Library news (Georgia Public Library Service), 2025 Winter

LIBRARY NEWS
Sharing stories of Georgia's libraries changing lives and communities Winter 2025
10 reasons to love your library
What's your favorite reason?
Library Treasures: Scrapbook gives a peek into the lives of Georgians during World War I Audiobooks support patrons with reading disabilities
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Georgia Public Library Awards honor the outstanding achievements of public library leaders, staff, and champions

Georgia Public Library Service is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Georgia Public Library Awards, which honor public libraries and their champions who have made a profound difference in communities.
Winners are selected from nominations submitted by library patrons, trustees, Friends of Libraries groups, and staff, showcasing the best and brightest who serve in public libraries throughout the state.
u Anna Lyle of Forsyth County Public Library is Director of the Year;
u Kristen Timoteo, outreach coordinator and branch manager at Coweta Public Library System, is Library Employee of the Year;
u Howard Holman, Ohoopee Regional Library trustee, is Library Champion of the Year;
u Dr. Linda Most, former associate professor at Valdosta State University, posthumously receives this year's Lifetime Achievement Award;
u And to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the awards, YOUR library all Georgia's libraries are Library of the Year.

"This year's honorees demonstrate how libraries are partners in everything that Georgia does, from strengthening early literacy to building a strong economy."
Vice Chancellor for Libraries & Archives and State Librarian Julie Walker

Learn more at georgialibraries.org/library-awards2024.

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2024 Georgia Public Library Awards

10 reasons to love

Georgia public libraries

Our Georgia Library of the Year is YOUR library. As we celebrate, we are highlighting ten reasons to love Georgia public libraries. What is your favorite reason? Share with us at georgialibraries.org/library-story.
This fall, we received a record number of Library of the Year nominations from across the state, sharing how their local library has made a difference in their community. People told us about all the great classes at their library, their favorite librarian, and so much more.
There are many great reasons to visit your local public library, and with 408 branches, including at least one in each Georgia county, there is sure to be one close by. Here are ten reasons why Georgians love their library:
1 Books for every type of reader. All libraries offer standard print books, large print, audiobooks, and ebooks, as well as braille through Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. There are library materials for all ages and abilities. If there is a way you prefer to read, your library can help you check out materials in that format.

If you have a class idea, share it with your local librarians, who often create classes around local interests.
"The Pinewoods Library offers free English classes for the community, citizenship classes, and crafts for all ages," one patron wrote. "It helps the community connect with each other and with organizations that can help them. Personally, it has helped me a lot as I learn and practice English."
4 Activities for kids. Georgia's public libraries are places where children and families can participate in early literacy activities like storytime or learn skills from gardening to playing the ukulele.
These programs help children build literacy, social, and language skills, setting them up for success in school and beyond. 2024 saw an increase of over 200,000 in children's programming attendance at libraries statewide, including at annual Summer Reading Program events that help close achievement gaps. More than 1,353,000 children and caregivers came to the library for programs created just for them.

2 Tech for checkout. At the library, you can check out a laptop to search for jobs, apply for retirement benefits, complete homework, and more. Parents can borrow a Launchpad interactive learning tablet loaded with literacy apps and games to encourage young readers. Or check out a mobile internet hotspot to connect with Wi-Fi wherever you go.

One patron told us, "The library changed my life. I live by a state park and have no internet access. The W.H. Stanton Memorial Library staff showed me how to check out a hotspot, and now I can watch the news and TV shows at home!" Demand for laptops and Launchpads increased this year as laptops saw a 91% increase in checkouts and Launchpads saw a 39% increase.

3 Classes for grown-ups. Libraries offer a wide variety of classes for adults to learn new skills like

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knitting, resume building, or applying for social

security benefits.

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5 Free internet. Many Georgians depend on their local library's public access computers and WiFi to apply for jobs, complete homework, or access online services.
All 408 public libraries offer free high-speed internet, and it is an essential service across the many rural regions of Georgia that lack basic connections.
"I have been using the Norcross Library while I recover from a medical emergency, which left me destitute and homeless. Being able to access the internet indoors is a huge burden lifted off of my shoulders," one patron told us.
By expanding access to technology, Georgia's public libraries continue to be vital resources for individuals and families, promoting digital literacy and providing pathways to opportunity.
6 History resources. Your library has everything you need to explore family, local, or national history. Did you know many libraries collect rare or hard-to-find archival resources? These are items you won't find anywhere else, like a 450-year-old choral book,1936 film clips and images from the fifth-deadliest tornado outbreak in U.S. history, mid-century photographs from an African American community in north Georgia, or newspapers documenting the growing indie music scene in Athens, Georgia.

spaces and updating existing ones to foster lifelong learning, creativity, and collaboration in welcoming, modern environments. As of September 2024, 66 libraries are receiving financial assistance for new facilities or structural repairs, ensuring they can continue to serve their communities effectively.
This year, the Hickory Flat Public Library in Canton designed a Third Place for families and students from nearby schools to gather and connect, the Braselton Library expanded to have rooms for local groups to host activities, and the Middle Georgia Regional Library created a new branch in a busy Macon shopping mall to reach potential patrons in a convenient space.
8 Interlibrary loans. Can't find something at your library? Check the PINES catalog and put in a request!
A PINES library card is available to any Georgia resident and provides access to over 11 million library materials across more than 300 public libraries. Almost anywhere you visit in Georgia, you can stop by a PINES library to borrow or return materials.

9 Experience Passes. Explore Georgia and save money using your library card. Through partnerships with organizations across the state, Georgia public libraries provide educational and recreational opportunities to spend time together while saving money.
With your free library card, you can check out passes for free entry to Zoo Atlanta, Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites, the Center for Puppetry Arts, and more. If a group of

Libraries also have archival and genealogical source materials freely available online or in person through special collections. You can explore your family tree through HeritageQuest or Ancestry Library Edition at the library.
7 New or revitalized spaces. With support from Georgia Public Library Service and state funding, libraries are creating new

In fact, library cardholders borrowed more than 11,719,000 items for free through PINES libraries in 2024, an increase of 407,500 more checkouts than last year.
There's even a PINES app, so you can place your holds on the go.

Top left: Librarian Sophia Rodriguez reads a story to children at the Dawson County Library.
Bottom left: A patron enjoys a book at the Statham Public Library, where a patron shared that staff greet everyone who comes through the door.

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four uses all 12 Experience Passes, they would save more than $1,100 on admissions, tickets, and parking!
10 Librarians who are information experts and care about their patrons. The most special part about Georgia public libraries may just be the librarians themselves, who have a specialized education to be able to recommend reliable sources of information, accurately catalog books, or create early literacy activities.

One individual told us, "The reference librarians at the Duluth Library are such experts; they make it their business to learn the most efficient ways to find information."
They also provide a welcoming face as soon as you walk in the door.
"I love that the staff at Maysfield Public Library get so excited to see my little one come in. They have watched her grow since she was around four months old," wrote one patron.
Librarians help create lifelong learners through their dedication.

visiting one elementary school and one daycare in 2023 to 14 elementary schools, three major county-wide events, and four daycare facilities in 2024.
"Kristen's passion for service and her positive energy are contagious to all who have had the opportunity to interact with her," said Jimmy Bass, director of Coweta Public Library System.
"Her ability to make meaningful daily impacts on the variety of people she meets through providing library services never ceases to astound me." n

Top right: Library Employee of the Year Kristen Timoteo supports children's literacy through Coweta Public Library System.
Bottom right: Eli Frederick helping kids at the Norcross Library: "Eli encourages exploration and cultivates a sense of wonder."

"Eli is an extraordinary librarian at Norcross Library whose commitment to fostering a love for learning has had a profound impact on my 10-year-old son and his friends, who frequently visit the library's learning labs," a parent told us.
"He encourages exploration and helps to cultivate a sense of wonder. His influence will resonate for years to come, helping shape my son and his peers into lifelong learners and enthusiastic library supporters."
Our Library Employee of the Year Kristen Timoteo is known for efforts to reach and support children's literacy in her community.
At the Grantville branch of the Coweta Public Library System, Timo- 3 teo grew the library's outreach presence from

LIBRARIES NEED YOUR SUPPORT.
As libraries face a variety of challenges, we are grateful that Georgians are so vocal about their love and support for libraries.
You can support your library by sharing time or talent as a volunteer; sending a letter of support to your local, county, or state legislators; or telling us why you love your library at georgialibraries.org/ library-story.

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r LIBRARY TREASURES

Scrapbook gives a peek into the lives of Georgians during World War I

Imagine stepping back in time to uncover the personal stories and everyday moments of Georgians during the early 20th century, as the United States experienced World War I and ushered in the Progressive Era.
Elbert County Public Library's archival collection features a scrapbook of postcards compiled by Eva Thornton, a local Elberton resident, which captures a snapshot of life there from 19091922.

have examined the postcards enjoy trying to decipher the messages on the backside of the beautiful postcard illustrations.
Many patrons have taken pictures of the illustrations in hopes of recreating a similar image with paint and colored pencils.
Burroughs said the scrapbook is an example of the important role libraries play in preserving and documenting local history.

When you open the scrapbook's deep burgundy cover with slightly worn edges, you'll uncover pages of postcards sent between residents of Elbert County to Thornton and her relatives.
Thornton also received postcards from friends and family outside of Elbert County, including one relative stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, during World War I. Many of the postcards feature images of soldiers, sailors, and historic images of Washington, DC.
The postcards give an insight to life in Elbert County and paint a picture of life generally during this timeframe in a small town in Georgia, documenting small, intimate conversations.
In the scrapbook, you'll notice the abundance of Christmas and other holiday-themed postcards.
But why postcards?
"Think about it like how we use text messages and social media to communicate, these postcards give us an insight into how smaller conversations happened in a rural community before the technology we use today existed," said Josh Kitchens, director of Archival Services and Digital Initiatives at Georgia Public Library Service. "Typically when we think of historical writings, we think of long letters that people wrote to each other from large distances."
According to Janet Burroughs, director of Elbert County Public Library, patrons who

"Many times when distant family members inherit items such as family Bibles, scrapbooks, or diaries, the relative may have little to no interest in keeping the documents, have no space in which to store it, or store in a place with environmental conditions where it is likely to deteriorate," said Burroughs. "Libraries can preserve items like these for future generations and those interested in design, history, and genealogy."
With digitization, the scrapbook and the stories inside can be shared with a wider audience.
"One of the things we do at Georgia Public Library Service is help digitize collections to make them more accessible. We work with the Digital Library of Georgia to digitize items, make them easier to use and researchable, and put them in context to give people insight into different things that are going on or occurring in a community at the time," said Kitchens.
The Eva Thorton scrapbook is freely available for public viewing at Elbert County Library, as well as online through the Digital Library of Georgia. n
SCAN THE QR CODE TO VIEW THE SCRAPBOOK ONLINE

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Check out archival collections at public libraries online and across the state
Many public libraries have unique items in archival collections waiting to be discovered. These collections provide a deeper understanding of the histories of people and places across Georgia. "Many of our libraries collect museum-quality art and artifacts that highlight our cultural history," said Vice Chancellor for Libraries & Archives and State Librarian Julie Walker. "Some collections have earned national acclaim; all have devoted local and regional followings. Each of them offers collections that are specialized, important, and often captivating whether you are tracing your family tree or delving deeply into one of the many rich periods of Georgia history." Researchers, students, teachers, genealogists, or anyone interested in local or family history are certain to enjoy exploring the varied treasures in libraries' distinctive and carefully curated collections. Many of these archives have been digitized and made accessible anywhere there is an internet connection through the Digital Library of Georgia. Learn more about exploring history at the library at georgialibraries.org/genealogy.
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Audiobooks support patrons with reading disabilities

Audiobooks enable those with dyslexia to focus on what is being said rather than trying to decipher the letters and words written on a page.

reading needs were available and signed Kyrieann up for a membership to Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (GLS).

When Bonnie's daughter, Kyrieann, 11, was diagnosed with dyslexia, she knew that finding ways to support learning and keep her on track in school would be crucial.
"I can see the words on the page and understand them in my head, but then I can't speak them aloud. Or sometimes I will mix words up," said Kyrieann.
Kyrieann has always loved stories, but due to her disability, she was not always drawn to reading physical books.
"When she was really little, she did not have a desire to read at all," said Bonnie.
Bonnie and her father also have reading disabilities, so she knew that services that catered to her daughter's

The GLS resource that has had the biggest impact on Kyrieann's reading are audiobooks through BARD, the National Library Service's Braille and Audio Reading Download program, which provides instant access to hundreds of thousands of books, magazines, and music materials in audio and electronic braille.
Studies show that audiobooks can support and promote literacy, comprehension, and a love of reading in students with reading disabilities.
According to Bonnie, while Kyrieann's dyslexia affects her ability to read written text, she excels at retaining and reciting information she hears. When tested by her school, she scored in the 98th percentile for verbal IQ.
"Sometimes when she reads a word she won't recognize

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it, but if she hears the words then she knows. She's an auditory learner," said Bonnie.
Kyrieann's love for stories is evident in her joy for performing theatre, where she can express herself and enjoy stories through performances and spoken dialogue, which comes more naturally to her.

Bonnie also uses BARD to read alongside her daughter and says it has helped bring them closer together. They have used BARD to listen to audiobooks together on road trips, while shopping, and even to immerse themselves on vacations, such as listening to Harry Potter books during a visit to the attraction at Universal Orlando Resort.

Audiobooks enable those with dyslexia to focus on what is being said rather than trying to decipher the letters and words written on a page.

"We can both listen to a book at the same time, and then we can talk about the book at dinner, or even while reading the book, we pause it to discuss," said Bonnie.

"I always liked stories, but I hated reading because I'm dyslexic and it just made it harder," said Kyrieann. "So I'm glad I have BARD so I can enjoy the stories".
Four years since her diagnosis, Kyrieann, now in 6th grade, is keeping pace with her classmates using the audiobooks available through BARD. She regularly uses BARD to listen to and better comprehend books she reads for her school's Battle of the Books reading challenge.
Bonnie has been pleasantly surprised that all the books that Kyrieann has been required or recommended to read for school have been available through BARD for free.
"With the support systems we have today, it allows her to do what she would be capable of even if she didn't have a reading disability," said Bonnie.

Although GLS services were intended to help Kyrieann with dyslexia, they also have helped Bonnie, who was not an active reader due to her own reading disability. BARD has made reading more accessible and a regular habit for both her and Kyrieann.
"It's a way to bring books to people that would not normally read books," said Bonnie. "It's made it more accessible to us."
"To be the conduit through which parents like Bonnie mold children like Kyrieann into inquisitive, lifelong readers who exemplify their respective family's values is our current primary mission and goal," said GLS State Director Kristin White. "With so many of our patrons now transitioning into their senior years, to be able to one day hear our youth as adults talk about how beneficial their GLS experience was as children and how much it was a

BARD is a collection of downloadable audiobooks, magazines, and braille provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress.

With audiobooks

through BARD, read-

ing has become more

accessible for Kyrieann,

pictured on page 8 with

her mother, Bonnie,

allowing her to engage

with books in a more

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manageable and

enjoyable way.

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part of their loving memories of family life is what we strive for every day."
While the majority of their patrons are blind or visually impaired, GLS caters to people with a wide range of reading disabilities, including those with dyslexia, ADHD, brain injuries, and who are not capable of physically holding a book, ensuring that everyone has access to accessible reading materials.

BARD enables him to access the information he loves in a format that he needs. He listens to audiobooks on a variety of topics ranging from weightlifting strategies to self-improvement.
"Without GLS, I'd have to find somebody to read to me, and I'd miss out on getting a lot of the information that I enjoy learning," said Offenhartz. "GLS helps us keep learning despite our disabilities; it takes down barriers."

For James Offenhartz, 43, a former social worker, GLS and BARD became an integral part of his life after a traumatic brain injury left him with a reading disability, causing memory and focus issues.
GLS 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 for returning items after a due date.
Offenhartz said GLS plays an essential role in his everyday life.
"When I try to read books with print, I space out," said James. "It's a lot easier to maintain the material when it's read to me."

Additionally, Offenhartz said through GLS virtual programs, like book clubs, he has connected to a community of other readers.
"So many people are under the misconception that our service is only for the blind," said White. "While the blind communities, as well as disabled veterans, were our first intended patron groups almost 100 years ago, as technology has evolved, our service has evolved to serve Americans who experience physical disabilities as well as those who experience other cognitive disorders such as dyslexia, all now categorized under the umbrella term of print-disabled." n
Could someone you know benefit from reading materials in an accessible format? Visit gls.georgialibraries.org to learn more.

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Former Governor

In celebration of National Braille Literacy Month in January, former Georgia Governor Nathan Deal visited Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (GLS) in Atlanta to discuss his children's book, "Veto the Governor's Cat," which is now available in braille, and to raise awareness of GLS resources for those who are blind or print-disabled.

Nathan Deal visits Georgia

The release of the braille edition builds on Deal's commitment to literacy, inspired by the late First Lady Sandra Deal's lifelong advocacy for early childhood education. "Making `Veto the Governor's Cat' available in braille is another step toward ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to experience the joy of reading," said Governor Deal. "Literacy is a tool for empowerment and equality, and accessibility is key to achieving that. Inspired by Sandra's lifelong dedication to early childhood education, our mission is to break down barriers to education whether through Braille for children who are blind or bilingual editions for Spanish-speaking families and create opportunities for all children to learn, grow, and thrive."

Library Service for the Blind and Print

Vice Chancellor for Libraries & Archives and State Librarian Julie Walker also participated in the event.
"We are grateful for Governor Deal's continued leadership and passion to promote literacy for all children," said Walker. "We encourage more people to visit Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled to take full advantage of their programs and accessible materials for those who are blind or whose physical abilities require the use of materials in audio format or braille."
GLS partners with public library systems to give Georgians access to materials from the free national library program administered by the Library of Congress and the National Library Service for the Blind & Print Disabled (NLS). GLS is located inside the Fulton County Central Branch Library on the first floor in downtown Atlanta.

Disabled

Check out "Veto3the Governor's Cat" in braille through GLS or in standard print via the PINES catalog. Learn more
about GLS at gls.georgialibraries.org. n

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CONTACT US

Georgia Public Library Service 2872 Woodcock Blvd, Suite 250 Atlanta, GA 30341 (404) 235-7200 www.georgialibraries.org communications@georgialibraries.org

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.10: Jennifer Mottola; P.3 Sequoyah Regional Library; P.5 top: Coweta County Public Library; P.5 bottom Gwinnett County Public Library; P7, top left, bottom right, P.8-9: Fabian Munive; P7 middle left: Digital Library of Georgia; P7 bottom left, Elbert County Public Library; P.11 Deborah Hakes

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