Georgia Public Library Service news, 2018 February

A newsletter for friends and employees of Georgia's public libraries

volume 15, issue 4 February 2018

Live Oak Libraries Three Rivers Regional

Live Oak Public Libraries join PINES
With the addition of Live Oak Public Libraries in Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty Counties, the PINES (Public Information Network for Electronic Services) member network now includes 302 public libraries across 145 counties. PINES serves residents of all 159 Georgia counties through a network of lending public libraries and service outlets.

Highlighting the importance of this statewide collaboration, State Librarian Julie Walker said, "PINES started in 1999, when 98 libraries came together to collaborate and share materials in a brand new way. Over the years, we've had several libraries join PINES, and I'm so proud to see it expand to include the Live Oak Public Libraries. I'm confident that Live Oak's patrons will be delighted with the ability to access and borrow library resources easily via the expansive PINES network."

With a PINES library card, Live Oak Public Libraries patrons have access to 11 million books and other items from public libraries across Georgia. PINES card holders can check out items from any of the 53 partner library systems in the state. Library users can
See LIVE OAK, page 2

A library patron celebrates Live Oaks joining the PINES network.

Transformational family literacy program
expands to 17 Georgia public libraries
The Sandra Dunagan Deal Center for Early Language and Literacy has awarded a mini-grant to Georgia Public Library Service to help fund expansion of PRIME TIME Family Reading Time to 17 public libraries across Georgia.

The Charlton County Public Library recently held its grand re-opening and ribbon cutting ceremony. Those in attendance were able to tour the library and see the recent expansion and renovations. The project has taken over 10 years to plan and complete. Pictured are member of the local Board of Trustees, library staff, Friends of the Library, and the Three Rivers Regional Library System.

Developed by the Louisiana Endowment of the Humanities in 1991, the program aims to create the precondition for future learning among economically and educationally vulnerable families. Over a six-week period, children and their families are introduced to award-winning, illustrated, and culturally diverse stories followed by discussion that encourage a love of reading and the library. The program demonstrates how literature can enrich one's life, models strategies for continued family bonding through literature, and provides families critical information on library resources for continued reading once the program ends.

See PRIME TIME, page 2

PRIME TIME
Continued from page 1

"We are so proud that PRIME TIME is expanding in Georgia achievement. They also have an impact that is visible to

and grateful to the Sandra Dunagan Deal Center for Early

those in the room.

Language and Literacy for investing in our children's future,"

said Elaine Black, director of

"One dad attended,

youth services at GPLS.
PRIME TIME is a way that libraries can impact the lives of community members who may not be avid readers and show them that books are not just for school. They also can be a source for family fun and bonding. Barriers to

DeKalb County Library

Participants in the 2017 DeKalb County program at the Chamblee Library. DeKalb is offering PRIME TIME Family Time at the Tucker library this spring, as well as the PRIME TIME Preschool Program at four branches from 2018-2020 through a grant from the National Endowment for Humanities.

reluctantly, the first session and was really unsure about why his family should participate. He sat in a chair behind his wife and daughter on the floor as the first book was read. As the discussion started though, he began to nod along to some comments. By the time the

participation are removed

second book began, he was

- dinner is provided, as well as activities for any younger

sitting next to his daughter and reading the book with her.

siblings who may attend.

He became very involved in the discussion and afterward,

he asked if the program could run longer than six weeks

"Book discussions center on some of life's bigger issues -

because it was so wonderful!" said Mary Wood, Community

What does it mean to be brave? What does it mean to be

Engagement Librarian at the Cobb County Public Library

fair? The program encourages critical thinking skills as it also System.

provides a way for non traditional library users to talk about

books without hurdles or judgment," said Elaine Black.

Eighteen families are eligible to participate at each location.

Local community organizers help identify families to

PRIME TIME programs are proven to generate long-term

participate, and participants get to keep the books at the

improvements in family engagement and student academic end of the program.

LIVE OAK
Continued from page 1
obtain materials beyond what is available locally and have these items delivered to their home library branch free of charge.

Live Oak Libraries

PINES Program Director Elizabeth McKinney adds, "As per the PINES mission statement, all member libraries agree to a common set of policies and procedures so that patrons have a consistent experience at any PINES library."

Through service at other library systems in Georgia, Live Oak Public Libraries administration and technical services staff have more than 30 years of combined experience with PINES.

PINES runs on the Evergreen automation system, an open-source software program originally developed in-house by GPLS, and now in use worldwide by more than 1,500 libraries. PINES is managed by GPLS staff and is provided at no cost to Georgia library systems. By utilizing economies of scale and eliminating the need for individual automation system contracts, PINES has enabled local libraries statewide to reduce software expenditures by approximately $10 million a year.

First PINES library card registration at Live Oak's Oglethorpe Mall Library!

2 Georgia Public Library Service News February 2018

PINES sees significant upgrades

PINES, Georgia's public library automation and lending network, recently completed a major software upgrade.
The upgrade to PINES 3.0 comes with several new features:
PINES now includes a webbased option. This allows libraries to use the system without downloading software to local computers.
Patrons can choose to have their checkout receipts emailed to them instead of printed.
New search features allow staff to quickly locate patron accounts.
Virtual keyboards can be installed on some mobile devices in order to use the its camera as a barcode scanner.
"One of the exciting updates is that PINES is now scaled for use on a wide variety of mobile devices," said Elizabeth McKinney, PINES program

director. "Librarians can now check out books for patrons from the aisles or sign up kids at school for library cards via tablet."
A community of talent including GPLS and library system staff, as well as software developers, have worked since 2013 on the update. GPLS has been testing with libraries since September 2017.

through a shared catalog of titles, and the new upgrade makes check out and library card registration even easier.
With the addition of Live Oak Public Libraries in February 2018, PINES is now in 302 public libraries and affiliated service outlets in 145 counties. PINES serves patrons in all 159 Georgia counties.

"So far, almost all reports have been that the system is running smoothly and faster since the upgrade," said McKinney.
PINES runs on the Evergreen automation system, an open-source software program originally developed in-house by GPLS, and now in use worldwide by more than 1,500 libraries. PINES offers a statewide network for library card holders with consistent circulation rules and a statewide courier to make it easy for books to get from system to system. This allows member libraries to easily loan books

PINES by the Numbers More than 1.9 million PINES
library cards in use Nearly 1 of 5 Georgians (18.9%)
have PINES cards PINES serves patrons in all 159
Georgia counties 11 million items (books, tapes,
CDs, videos) 16 million circulations in FY
2017

Lauren McDonald

First-grader Carolyn Morrow is excited to receive her very own PINES library card from Library Director Geri Lynn Mullis.

Partnership gives first-graders library cards
Marshes of Glynn Libraries partnered with Glynn County Schools to pilot a campaign to put library cards in the hands of all the first grade students in Glynn County. "Millard Allen, a Glynn County Board of Education member; Sung Hui Lewis, the Teaching and Learning Services Assistant Superintendent; and I were discussing partnership possibilities between the schools and public libraries to further the education of students outside the classroom," said Geri Lynn Mullis, the director of Marshes of Glynn Libraries. "We all agreed providing library cards to students was a wonderful idea and boom the First Grade Library Card Campaign was born.
"Libraries can fill an important gap for students through programs that keep them engaged and learning outside of school and during the summer," said Mullis. Highquality programs can curb summer learning loss, boost student achievement, and close the academic gap that exists in many communities, according to the RAND Corporation.
The campaign kicked off in Glynn County at the beginning of the 2017-2018 school See PARTNERSHIP, page 5
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February 2018 Georgia Public Library Service News

Libraries thriving in a new era of outreach, meeting de

More than 300,000 Georgians joined the ranks of the 4.2 million library cardholders in the state last year, discovering the value that having a library card offers. "Libraries are delighted to welcome these new cardholders and eager to showcase all of the ways the library can save them money, enhance their educational pursuits, and support the joy of reading," said State Librarian Julie Walker.
"The public library is one of the few places in the community where you don't have to pay an entrance fee or buy a cup of coffee to use the space. You just have to walk in the door while the library is open to use the library's computers, or your own device on the library's wi-fi, read the paper, or browse the book shelves."

Twin Lakes Library System

"The impact of materials money is clear. Libraries were able to expand their downloadable collections, including e-books, audiobooks, movies, and music services, by around eight percent. And in turn, more patrons enjoyed these free materials, by a whopping 38 percent increase over last year. This shows that libraries are providing services very much in demand across the state," said Wendy Cornelisen, assistant state librarian for library innovation and collaboration.

And Georgians have more chances to do just that, as libraries across the state were able to keep their doors open for additional hours in 2017.

"Georgia's public libraries continue to restore public service hours that were lost during the economic downturn that began in 2008. This is the third year in a row that we've seen an increase, thanks in large part to efforts by county and municipal funding agencies to restore library funding," said Walker.

The Henry County Library System was one such beneficiary. "Thanks to the

Five-year-old Cattaleah Trawick high-fives Mac the Barbarian of the Macon Mayhem at the Vinson Memorial Library of the Twin Lakes Library System during their "We Read" after school program.

support of the Henry County Board of

Commissioners, all five of our libraries were able to re-open

on Fridays in 2017. Our Friday programs, from storytime for Georgia's public libraries are more popular than ever, with

babies and visits from senior centers to computer tutoring, more than 28 million in-person visits in 2017. One big reason

have proven extremely popular," stated interim director

Georgians visit their local library: free wi-fi and public access

Kathy Pillatzki.

computers.

The Georgia General Assembly specifically allocated funds for library materials --at a rate of 25 cents per capita--in fiscal year 2017, after materials funding had been unavailable in recent years. "The Georgia Council of Public Libraries, a statewide advocacy group made up of library leaders, had specifically requested this funding," Walker said. "This level of support for public libraries helps keep library materials upto-date and allows libraries to meet the growing demand for both traditional and digital library materials."

"Public libraries continue to be the best point of online access for those people without Internet connections at home, school, or work," said Walker. In 2017, hundreds of thousands of individuals used public-access computers at libraries across the state, totalling more than 12 million sessions, with another 4.8 million wireless connections. "I'm proud to say that every public library in Georgia has high-speed internet access available to the public. This access is an essential component in workforce development in the digital age, and allows all Georgians, regardless of income, to participate in the online world."

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demands of 21st Century Georgians

The newest addition to GALILEO, Georgia's online library for programs with: the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory

subscription-only information that isn't available through

University, the Atlanta Gladiators East Coast Hockey League

free search engines, is Gale's Legal Forms, which is for

team, Second Wind Dreams, and the Macon Mayhem

anyone looking for basic fill-in-the-blank legal forms. "It's

Southern Professional Hockey League team. The Carlos'

possible to avoid legal disputes

library pass loan program had an

"Libraries are unique places and misunderstandings when
agreements are made in writing,"

incredible first full year with over 3,000 circulations of the pass,

commented Cornelisen. "Our smaller libraries have seen the most use in this resource;

that bridge the gap between which allows admission for up to six people to visit the museum. digital and physical, local And making summer reading

Conyers-Rockdale Library has double the use of larger systems."

and global."

that much more interesting, the Gladiator's "Hat Trick for Reading

Challenge" had over 1,300 children

As libraries evolve their services to meet the needs of

register to earn free tickets to select

Georgia's residents, they are also taking the library beyond Gladiator's games, and 22 libraries were visited by the team's

the traditional four walls of the building.

mascot, Maximus.

Don Giamanconi, youth services specialist at the Gwinnett County Library, defines library outreach as "an extension of our resources and of our influence into the community. We've really been able to continue expanding our footprint in our communities by finding creative ways to leverage our staff and resources. This effort has led to innovative programs like English Talk & Learn, where English learners are paired with librarians who speak the patron's native language and are encouraged to make regular visits to their local branch for classes."
The Ocmulgee Regional Library System expanded their reach into the public schools of Bleckley, Dodge, Pulaski, Telfair, Wheeler, and Wilcox counties with a library-provided technology kit. Each kit includes 3D printer, laptop, scanner, 3D pens, Raspberry Pi, how to books, and DVDs to support science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) curriculum.
"The kits have expanded the STEAM curriculum and given our students a way to embrace technology that otherwise would not have been available," said Anne Bowen, director of the Ocmulgee Regional Library System.
This melding of education, entertainment, and saving families money is a familiar theme in Georgia's public libraries. Through the thirteen GPLS-sponsored partnership programs--which include Zoo Atlanta, the Atlanta Hawks, and Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites--thousands of Georgians were educated and entertained, and public libraries received hundreds of hours of free programming in fiscal year 2017. In fact, the year saw the launch of four new partnership

"Libraries are unique places that bridge the gap between digital and physical, local and global. They serve Georgians across generational lines and embrace the future while also keeping our history and traditions alive. There's something for everyone at the library," said Walker.
PARTNERSHIP
Continued from page 3
year; applications went out to schools in August. Parents who signed their first grader up through the campaign received an added benefit - any fines and fees associated with their own library card was waived. This gave the family a fresh start to use libraries. Thanks to grant funding from the Rotary Club of St. Simons Island, the libraries also were able to purchase and distribute a free copy of "The Bravest Fish", by Matt Buckingham, for all first grade students.
Jennifer Morrow's daughter, Caroline, was one of the students who signed up. Mrs. Morrow told the libraries, "Caroline is so proud of her `own' library card. She loves presenting it to check out books, and I love that it is just another reason to visit our local library. We are so blessed to have great public libraries and the abundance of books there for our children to explore."
Unfortunately, Hurricane Irma hit the area during the middle of the campaign. This caused a delay in the application and card dispersal process. Even with the disruption, 297 new library cards were issued. This represents 30 percent of all first graders enrolled in Glynn County Schools this year. The school system and libraries considered it a successful inaugural campaign, and they are already working on the drive for next school year.

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GPLS announces public library awards

Staff

Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) announced

"I believe libraries are the center of life in every

the recipients of the annual Georgia Public

community and play a key role in the `whole

Library Awards, which honor the outstanding

life' education of our children and adults," said

service and achievements of Georgia's public

Chairman Hill.

libraries, librarians, and advocates during the

past year.

Carolyn Fuller was named Librarian of the

Year, an award that recognizes a full-time and

"It is once again our pleasure to recognize

professionally licensed public librarian whose

library colleagues and supporters who have

innovative and creative talents are instrumental

made Georgia's public libraries exceptional. This Valerie Bell

in the delivery of outstanding library service to

year's winners of the Georgia Public Library

his or her library and to the communities it serves.

Staff

Awards demonstrate the very best in innovation,

The long-serving director of the Henry County

community engagement, and tireless dedication

Library System said, "It has been a joy and an

to serving the citizens of our state, playing a vital

adventure to work in one of the fastest-growing

role in creating a more educated, enlightened

counties in the country. I have always had a great

Georgia," said State Librarian Julie Walker.

staff with which to work, and we have loved

bringing great resources to the people in Henry

The Athens Regional Library System has been

County."

selected as Georgia's Public Library of the Year.

"I am beyond proud of our library staff. It is such an amazing honor to be recognized for the hard

Wendy Cornelisen and Carolyn Fuller

For the first time, GPLS has presented a Lifetime Achievement Award winner. Stephen Whigham has worked in libraries since 1979, serving as

Staff

work we do every day in each of our branches,"

director of the Ocmulgee Regional Library System

said Athens Regional Library System Executive

from 2005-2012. Since 2014, he has filled the role

Director Valerie Bell.

of interim director at six different library systems

across the state.

Georgia's Public Library Champion of the Year

award was presented to an outstanding advocate

"Georgians are fortunate to boast one of the

who is not employed in any capacity by a public

most organized and well-supported library

library but whose support significantly raised

systems in the country. That honor goes right

the profile of libraries and improved services

back to the Georgia Public Library Service and

during the year. This year, GPLS recognized the Appropriation Chairs of the Georgia General

Stephen Whigham and its staff members, to the legislators and local

Julie Walker

governments and institutions supporting our

Assembly: Rep. Terry England and Sen. Jack Hill.

public libraries, and to our fine citizens who

encourage us in our work," stated Whigham.

"Libraries are places of learning that help build up our

communities across the state. By supporting every Georgia Nominations for this year's awards were submitted from

public library at the state level, every Georgian can take

public library directors and trustees, and members of

advantage of award-winning, nationally recognized

recognized Friends of the Library groups. Collectively, more

services, like PINES and GALILEO," said Chairman England. than three dozen nominations from around the state.

Governor's budget includes MRR funding

Governor Nathan Deal presented his $26 billion budget for fiscal year 2019 in his last State of the State address at the Georgia Capitol on Thursday, Jan 11. More than half of the proposed spending focuses on education, continuing Gov. Deal's commitment to the importance of knowledge and lifelong learning for Georgians. It includes $2 million in funds for major repair and renovation (MRR) projects at public libraries. 6

"Over the years, libraries in every corner of the state have benefited from the generous support of Georgia's General Assembly. There are 407 libraries in Georgia, and these MRR funds allow Georgia's public libraries to be the 21st century spaces we are so proud of," said State Librarian Julie Walker.
See BUDGET, page 7

BUDGET
Continued from page 6 "Renovating existing library structures is often more cost effective than new construction, and bolsters the local construction industry in various parts of the state," said Nathan Rall, GPLS's director of library planning and construction. "If approved by the legislature, the MRR funds will be used for much-needed repairs and updates."
"We want our libraries to be welcoming spaces for everyone in the community. Almost 60 percent of public library buildings in Georgia were constructed before the Americans with Disabilities Act went into effect in 1991, making these public spaces at risk of non-compliance with ADA guidelines," Rall added.
The General Assembly will use Governor Deal's recommendations as a starting point to develop and pass the state's budget, which the governor will then sign or veto. The state fiscal year for 2019 begins on July 1, 2018.
Public library day
On Jan. 30, librarians and library supporters gathered at the state capitol to advocate for public libraries across the state.

Twin Lakes Director Stephen Houser and Rep. Rick Williams.

Director Pauline Abidde (Dougherty County) with Rep. Darrel Ealum and Wanda Brown, asst. director at Dougherty County (far right).

Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System librarians Oscar Gittemeier (adult outreach) and Amanda Densmore, (community engagement).

NEWS IN BRIEF

Deborah Hakes has been named director of
communications at GPLS. She began her duties on Jan. 12. Prior to GPLS, Hakes was director of communications at Welcoming America, and previously worked in President Carter's press office at The Carter Center.

Staff

Save the Date
Harris County Library Dedication Ceremony and Open House March 29, 2018 | 11:00 a.m. 7511 GA Highway 116 Hamilton, GA

Dawn Dale and Peggy Chambliss

began new duties at GPLS. Dale was

hired for the PINES Services Specialist,

Circulation position. Chambliss joined

the PINES team as the Cataloging

Specialist.

Hakes

Aaron Bentzel is GPLS's new administrative coordinator. In his role, Bentzel provides support to GPLS staff and serves as a liaison to vendors and the community.

Georgia Accessibility Conference March 26-28, 2018 Lake Blackshear Resort Cordele, GA
Sharon Forks Dedication April 13, 2018 | 10:00 a.m. 2820 Old Atlanta Rd Cumming, GA

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1800 Century Place, Suite 150 Atlanta, GA 30345-4304
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CONTACT US

Georgia Public Library Service
1800 Century Place, Suite 150 Atlanta, GA 30345-4304 404.235.7200 | 404.235.7201 fax www.georgialibraries.org
Julie Walker, state librarian Wendy Cornelisen, assistant state librarian Deborah Hakes, contributor Roy Cummings, contributor Dustin Landrum, contributor

Treasures revealed
"Georgia's Treasures: Exploring Your Genealogy, History and Culture at Public Libraries" is now available at public libraries across the state. This 16-page, full-color booklet showcases the genealogy resources found in numerous public libraries in Georgia.

Georgia Public Library Service News (ISSN 1546-511X) is published bimonthly by the Georgia Public Library Service, the state

"As families come together this holiday season, we hope this

agency that supports public libraries and works with them to improve the quality and variety of library services available to Georgia citizens of all ages.
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.

booklet will inspire future visits to Georgia's public libraries. Whether visitors are new to uncovering family history or seasoned genealogy researchers, these distinctive collections offer

Information presented in this newsletter will be provided in something for everyone," said

alternative formats on request. For more information about Georgia's libraries, visit www.georgialibraries.org

State Librarian Julie Walker.

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