Georgia Public Library Service

Georgia Public Library Service hosts Tech Boot Camp annually to provide library tech staff an opportunity to share their experiences and ideas and learn about topics such as cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and applying for technology grants. As well as a chance to get hands-on with the latest tech. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eSAHKfNd 

Georgia Public Library Service, in partnership with public libraries statewide, has completed the digitization of over 46,000 pages of newspapers from 1907-1972, which can be accessed for free through the Georgia Historic Newspaper archive. “Each year at Georgia Public Library Service, we fill historical gaps in our state’s story,” said Josh Kitchens, director of Archival Services and Digital Initiatives at GPLS. “With the digitization of these materials, all library systems and five new counties are now represented in the Georgia Historic Newspaper project.” Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ditrsqTE

Georgia Public Library Service offers professional development for library staff to enable them to use the latest technology, learn new skills, and strengthen their ability to meet local community needs. This year, GPLS has hosted two conferences, each uniquely designed to help staff who work in different areas of libraries. Read how Storycamp inspires hands-on program ideas for children’s librarians, and how Tech Boot Camp empowers library staff to use the latest technology. Visit: https://lnkd.in/eSAHKfNd

At Dougherty County Public Library in Albany, patrons have commented that the Georgia Department of Human Services social benefits kiosk is easy to use to manage their benefits, enabling them to manage any updates on their own, without staff engagement. “Our library is open during evening and weekend hours, which is convenient for people who are working during the day and may not be able to visit the DHS offices when they’re open,” said Library Director Gail Evans. Read more at https://lnkd.in/ef5XAbq3

“The most important predictor of school success is being read to at home during early childhood,” said Evan Michael Bush, director of Youth Services at Georgia Public Library Service. “Children who are read to in that pivotal window from birth to age five will enter school with more than 30,000 words in their vocabulary.” 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten programs are available at nearly 300 public libraries across Georgia and growing, and is one of Georgia Public Library Service’s primary ways to support the Early Literacy Act.  Read how Georgia public libraries are helping kids build early literacy through 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten programs: https://lnkd.in/ecrwwGC2

Library trustees are local leaders, active members of their community, and neighbors. They are important volunteers and advocates for the library. “I felt a deep sense of pride when the board and the city of Loganville united in their decision to establish a new library. It was the culmination of numerous meetings with city officials, community members, and other stakeholders. The addition of this new library is poised to significantly benefit our city by providing the next generation with the essential resources they require for success.” - Terry Raiford, trustee, OKelly Memorial Library Read perspectives from more library trustees at https://lnkd.in/eaBY6mKT 

The Catoosa County Library has gone mostly fines-free. Catoosa County Library patrons can borrow books, audiobooks, DVDs, Blu-rays, music CDs, and kits without worrying about late fines. The library joins a growing number of Georgia public libraries that are going fines-free to remove barriers and increase access to educational material. Learn more about fines-free libraries: https://lnkd.in/edaVJZKt

Georgia Public Library Service is pleased to announce an update to the popular Zoo Atlanta Library Pass that cardholders can check out from their local library. All 410 public libraries across Georgia will now carry a Zoo Atlanta Library Pass in their collection, continuing the opportunity for all Georgia residents, whether near or far from Atlanta, to check out a pass to experience and learn about animals from around the world and their habitats for free. The pass will transition from a DVD-based system to a physical pass that can be checked out from any of the state’s public libraries, just like a book. This change addresses the reality that many households no longer have DVD players and aligns the Zoo Atlanta Library Pass with the other 14 Experience Pass programs offered through the Georgia Public Library Service, streamlining the process for library patrons. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eXgqUB2S

Thank you to Georgia Municipal Association for hosting Georgia Public Library Service at the #GMA2024Convention. In addition to our info booth, we also had the opportunity to lead a presentation and panel discussion sharing with local and city leaders how libraries are partners in building strong communities. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eAwcX7Sa #GACities #GeorgiaLibraries

Georgia public libraries are helping people and connecting them to essential services and resources. Recently, Brooks County Public Library held a series of food box giveaways, and during its latest giveaway, they also held a blood drive to help spread awareness of sickle cell disease. Brooks County Family Connection, Inc. helped supply the boxes of food. “This was a wonderful opportunity to partner with many local agencies and help a lot of people with food insecurity and also draw awareness to sickle cell anemia,“ said Scott Routsong, director of Brooks County Public Library. #GeorgiaLibraries