LIBRARY NEWS Sharing stories of Georgia libraries transforming lives and communities Volume 18, Issue 1, Summer 2020
Need back-to-school resources?
Your library has you covered
New collection features more than 100 years of digitized African American funeral programs Grow with Google funds Georgia public library programming to grow local businesses
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Need back-to-school
resources? Your public
library has you covered
Many libraries offer fine-free student cards, access to ebooks, online learning resources, Wi-Fi and more.
Back to school looks very different for families this fall, with some schools continuing virtual learning, others meeting in person, and some families opting to homeschool until the COVID-19 threat is reduced. Whatever your situation, your local public library has many resources to make teaching and learning easier for everyone.
In March 2020, students and their families had to quickly adapt to a virtual learning environment. Many did not have access to the internet, quality online learning resources, or electronic devices to complete homework. To meet these urgent needs, public libraries made it easier to obtain a library card online in order to use digital resources, extended Wi-Fi access to their parking lots, and some checked out devices to students.
Libraries are continuously expanding these resources. Here are some that may be useful as students head back to school:
Photo by Julia M. Cameron from Pexels Cover photo by Tun Kit Jr. from Pexels
INTERNET ACCESS For many families suddenly faced with distance learning in the spring, public libraries met a critical internet need. In fact, there were more than 200,000 Wi-Fi sessions from library parking lots from mid-March to May 2020. In many rural Georgia communities, public libraries offer the only free high-speed access.
Internet remains available in and outside libraries, so even if libraries have to close again due to COVID-19, you can still access Wi-Fi from parking lots.
DIGITAL CARDS Many libraries began offering digital-only cards during the spring to expand access to online resources like eRead Kids, Mango Languages, and Learning Express, which has math and reading skills improvement tests for grades four through college.
This fall, the Georgia Public Library Service will roll out an ecard service to all Georgia public libraries, allowing people to apply for a full-service library card from home.
DEVICES FOR CHECKOUT Georgia Public Library Service provided technology funds for seven library systems in spring 2020 to purchase Chromebooks that students and others in need of a device can borrow to get their work done. There are now 500 Chromebooks available for checkout in libraries across the state. You can check with your local library for availability.
"It's me, my sister, and my niece living here, and there's no computer in the house," said college
sophomore Nykira, who gained ing so they can receive prizes.
access to a laptop to finish her "We are lucky to have a great
semester virtually through Geor- relationship with our school
gia's public libraries.
district's supervisor of digital
learning, who works with us
The Worth County Library also to enhance our partnership to
will offer devices for checkout in benefit students," said Chelsea
their rural community. According Kovalevskiy, assistant director
to Library Director Leigh Wiley, of Cherokee Regional Library.
"We will have ebook apps load-
ed so the patron just has to sign There are many other online
into their individual account to learning resources available
start using them."
through your library. A few in-
clude:
ONLINE LEARNING RESOURCES
Georgia Public Library Service eRead Kids - provides a col-
has provided all 408 public
lection of 20,000 audio and
libraries with continued access
ebooks for kids in kindergar-
to Beanstack, a tool that makes
ten through grade four.
it easy to create and track fun Learning Express - includes
reading activities. The service
math and reading skills for
allowed libraries to continue
grades four through college.
their summer reading programs Mango Languages - offers
virtually and keep kids reading.
72 different online language
The program will be useful year-
learning courses.
round because it also enables
Georgia Historic Newspa-
teachers to sign up entire class-
pers - gives free access to
es for reading challenges.
newspapers to inspire social
studies, journalism, or vocab-
The Azalea Regional Library Sys-
ulary lessons.
tem used Beanstack to partner
with the Morgan County School The list of online library re-
System during the summer
sources continues to grow and
by creating a video on how to
become even more vital. You can
use Beanstack. The library will find information at georgiali-
continue the partnership this fall braries.org/library-everywhere.
through a read-
ing program with challenges.
"The public library is serving as an extension of the class-
At the Cherokee Regional
room, providing students
Library System, librarians pro-
with access to books, com-
vide school media specialists
puters, free tutoring, reading
with the names of children who participate in summer read-
programs, and many other 3 important resources."
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STUDENT CARDS Coming soon, the Georgia Public Library Service will launch fine-free K-12 student cards across the state. Students will be automatically enrolled using their student number, which is the number used for school lunches and other services. There will be no overdue fines for student accounts; the only charges will be for lost or damaged items.
The program will provide library cards to K-12 students in all 53 PINES library systems across Georgia in the coming years, as funding allows.
The student card program was piloted at Live Oak Public Libraries in March, when the library and the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System partnered to provide all 38,000 students with a card. Area students can now easily connect to public library materials and resources to help them succeed in and outside of school.
"The coordination between libraries and schools strengthens our community's commitment to educational achievement and brings together shared efforts to support literacy and lifelong learning," said David Singleton, director of Live Oak Public
Photo by Julia M. Cameron from Pexels
Libraries. "The public library is serving as an extension of the classroom, providing students with access to books, computers, free tutoring, reading programs, and many other important resources."
A handful of other public library systems have local student cards as well, including Athens, Chattooga, Cobb, Forsyth, Gwinnett, Marshes of Glynn, and Twin Lakes public libraries.
"We've been issuing cards for all students in Forsyth County as parents register their children for school," said Assistant Director Stephen Kight. "We are happy to say that almost all students more than 50,000 - now have library card accounts and have all the privileges that come with having a library card, including checking out materials, reserving study rooms, using library computers, and accessing our eResources."
While the Georgia Public Library Service provides many learning resources for libraries to utilize, the best school and library partnerships are forged at the local level, so check with your library to learn more: georgialibraries.org/find-alibrary. n
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Grow your business through the local public library
Grow with Google and American Library Association fund Georgia public library programming to grow local businesses.
Georgia Public Library Service will partner with the American Library Association (ALA) and Grow with Google, the tech company's economic opportunity initiative, to connect jobseekers and small businesses with library resources to build digital skills and grow businesses online.
"Georgia's public libraries support local economic and workforce development efforts in many innovative ways," said State Librarian Julie Walker. "We're so pleased to add this partnership with the American Library Association and Grow with Google to build upon these efforts."
ALA will provide Georgia Public Library Service with $28,000 to host Grow with Google events, manage funding for libraries to hold their own virtual events, and provide grants to libraries for innovative events supporting local jobseekers or small businesses. Grow with Google has provided ALA with this funding to support State Library Agencies, like Georgia Public Library Service, in recognition of the challenges facing libraries as they adapt services due to COVID-19.
Georgia Public Library Service supports local jobseekers and small businesses in other ways as well, including through free online resources such as the Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative and Learning Express Job and Career Accelerator, and by providing crucial high-speed internet and Wi-Fi access in all 408 Georgia public libraries.
been selected to participate in Libraries Lead with Digital Skills, an initiative of the American Library Association and the Public Library Association.
This program is funded by Libraries Lead with Digital Skills, which was created so that local libraries can combine their own program offerings with Grow with Google training materials to offer virtual community workshops or other activities aimed at empowering small businesses to grow online or assisting jobseekers to prepare for and find work. This grant was awarded to libraries whose applications innovatively responded to the impact of COVID-19 through virtual library services.
Libraries selected include:
The Commerce Public Library of the Piedmont Regional Library System
DeKalb County Public Library Fulton County Public Library Live Oak Public Libraries The Statesboro-Bulloch County branch of the
Statesboro Regional Public Libraries Augusta-Richmond County Public Library and
two of its branches, the Friedman Branch and the Maxwell Branch
The Georgia Public Library Service program Library Initiatives for Funding Technology (LIFT) provided technical assistance to apply for the Grow with Google grants. LIFT partners with public libraries to fund technology initiatives to support libraries as they build on existing programs and expand their services to the public by identifying grant opportunities, aiding the application process, and supporting the manageme3nt and reporting stages.
Additionally, eight public libraries in Georgia have
Learn more at georgialibraries.org/google. n
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New collection
features more
than 100 years
of digitized
African Ameri-
can funeral
programs
Funeral programs share compelling stories of lives and
communities across a century and are a treasure for
families, genealogists, and learners of all ages. Access the collection at dlg.usg.edu/collection/aarl_afpc
Over 11,500 pages of digitized African American funeral programs from Atlanta and the Southeast are now freely available in the Digital Library of Georgia. The collection of 3,348 individual programs date between 1886-2019.
"Funerals are such an important space for African Americans," said Derek Mosley, Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History archivist and lead project contributor. "The tradition of funerals is not reserved for the wealthy or privileged, but the community. It is that lasting document of someone's life. In the program is the history, and throughout this collection you see the evolution of the stories people left for future generations. I was amazed at the one-pagers from the 1940s, and by the 2000s there were full color, multiple pages, and photographs highlighting the life and love shared by the families. This collection is public space for legacy."
One of the programs that he found powerful was for Judge Austin Thomas Walden, the first
Black municipal judge in Georgia since the Reconstruction era. He also served in World War I as an infantryman and held many leadership positions in Georgia, including with the NAACP. His 1965 benediction was given by the Rev. Martin Luther King Sr.
He became a founder and co-chairman of the Atlanta Negro Voters League. His election in 1962 to membership on the State Democratic Committee of Georgia and his
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Images courtesy of the Atlanta Funeral Programs Collection, 1886-2020, https://dlg.usg.edu/collection/aarl_afpc
appointment by Governor Carl E. Sanders as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1964 were firsts in Georgia for members of his race. Also, his appointment in 1964 by Mayor Ivan Allen as an Alternate Judge of the Municipal Courts of Atlanta was the first such appointment in Georgia and the South since the days of Reconstruction.
from the funeral program of Judge Austin Thomas Walden
Documenting both urban and rural areas, the collection provides important information for genealogical research and for understanding African American life during different time periods. For example, you can read how some families migrated North to cities like Chicago and New York to pursue job opportunities. Some programs document 20 or more names in one family or in a small town, including elders in3a community.
Funeral programs provide valuable social and
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Georgia Public Library Service | georgialibraries.org | Empowering libraries to improve the lives of all Georgians
genealogical information, typically including a
learning about the person, you're learning about
photograph of the individual, an obituary, a list of the community."
surviving relatives, and the order of service. Some
programs provide more extensive genealogical
For Strong, the programs are personal.
information such as birth and death dates, maiden
names, past residences, and place of burial. This "Through this collection, I learned about my uncle
data can otherwise be hard to find, particularly for who died when he was 15," she said. "I grew up
marginalized populations. The records of many in hearing stories about him. He was smart as a whip
these communities were often either destroyed, and never complained about his long-term illness.
kept in private hands, or never created in the first He died suddenly just two days before his high
place.
school graduation. His legacy will live on as a part
of this collection, and we will share with the next
"The challenge for African
generation."
American genealogy and
family research continues to be the lack of free access to historical information that can enable us to tell the stories of those who have come
"In the program is the history, and throughout this
He was a quiet easy going young man, and to know him was to love him, and through all of his sickness, he
before us," said Tammy Ozier,
president of the Atlanta
collection you see
never complained. After his lengthy illness he
Chapter of the Afro-American
Historical and Genealogical the evolution of the
quietly slipped away in the Georgia Baptist
stories people left Society. "This monumental
collection helps to close this
Hospital May 27, 1970. from the funeral
for future genera- gap, allowing family research-
ers to get closer to their
program for Stanley Maddox
tions...This collection clans, especially those in the
metro Atlanta area, the state
The collection contains con-
of Georgia, and even those outside of the state."
is public space
tributions from the Auburn Avenue Research Library on
The Auburn Avenue Research for legacy."
African American Culture and History, a special library
Library on African American Culture and History began
- Derek Mosley of the Fulton County Library System; the Wesley Chapel
collecting funeral programs
Genealogy Group; and the
in 1994 with an initial donation by library staff.
Atlanta Chapter of the Afro-American Historical
Since then, staff and the public have continued to and Genealogical Society. Digitization was funded
add to the collection with a focus on the city of
by Georgia Public Library Service's Archival Ser-
Atlanta. Although the materials have been physi- vices and Digital Initiatives.
cally open for research for decades, they can now
be accessed beyond the library's walls.
Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) leads the
digitization of historical materials held by public
"I hope people will take time to read what is pos- libraries around Georgia, including the African
sibly the only account of an individual's life and American funeral program collection, to enable
learn not only about them, but their community, educators and students of all ages to tell the story
the churches they served in, the work they did,
of their community. Thanks to a robust partner-
and the accomplishments they made to make their ship with the Digital Library of Georgia, these
small piece of the world a better place," said Tami- digitized collections are displayed and searchable
ka Strong, archivist with the Georgia Archives. "In within their online portal. GPLS previously led the
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digitization of over 7,700 African American funeral programs from the Augusta-Richmond County and the Thomas County public library systems.
"Georgia Public Library Service is committed to inclusiveness, ensuring service to underserved communities, and showcasing the diversity and history that make Georgia special," said Angela Stanley, director of GPLS's Archival Services and Digital Initiatives.
She believes that those who view the collection will find stories both personal and universal, such as the program for Ethel Carter Thompson Poole. Better known as "Ma Poole," Mrs. Poole's obituary not only tells of her keen sense of humor and love of chocolate chip cookies, but also of her moves between various South Carolina counties - information that can be crucial for genealogical research.
The programs also reveal stories of personal triumphs. Mary Catherine Allen was only 39 years old when she passed away in 1973, but during her career became the first Black woman to hold the position of assistant underwriter at the Atlanta Branch of the Continental Insurance Company. Harmon Griggs Perry was an "award-winning photojournalist and writer chronicling African American life in Atlanta" and helped to found the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists.
Mr. Perry made history in 1968 when he became the first Black reporter to be hired by The Atlanta Journal. His first assignment for The Journal was covering the assassination and funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. After leaving the paper in 1973, he became Southeastern Bureau Chief for Jet magazine and later returned to free-lancing. He devoted his career to telling the stories of Black people from all walks of life.
Funeral programs are still being accepted; to contribute to either collection, contact the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History or the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society Atlanta Chapter.
Learn more about historical collections through Georgia's public libraries at georgialibraries.org/ genealogy. n
"The challenge for African American genealogy and family research continues to be the lack of free access to historical information that can enable us to tell the stories of those who have come before us."
Tammy Ozier
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What's your library story?
Courtesy of Elmer Ivon
Every day, libraries across Georgia are transforming lives as they offer opportunities to build new job skills, stay active, learn to read, and much more.
Here are two library stories. You can read more or share your own at georgialibraries.org/library-story.
Giving back through the library: Elmer Ivon remembers visiting the library for the first time: He was a third-grader and didn't know a word of English. Everything was new to him. His mother took him and his younger sister to the Vidalia-Toombs County Library to get to know their new community after moving from Mexico.
mer is growing up! We are so proud of how he has grown as a person using art for advocacy. He has made an impact at the library."
As a staff member for his last two years of high school, Elmer gained a personal insight into how libraries help their communities.
"It was a welcoming and diverse environment," he said. "The library was its own community. There was a librarian named Dusty Gres who did storytime in English and Spanish, and we had access to bilingual books. Eventually, we were able to read fully English books."
The Ivon family also took part in PRIMETIME family reading at the library, a program that emphasizes the importance of families reading together to discuss significant cultural and ethical themes.
"I remember seeing kids who were learning English come to the library," he said. "I would reflect how I was in the same situation growing up. It was nice to see the impact I could have by giving back."
Cameron Asbell met Ivon when she took over as director at the library. "I have never seen Elmer without a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone," she said. "I knew him as a teenager, and I could see that one day Elmer is going to be someone who makes a big difference in the world."
Elmer became a volunteer and founding member of the teen group at the library. A developing artist, he also created puppet show backgrounds and even a teen puppet show.
Currently pursuing his degree in mechanical engineering at Georgia Southern University, Elmer still visits the library to find a good book and learn new things.
"When I first met Elmer he was very shy," said Martha Powers-Jones, who led the library at the time. "As the family got more involved at the library, he became more social and I realized - El-
"As a kid, I checked out books to learn how to make puppets for library programming," he said. "Even now, when I want to develop a new skill, I go right to the library. Libraries provide a safe space
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to access information, engage with the community, and learn. Now that many people are working and learning remotely, the library provides vital internet access."
seventh and eighth grade. I knew I didn't plan on retiring from the classroom, so I always had my eyes open for opportunities outside traditional education."
Powers-Jones kept in touch with Ivon when she became the director of Okefenokee Regional Library System, and she recruited him to draw caricatures for the library's annual OkeCon festival.
Ivon also creates art for advocacy. Most recently, he created graphics to use as a fundraiser for the NAACP in response to the killing of George Floyd.
"Elmer and the entire Ivon family are shining examples of a library success story," said Martha Powers-Jones. "I'm proud to have known them for so long."
After spending time around the school media specialist, a light bulb came on for Key.
"I thought to myself `wait a minute; I've always loved libraries. Why don't I become a librarian?'"
Not only did Nyisha pursue a master's degree in librarianship, she started working as a circulation assistant at Houston County Library. She felt this would be a good opportunity to get hands-on experience while earning her degree.
That's when her career began to take off - quickly. She began working at Houston County Library in 2009, shadowing the branch manager until he left for a new position and she took over in early 2010.
Although Key transitioned into management quickly, she drew from teaching experience when it comes to leading and developing her team.
"I'm a positive person, and being positive is about always looking for solutions instead of focusing on what's wrong. That's what helps you progress and move forward," said Key.
Her classroom experience also influences her commitment to childhood literacy programs.
"The research tells us that the prime time to teach kids to read is the first five years," she said. "I'm passionate about any program that's pushing children to develop their literacy skills in that period."
Courtesy of Nyisha Key
Making an impact in Cook County: Sometimes the best librarians never intended to be librarians. They transition from other careers and use their training and experiences to mold the lives of the people in their community.
Nyisha Key, manager of Cook County Library in Adel, Georgia, is an example.
Key embraces all opportunities to uplift all people in her community.
"I tell my staff that we are not a small town library; we are a library in a small town. Our service is not restricted by where we are located. We're always looking for ways we can serve better, serve with excellence, and we can be an example of good service and teamwork in our community." n
"I'm a certified teacher with a degree in middle grades education, and I come from a family of educators," said Key. "I spent about seven years in the classroom teaching middle school, mostly
Tell us YOUR library story by emailing
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communications@georgialibraries.org or using #GeorgiaLibraries.
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Julie Walker, state librarian Deborah Hakes, editor dhakes@georgialibraries.org Roy Cummings, 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 newsletter will be provided in alternative formats on request. For more information about Georgia's libraries, visit georgialibraries.org
Discover your business potential with online, selfpaced entrepreneurial mindset training through your local public library. Learn more and get started: georgialibraries.org/eli.
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