeting and programming space the Gary Barham Community Studio.
The library reopened in August 2024 with overwhelming support and enthusiasm from the community.
"We had a line at the door when we opened. People were lined up like they were waiting for concert tickets to go on sale," said Pillatzki. n

With the local 10% match of $100,000 secured, the system applied for a Capital Outlay Grant and was awarded the remaining 90% ($900,000).

"We repurposed an area that was once reference stacks to create a new Young Adult section. We repurposed an unused hallway to create a new study room and a separate lactation space. We also reconfigured the main circulation desk to improve safety for both staff and patrons," said Pillatzki.

Commissioner Barham died of COVID-19 during the pandemic and did not get to see the final project. In his honor, the library's Board of Trustees named a collabora-

Families utilize the renovated space at Hickory Flat Public Library for reading, learning, and more.

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Quilt raises awareness of recovery as an ongoing creative process.
Libraries to host "Comfort of Recovery" quilt

Four Georgia libraries will host the "Comfort of Recovery" quilt as part of a partnership between Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS), the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University, and Rise2Recovery (R2ISE), an award-winning recovery community organization.
Over 100 people have contributed to handcrafting the quilt, including R2ISE peers and supporters, Carlos Museum staff, and Emory University students.
"We want people all over Georgia to know that recovery is real, and we should support people in recovery. What better place to have the quilt than in a library, where people come to learn," said R2ISE member Christa Kendrick.
North Cobb Regional Library held a public event on Sept. 21 to share the quilt's story, including multiple powerful stories of addiction recovery through the healing power of art, including spoken word, dance, sewing, and more. The quilt emphasizes recovery as an ongoing creative process.
"May we illustrate the power of recovery, share hope, diminish stigma, and provide comfort to families who have lost loved ones to addictive diseases and or mental health challenges. Every stitch, every square, represents a moment in time where we raised awareness, where

we shared our stories of recovery," said Alexia Jones, executive director of R2ISE.
The quilt was created as a collaborative project between R2ISE and the Carlos Museum. R2ISE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a safe space for individuals recovering from substance abuse disorders and mental health challenges. R2ISE uses art as a method of healing and recovery from addiction.
Since the quilt's unveiling in 2023, it has been displayed at the Georgia Governor's Office, Emory University School of Medicine, and The Carter Center. The quilt's latest tour builds on the longstanding partnership between Georgia Public Library Service and the Carlos Museum, which also includes the Carlos Museum Family Pass, which can be checked out from any public library in Georgia for up to six free admissions, and the Wrapped Up in Reading children's summer reading challenge.
"We are proud to partner with R2ISE and the Carlos Museum to bring `The Comfort of Recovery' quilt to Georgia libraries. This quilt offers our libraries an opportunity and path to build and support an empathetic, supportive community at the library, a place that welcomes everyone," said Julie Walker, state librarian and vice chancellor for Libraries and Archives.

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The "Comfort of Recovery" tour includes: Sept. 18 Oct. 31, 2024: North Cobb Regional Library, Cobb County Public Library Nov. 11, 2024 Jan. 3, 2025: Post Road Library, Forsyth County Public Library Jan. 20 March 10, 2025: Clayton State University Library March 24 May 12, 2025: Middle Georgia State University Library n
WATCH A VIDEO ABOUT THE QUILT
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Julie Walker, state librarian Deborah Hakes, editor Fabian Munive, contributor Sarah Young, contributor
Library News (ISSN 1546-511X) is published by the Georgia Public Library Service, the state agency that empowers public libraries to improve the lives of all Georgians.
This publication is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Georgia Public Library Service under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act. Information presented in this magazine will be provided in alternative formats on request.
PHOTO CREDITS: COVER, P. 4, P. 6: Jennifer Mottola; P. 2 Northeast Georgia Regional Library; P.3 top Courtesy of West Georgia Regional Library ; P. 3 bottom Courtesy of Tybee Island Maritime Academy; P. 7 Courtesy of Middle Georgia Regional Library; P. 8 Deborah Hakes; P. 9 Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System; P. 10-11 Fabian Munive

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