Georgia Public Library Service

Public libraries across Georgia have played an essential role in providing internet access during COVID-19, especially in rural and underserved areas that lack basic connectivity. This has been especially evident during times of distance learning and business shutdowns, when people needed to access public Wi-Fi to complete work. https://georgialibraries.org/georgia-public-library-servic/

Reposted from @glaempowers The mission of theMiddle Georgia Regional #Library Systemis to connect all people to the information necessary to improve their liv...es through excellent services and materials. The strength of the system rests in the commitment to meet the needs of Middle Georgians. This responsibility has grown since COVID-19 and has allowed staff to recommit themselves to the mission. In a time of uncertainty, MGRL has become more community-based by offering patrons access to high-quality modern libraries in innovative and creative ways during the pandemic. On November 15, Middle Georgia Regional revealed a new book bike to expand the Library Without Walls (Library WoW). Library WoW serves a wide variety of Macon-Bibb County residents through outreach and collaboration with a heavy focus on populations who may have difficulty accessing traditional library services. Full Article #linkinbio #georgialibraries #publiclibraries #librarybike #bookbike #outreach #georgialibraries

During these visits, they received their first library card. The bookmobile enabled us to share the power of reading, literally bringing the library closer... For those who don’t have transportation to get to a library, bookmobiles and other traveling library services bring books and resources directly to communities.

"As a new year begins, we look forward with hope to new opportunities and ways to serve our Georgia communities in 2021. I’m so proud of our library staff across the state, who, even while libraries were closed, found ways to help patrons in need of books, internet access, and more. Their innovation inspires me every day. I’m pleased to share some of the ways that Georgia’s 411 public libraries are stepping up during COVID-19." Read more from State Librarian Julie Walker: https://georgialibraries.org/libraries-newyear

We are pleased to announce recipients of our 2020 GA Public Library Awards, which honor people that have made a profound difference in communities through libraries. Learn more about our awardees: https://georgialibraries.org/press-release-2020-library-aw/

Georgia’s public libraries also provide tremendous value in return for the investment of public dollars and private donations. For each dollar funded to the libraries, society receives an estimated $3.21 in goods and services plus indirect economic benefits, according to a press release.

Duncan said that before his mother started taking him to the library to do his homework, he was failing. "I was failing a little bit, slacking, because we had no wi-fi until now, said Duncan. Since coming to the library to do his school work, Duncan’s grades have increased dramatically, and he credits that to the library. It caught me up.... https://gradynewsource.uga.edu/jackson-county-library-prov/

Mark your calendars please and come join the December GLASS 'For Grown Folks' Book club meeting! The date is Wednesday, December 9, 2020 and the book is The Mis...ter by E. L. James, DB094670. The December book club meeting will be via conference call from 2:00-3:45 p.m. The conference call number is 605-475-6777 and access code is 1959. If you have any questions, please call Vanessa at 404-657-1452. Talk to you then! [Image is graphic of book spines that say Book Club and the GLASS logo]

Our partner, the Georgia Farm Bureau, has donated copies of "Full of Beans: Henry Ford Grows a Car" to public libraries around the state. The book is written by Peggy Thomas and illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham and inspires readers to think about innovation, science and agriculture. Treutlen County Farm Bureau President, Kim Thompson (left) and Van Henriott, with Altamaha EMC (right) presented a copy of the book to Jeannie Rogers, who accepts the book on behalf of the Treut...len County Library of Oconee Regional Library System. The donation was made on behalf of the #GeorgiaFoundationforAgricultute, #GeorgiaFarmBureau and #GeorgiaEMC. Friends of Georgia Farm Bureau

SUBMIT A NOMINATION FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: https://georgialibraries.org/gplanom/ Georgia Public Library Lifetime Achievement award may be given to a retired Georgia librarian for extraordinary service to Georgia public libraries throughout their career. Special emphasis is placed on the long-lasting impact of their work: nominees must be retired from full-time work for three years before being nominated. Given these special requirements, this award may not be presen...ted each year. https://georgialibraries.org/gplanom/

What's the value of your local library? Georgia's public libraries provide $732.8 million in state economic impact and service value. Read the new study from UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government. #GeorgiaLibraries georgialibraries.org/libraryimpact

Take care of yourselves.

SUBMIT A NOMINATION FOR LIBRARY CHAMPION OF THE YEAR: https://georgialibraries.org/gplanom/ Georgia Public Library Champion of the Year is an outstanding advocate whose support significantly raised the profile of libraries and improved services during the award year. Honorees may include, but are not limited to, elected officials, authors, library board members, members of Friends of Georgia Libraries, or members of local Friends groups. This person must not be employed in any capacity by a library during 2020. https://georgialibraries.org/gplanom/

Story time from Middle Georgia Regional Library.

SUBMIT A NOMINATION FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIAN OF THE YEAR: https://georgialibraries.org/gplanom/ Georgia Public Librarian of the Year is presented to a professionally-licensed, full-time practicing public librarian whose innovative and creative talents are instrumental in the delivery of outstanding library service to their library and the communities it serves, as well as dedication and commitment to the state and profession as a whole. The winner must be employed by a public library for at least 9 months of 2020. https://georgialibraries.org/gplanom/

SUBMIT A NOMINATION FOR PUBLIC LIBRARY OF THE YEAR: https://georgialibraries.org/gplanom/ Georgia Public Library of the Year is presented to an individual facility or library system whose staff best exemplifies the qualities needed to positively impact the lives of residents in the communities it serves. Nominations for library systems which include multiple locations must demonstrate the integration of each facility to the overall impact of the system as a whole. Submit your nomination: https://georgialibraries.org/gplanom/

Congratulations, Lisa!

Congratulations to Gwinnett County Public Library Library for the recognition of their deep community involvement! They have received honorable mention for the Jerry Kline Community Impact Prize through Library Journal bit.ly/3kLxuR6

Georgia Public Library Service is proud to lead the digitization of historical materials held by public libraries around Georgia, including this African American funeral program collection, to enable educators and students of all ages to tell the story of their community.

Congratulations to our friends at Chestatee Regional Library on the grand opening of the new Lumpkin County Library! It's a beautiful space that will be an amazing asset to its community. #georgialibraries Assistant State Librarian Ben Carter

The National Federation of the Blind has great voting resources and is working to ensure that all blind voters have the ability to vote privately and independently.

Our libraries are great because of our friends. It's National Friends of Libraries Week. Consider joining your local library's Friends' group or Georgia's Friends of Georgia Libraries!