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Where’s Loanie Summer Bookmobile Program

Jillian Speck — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:17:12 GMT

By Brooke West, FCPL Outreach Manager

You might think that hiding the Bookmobile would be a bad way to get people to visit, but instead, it started a cult following! June 2025 was Forsyth County Public Library’s (FCPL) second year of running a program called “Where’s Loanie” to great success. Every week, we drew an average of 40 people (of all ages!) to each location. This program is a great way for Outreach to engage with the community, increase Bookmobile awareness, and deliver exciting library programs outside of the library buildings.

How It Works

Every Friday in June, the FCPL Bookmobile, lovingly named Loanie, “hides” at a secret location in the county for one hour. The week before each stop, patrons can view two riddles and two partially obscured photos on a dedicated webpage or social media post to figure out where to find us. The program is drop-in friendly, but most of our patrons stay for the whole hour of programming. Besides the fun programs and novelty of the Bookmobile, patrons are also incentivized to attend with special Bookmobile-only summer reading prizes.

The Stops

In 2025, we decided to restrict stops to community places. We chose:

The fire department, where patrons participated in a clothing relay race, made tiny fire trucks out of paper, met with the firemen, and toured the fire trucks.
Sawnee Mountain Park, where patrons got to make lightning bugs out of easter eggs, learn the Bee Dance, and talk with a beekeeper, who even let the kids try on his beekeeping outfit.
The YMCA, where patrons got to see a 45-minute Puppetpalooza show, complete with stop dancing and shaky egg songs.
Matt Park, where patrons got to throw paintballs at a huge canvas tarp and make their own tiny bookmobile out of paper.

The Impact

“Where’s Loanie” is a great way to engage patrons who do not get to visit the Bookmobile regularly. The monthly route is concentrated in the northern portion of the county, where mobile library services are more needed. With “Where’s Loanie,” we get to plan stops in the southern portion at highly visible locations. The fire department, which is next to a major highway, was a great location that drew in many people off the highway who had never heard of the Bookmobile before.

“Where’s Loanie” strengthens relationships with county organizations and spreads awareness of FCPL’s outreach efforts. After hiding at the YMCA, Outreach was invited to speak at events for older adults, hang flyers and bookmarks advertising programs, and put on puppet shows in their childcare room. Planning the visits with the Parks Department led to new contacts and opportunities to bring the Bookmobile to events we otherwise would not have known about.

Overall, the sheer joy this program brings, both to patrons and Outreach staff, makes the hard work and sweaty days worth it.

Stay tuned to ForsythPL.org or follow us on Facebook @FoCoLibrary to see 2026’s program!

From Concept to Conversion: Building a Profitable, Multi-Channel Library Shop from the Ground Up

Jillian Speck — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 14:28:31 GMT

By Slone Williams, Community and User Engagement (CUE) Division Manager, Cobb County Public Library

From Concept to Conversion: Building a Profitable, Multi-Channel Library Shop from the Ground Up

In the modern library landscape, the gap between innovation and funding is often bridged by entrepreneurship. In April 2025, Slone Williams, Community and User Engagement (CUE) Division Manager at Cobb County Public Library, proposed a sustainable funding mechanism to the Cobb Library Foundation: The Cobb Library Shop. This permanent, virtual storefront moved library fundraising into the realm of modern e-commerce.

Building a Digital Infrastructure

Acting as lead developer and technical architect, Williams built the Shopify-based storefront with a lean "startup" budget of just $670. To maximize visibility, she engineered an omnichannel strategy, integrating the shop across Meta Shops, the Shop App, Google Merchant, and YouTube. Today, the store features over 80 products with profit margins between 20% and 60%, ensuring accessibility for all community members.

A Collaborative Creative Engine

The shop’s identity was a team effort. Cobb Library’s lead graphic designer, Katherine Zavala, and North Cobb Branch Manager Kristin Gwin, translated library concepts into fashion-forward illustrations alongside Williams, to ensure designs resonated with daily patrons.

The marketing launch showcased internal talent. Williams produced a promotional video featuring seven staff ambassadors and a custom jingle created by the Sewell Mill Library Creative Suite team. This professional collaboration—featuring instrumentals by Jay Morgan and vocals by Matthew Cesari—established a unique sonic brand identity.

Strategic Storytelling & Collections

The shop’s success is rooted in diverse, themed collections:

Legacy: Unleashed: Bold apparel for the fashion-forward reader.
Library Holiday Market: The shop’s limited edition, highest-selling debut to date.
Book Festival Merch’: A "concert-tee" model featuring authors for the March 2026 festival.
Once Upon a Fam’ & Bookmobile Buddies: Family-centered designs and mascot-driven outreach gear.
Librarian Said What?!: Witty, "insider" library humor.

This month, the "Support the Stacks" collection will launch to cross-promote the library’s bi-annual book sale, bridging legacy fundraising with digital retail.

Proven Results and Future Growth

Launched on December 3, 2025, the shop achieved a full Return on Investment (ROI) within 14 days. It has since moved into four-digit profit territory. To maintain the library’s commitment to inclusivity, all apparel is unisex.

Looking ahead, the CUE team is launching a public campaign in March, inviting supporters to submit designs for the Spring/Summer Collection via a Community Design Portal.

A Personal Mission

The shop’s success stems from Williams’ expertise as co-owner of the e-commerce brand Slone x Mattie. By transferring private-sector technical skills to public service, she created a model where brand pride finances outreach.

Cobb County Public Library is now the first system in Georgia to scale a multi-channel e-commerce brand of this magnitude. Every dollar earned flows back into library materials, programming, and community outreach, proving that entrepreneurial grit can fuel the future of literacy.

“I am deeply proud to see this vision thrive, bridging government experience and entrepreneurship to create a sustainable future for fundraising,” said Williams.

Visit the shop and support the community through every purchase: cobblibrary.shop

To learn more about the Cobb County Public Library, go to https://www.cobbcounty.gov/library.

North Cobb Regional Library Launches America 250 Series

Jillian Speck — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 14:23:51 GMT

By Barbara Sonnefeldt

Cobb County Public Library got a jump start in November on programming for America 250 when North Cobb Regional Library offered The American Revolution in Georgia: 1775-1783. The event launched what will be a year-long lecture series organized by Circulation Supervisor Barbara Sonnefeldt to commemorate the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Andrew Bramlett, a well-known local historian, lecturer, and full-time student at Kennesaw State University (KSU) introduced featured speaker Gerald Flinchum. Flinchum, a history instructor in Kennesaw State University’s College of Professional & Graduate Studies Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), delivered an engaging and deeply informed presentation exploring Georgia’s pivotal, yet often overlooked, role in the American Revolution. His expertise and dynamic storytelling resonated strongly with attendees, sparking thoughtful discussion and a renewed appreciation for the state’s early American history.

We were thrilled to partner with North Cobb Library to offer The American Revolution in Georgia lecture to the community. Programs like this reflect OLLI at Kennesaw State University’s mission to provide enriching and accessible lifelong learning opportunities to adults of all ages. The strong turnout and engagement from participants show just how meaningful these collaborations can be. We look forward to continuing to support the library’s efforts to bring high-quality educational programs to the community. - Melissa Conners, OLLI Program Manager

Attendance exceeded expectations, and the program generated enthusiastic engagement from community members of all ages. Theprogram not only highlighted Georgia’s rich revolutionary-era history but also strengthened the community’s connection to both local heritage and the broader national narrative.

We are grateful North Cobb invited KSU’s OLLI to join with them for the America 250 series and provide the kickoff lecture. This is a model of education through community partnership. While attending and listening to the lecture, I know many of us in the audience were learning much of this history for the first time or being reminded of things we were taught decades ago in school. It sparked a curiosity in me to do additional reading and learn more about how the Revolution affected the South and who our own heroes were. I’m looking forward to exploring the topics presented in the rest of the series! - Jennifer Hoosier, Kennesaw State University Director Of Community and Professional Programs

The lecture also garnered national attention from C-SPAN. A crew filmed the event for inclusion in its America 250 programming.

The energy and interest sparked by this kickoff event have set a strong foundation for the America 250 Lecture Series, which will continue throughout the upcoming year. The library looks forward to offering additional programs that educate, inspire, and invite the community to reflect on America’s past as we approach this historic anniversary.

To learn more about the Cobb County Public Library, go to https://www.cobbcounty.gov/library.

Black Caucus Teams with That’s Lit. Co. to Provide Access to Diverse Stories

Jillian Speck — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 14:20:57 GMT

By La Loria Konata

On Saturday, September 6, 2025, Georgia Library Association (GLA) Black Caucus teamed with nonprofit, That’s Lit Co., to sponsor a book drive for minority children living in a book desert. Founded by Tiffany Durham, the mission of That’s Lit Co. is to connect Black and minority youth with books that reflect who they are, by providing literature written by Black and minority authors. Tiffany was inspired by her pre-teen daughter’s love for reading. Tiffany was intentional about selecting books that her daughter could see herself in. She believed that this would increase her self-esteem and confidence.

Stories have the power to show us who we are and who we can become. As her daughter grew, Tiffany noticed something: many of her friends rarely saw characters who looked like them, and most couldn’t name more than one Black author. That gap in both representation and awareness made Tiffany realize that without access to stories that reflect who they are, our children are being robbed of both knowledge and identity.

Tiffany’s library journey began in the stacks. “At 16, I was shelving books at the University of Florida’s Library of Science. Later, I worked at Georgia State University’s library while pursuing my college degree.” La Loria Konata, current chair of GLA Black Caucus, met Tiffany while working at Georgia State University (GSU) Library. Tiffany and La Loria kept in touch over the years, so Tiffany contacted La Loria to serve on the board because of her 30-year career in libraries and her belief in the transformative power of pursuing knowledge and education.

“As chair of GLA Black Caucus I thought this aligned well with our goal to increase information literacy amongst our youth,” said La Loria. “Black Caucus was pursuing similar options with Black-owned bookstores to no avail. This was an opportunity for Black Caucus to get involved in the community as well as help a friend and former colleague.”

La Loria agreed to serve as board chairperson for That’s Lit Co. Two other GSU Library employees, Brenda Wakefield and Omr’e Harris, serve as secretary and treasurer of the board respectively. In her role as chair of Black Caucus and with the approval from Vice-Chair Deon King and Secretary Imani Beverly, Black Caucus purchased $150 worth of books by Black authors featuring diverse stories such as The 1619 Project: Born on the Water by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renée Watson, and Miles Morales: Spiderman by Jason Reynolds.

To learn more about GLA Black Caucus, go to https://georgialibraryassociation.org/IG.

Kennesaw State University Libraries Unveils New Website!

Jillian Speck — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 14:58:19 GMT

By Erica Flint and Brianna Parfaite

After two years of research, usability tests, and design work, we are happy to announce that the new website for the Kennesaw State University (KSU) Libraries is live! The new website includes updated content, multiple access points for our most common services, and a webpage specifically for faculty resources. This is a great accomplishment for the KSU Libraries and will help all of our users to easily find and use our resources and services. Check our new website here: University Libraries

Developing a new website took a lot of time and hard work from our dedicated team. Our project started with the creation of the Library Website Implementation Committee which worked to update our out-of-date content during our reorganization. From there, we were able to create and conduct a usability study to get direct data and feedback from our KSU students, faculty, and community members. We used this data to ensure that our redesign was user-focused and informed by our unique community.

Usability testing revealed that many users found our navigation confusing, and they were reluctant to use it. Labels using library-centric language such as “Services” and “Resources” were vague, leaving users unsure of what information could be found in those sections. Additionally, the navigation structure (plus signs to reveal subpages) led to users accessing different content or being unable to locate content on subpages. To eliminate the discoverability issue caused by the navigation structure, we flattened the primary navigation menu and used icons at the top of pages to access subpages. We replaced the library-centric language with user-centric labels such as “Borrow & Request” and “Research Support.”

In our tests with faculty, we discovered that many were unfamiliar with our website and services. Many users attempted to locate a webpage specifically for faculty members, but it did not exist. When they found themselves frustrated in trying to navigate the website, they shared that they would rather email someone or visit the check-out desk. To help our faculty, we created a Faculty Resources page that can be directly accessed in our navigation. It features Instruction Support, Faculty Borrowing Privileges, Affordable Materials for Your Classroom, Scholarly Publishing & Research, and Open Access information!

Finally, we noticed that many users, especially KSU community members, would scroll to the university footer at the bottom of the page for information. Clicking on links in the university footer directed users away from the library website and caused confusion and difficulty navigating back to the library website. While we were unable to remove the university footer, we attempted to help users by adding a library footer with relevant links and library specific information before users went to the university footer.

Thank you to everyone at KSU that helped make our new website possible (especially those that served on the Library Website Implementation Committee)!

To learn more about the Kennesaw State University Libraries, go to https://www.kennesaw.edu/library/.

The Success of Cobb County Public Library Perks Program

Jillian Speck — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 14:10:50 GMT

Community Engagement Librarian Allyson Eads (left) and William Adamec (right), Co-founder of Marietta Proper—the first business to join as a Perks Partner

By Katherine Zavala

For public libraries across the country seeking a new way to demonstrate tangible value and boost community engagement, the Cobb County Public Library (CCPL) offers a blueprint wrapped in a plastic card. The Perks Program grants cardholders a 10 percent discount at local businesses, successfully transitioning from a small pilot to an influential, county-wide movement by making the library card the ultimate local savings tool.

A Vision for Economic Connection and Community Strengthening

The CCPL Perks Program was created by Community Engagement Librarian Allyson Eads, who was inspired after seeing a panel about a similar program while attending the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services (ABOS) conference. Her vision was to strengthen the connection between the library and the local community by creating a mutually beneficial initiative.

The program's goals were clear: encourage new library card sign-ups, support local businesses, and foster a sense of community pride and engagement with the library system. Eads stated:

The Perks Program isn't just about a discount; it's about the library becoming an essential economic partner. By driving traffic to local shops and services, we are proving that the library card is one of the most valuable items a resident can carry, reinforcing our relevance every single day.

So far, the program has exceeded expectations with strong participation.

The initiative was made possible through a $2,000 grant from Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS). This funding was crucial for creating promotional materials, designing and printing decals for participating businesses, and producing swag for the program’s launch and ongoing visibility.

The process for a business to become a Perks Partner is straightforward:

Businesses complete a Perks Partner Agreement form, agreeing to provide a 10 percent discount to library cardholders.
CCPL then provides a branded window decal (or a digital version for online-only businesses), adds the business name to the Perks landing page, and features them in social media promotions.

A close-up of the Perks Program decal displayed proudly at Hamp & Harry's, one of our original Perks Partners.

Growth of Perks

The program kicked off in celebration of National Library Week 2025, starting small. Today, the Perks Program includes 30 participating businesses. While more than 500 patrons have officially opted in for statistical purposes, any patron with a valid library card can instantly use the discounts without opting in.

The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Businesses appreciate the visibility and marketing support, while patrons are excited about receiving tangible benefits for their cards. The Perks Program was leveraged in a campaign during Library Card Sign-Up Month to boost new applications. The program has even received coverage in local media, including the Marietta Daily Journal and the Cobb Courier, further amplifying its reach.

Eads and the CCPL team plan to continue expanding the program to include more local businesses throughout Cobb County, especially the ones already connected to their nearest library. The ultimate vision is to create a sustainable, community-wide network that reinforces the library's role as a community connector and supporter of local economic growth.

To learn more about Cobb County Public Library, go to https://www.cobbcounty.gov/library.

Pictured are the Perks Program decal and opt-in card that businesses get when joining as Perks Partners, shown here with the Cobb County Library Card.

Celebrating Bluey at the Decatur County-Gilbert H. Gragg Library

Jillian Speck — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 13:18:31 GMT

By Michele Croft

The Decatur County-Gilbert H. Gragg Library was thrilled to honor a beloved character, Bluey, during Bluey Reads Month in July. This event aimed to remind children of the significance of reading and to foster a love for books. The festivities featured an interactive display showcasing Bluey books available for checkout, along with a large jar filled with blue jelly beans, where kids could guess the number inside.

Participants had the opportunity to enter their guesses for a chance to win a collection of six Bluey books paired with a poster or a delightful Bluey plush toy. The local Decatur County Family Connection partnered with the library to sponsor these special Bluey prizes. Each time children visited the library, they could submit a ticket with their guess to enter the prize drawing.

The display was incredibly popular, capturing the interest of both parents and children, who eagerly inquired about future events that would encourage kids to visit the library. For more information about upcoming events visit swgrl.org.

Jasper County Library’s Sunbolt Velocity Solar Workstation

Jillian Speck — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 17:30:32 GMT

By Ivy Corder

The Jasper County Library, part of the Azalea Regional Library System, recently installed a Sunbolt Velocity Solar Workstation. Jasper County Library patrons can now plug in and power up outside at our brand-new Sunbolt Velocity Solar Workstation! This ADA-accessible beauty boasts Wi-Fi, LED lighting, and USB charging outlets—perfect for outdoor studying, Zoom calls, or just soaking up the sunshine while staying connected.

The idea for the solar workstation was born from a need to expand our services beyond the library's walls, especially given that Jasper County is a rural area with limited internet coverage. We saw a growing trend of patrons needing to access our Wi-Fi outside of business hours, so we wanted to enhance our outdoor spaces by providing a dedicated spot for reliable, free digital connectivity. The Digital Connectivity Grant from Georgia Public Library Service was the perfect catalyst. It allowed us to directly address a clear patron need for reliable, outdoor Wi-Fi and charging, which is particularly vital here where many people rely on the library's internet even when the building is closed.

There weren't any major challenges to get the workstations, but the process did require careful planning. The most important step was site preparation, which had several key considerations. We had to select a location that was flat and accessible for ADA compliance while also getting enough direct sunlight to power the workstation. This meant pouring a new concrete pad—which needed to be at least 10 feet by 10 feet—in the perfect spot. Our IT and Facilities teams worked together to ensure all these requirements were met efficiently and successfully. Huge shoutout to Steven Daniel, IT Manager, and Clay Smith, Facilities Manager, for installing this solar-powered superstar!

The timeline for the project was fairly quick and efficient. From the time we placed the order to the unit’s arrival, it took about eight weeks. The workstation was shipped fully assembled, which made the final installation a breeze. It took our team of just two people less than a day to uncrate the unit and set it in place, following the provided instructions. The entire process, from ordering to a fully functional workstation, was very streamlined.

Since its installation, the solar workstation has been a tremendous success! We see it used constantly throughout the day by a variety of patrons. People use it to charge devices while reading, for impromptu work or study sessions, and even for video calls. While it's particularly popular during nice weather, we anticipate even greater use as the weather cools and it becomes the perfect outdoor spot for the community to connect.

To learn more about the Jasper County Library, go to https://www.azalealibraries.org/ja-county-library-

Sir Elton John’s Gift to Emory University’s Library

Jillian Speck — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 12:59:05 GMT

By Lily Brickmeier

In 2023, Sir Elton John sold his Atlanta penthouse, which he had owned since the 1990s. Many of his belongings would need to be sold, donated, or rehomed including his extensive collection of photography books. Without hesitation, Sir Elton ensured that Emory University would have first rights to the collection. Emory gladly accepted more than 2,000 rare, limited edition, and signed photography books spanning over five decades, from 1972 to 2022. The collection represents over 25 countries and at least 15 languages. Among the non-English titles is Marilyn in New York, a German-language photo collection by Ed Feingersh.

Emory’s library received word of the donation directly from Elton John’s staff. “Elton suggested the idea of donating to the Emory Library so that his books could have an impact after leaving his collection,” an email read. Acting quickly, Art History Librarian Kim Collins and Randy Gue, Assistant Director of Collection Development for Emory’s Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library, visited Sir Elton’s home to select the titles now preserved at Emory.

The primary concern for Emory’s librarians now was how best to catalog, house, preserve this collection, and make it accessible to the Emory community. Emory’s effort was profiled by Rough Draft, Atlanta at https://roughdraftatlanta.com/2024/12/27/elton-john-photography-collection/. As of now, 1,065 books have been fully cataloged, with the process still ongoing. Of those cataloged, 17% are signed editions. A notable signed copy is Blackface by David Levinthal, who uses toy-sized props and lighting to depict scenes on war, voyeurism, race, and pop culture. The collection features contributions from 2,441 different authors, editors, and photographers. It’s not just the books themselves that hold importance, but the personal touches too. Inside the books can be found sticky notes marking photographs that were intended to be bought, email printouts between Elton’s private art buyer and galleries, and handwritten messages addressed directly to him. These elements offer a rare glimpse into the intimate relationship between Sir Elton John as a collector and his collection.

An analysis of the Library of Congress classifications revealed two main themes in the collection: artistic photography exhibitions (TR647) and portraits (TR681), especially of specific people or social groups. However, the collection also includes unique and lone titles, like a book on jewelry by a specific artist (Cartier I Love You: Celebrating 100 Years of Cartier in America in NK7398) and a rare historical text on a small Indian kingdom (Bailey's Naga Hills in DS485).

Moving such a large collection also raised questions about sustainability. Normally, dust jackets are discarded during cataloging, but Emory chose to repurpose them. On October 6, 2024, students and faculty took part in a collage and zine-making event, HANDS ON: An Art Making Study Break with Sir Elton John’s Photography Books, using the removed dust jackets. One student created a striking collage layered with colors and textures from the donated materials.

While the repurposing of the dust jackets gave way to dwindling down waste and space, given the varying sizes, formats, and fragility of the books, there was a question of where they would be housed while still accessible to the public. Fortunately, the Library Service Center, a state of the art, climate-controlled facility shared by Emory and Georgia Tech, was the best solution. While the public can’t browse the 32-foot-high stacks themselves, items can be easily requested and viewed on site. A small display of titles at the Woodruff library is also in the works.

This is all due to the work of librarians, preservation specialists, catalogers, and student interns. Already-cataloged titles can be found on the Emory Libraries website by searching “gift of Sir Elton John,” and the records are also available globally through WorldCat. With each cataloged item, Emory continues to honor the spirit of this remarkable gift.

To learn more about Emory University Libraries, go to https://libraries.emory.edu/.

Spot DOT: Sequoyah Regional Library System’s Discovery Outreach Transport

Jillian Speck — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 14:57:46 GMT

By Sarah Childers

Bringing the library’s services to the community in style, Sequoyah Regional Library System (SRLS) is excited to announce its new Discovery Outreach Transport, or DOT.

DOT assists the SRLS Outreach Team by transporting staff members and materials for Pop-Up Libraries, storytimes, event visits, and more. Materials on board include 300 books, 150 flyers, 150 pieces of swag, library cards and applications, games, craft supplies, and more. With an original design as vibrant as the SRLS community, DOT has become an important part of the SRLS Outreach Team.

"With DOT, our outreach department has found a powerful new way to serve the SRLS community,” says Lisa Mosley, SRLS Outreach Manager. “We're connecting with seniors in their living communities, children in local parks, and patrons of all ages at regional festivals, ensuring the library's resources are accessible directly to them, wherever they are."

The goal of DOT and the SRLS Outreach Team is to meet community members where they are and connect with those who do not or cannot visit a physical library location often. Regularly attending community events, DOT and the SRLS Outreach Team work to create awareness within the community about SRLS, educate the community about library services, and bring new users to SRLS with a focus on underserved communities. Outreach events include Pop-Up Libraries, Pop-Up Storytimes, Literacy & STEM Nights at local schools, festival visits, and more.

In addition to outreach events, the SRLS Outreach Team offers the Shelf-Direct Service, directly mailing collection items to patrons who are unable to visit a physical library location. This service helps to ensure that the library continues to be accessible to those who cannot physically visit a SRLS location.

Serving Cherokee, Pickens, and Gilmer counties, SRLS is made up of eight library locations and has a total service population of 355,431 community members. Guided by open access, service excellence, community engagement, and continuous learning, SRLS has a vision to be the community’s dynamic destination for discovery. The mission of SRLS is to connect community members with ideas and opportunities to explore, learn, and create. To learn more about SRLS, please visit our website: https://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org.

Let’s Move in Libraries Initiative at the Fayette County Public Library

Jillian Speck — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 13:51:47 GMT

By Katie Rees, Children’s Librarian

The Fayette County Public Library, a proponent of the Let’s Move in Libraries initiative, was proud to kick off 2025 by partnering with local organization, The Fitness Ranch, to offer a mental fitness class for children in their community. Library staff and Fitness Ranch founders, Coach Q and Nora Pullen, know how stressful life can be and believe it is important for children to learn how to handle stress in a healthy way when it comes into their lives.

The class began with introductions as well as what participants could hope to gain from their attendance. Over the course of the 75-minute class, children would learn how to improve their concentration, boost their confidence, have a stronger mindset, and become more resilient. A strength and conditioning coach as well as a movement therapist, Coach Q was quick to remind the kids that mental fitness is closely tied to physical fitness. He led them through several simple exercises designed to wake up the brain and energize the body. He even gave them homework in the form of a daily assignment since both physical and mental fitness are a lifestyle more than a singular event.

After completing their physical exercises, the children were taught multiple breathing techniques, such as box breathing and meditative breathing, to help them manage stress and improve concentration. Once the breathing techniques had them in a calm, focused headspace, the children were asked to choose a goal they would like to accomplish during the upcoming year and then visualize what it would be like to achieve that goal. Nora Pullen, a mindset-focused life coach, explained to the kids that visualization, creating a detailed image of our success, can be a powerful tool when it comes to realizing the goals we set for ourselves. If the children weren’t quite sure how to reach their goal, they were advised to think of someone who had already achieved a similar goal and find out how they did it.

The last activity of the day reminded the children that, as strong as we can be alone, we are always stronger when we work together. Tying a long rope around his waist, Coach Q challenged one of the children to grab the other end of the rope and try to pull him across the sizable room. When the first child was unable to budge him, Coach Q invited a second child to join them, then a third, and so on. With the addition of each child, it became more and more difficult for Coach Q to hold his ground until he was finally tugged across the room by the triumphant group.

Grinning from their success, the kids returned to their seats for a quick refresher on everything they had learned during their time in class. Coach Q and Nora congratulated them on a job well done and released them back into the care of their parents with one final reminder not to forget about their daily assignment. The day’s class was over, but the children’s journey to becoming the healthiest, most confident versions of themselves was just beginning. Already discussing when their next partnership would take place, the Fayette County Public Library and The Fitness Ranch knew it wasn’t a journey the children would be taking alone.

To learn more, go to https://fayettecountyga.gov/public_library/.

Honoring Women’s History Through Art at Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County Library

Jillian Speck — Fri, 30 May 2025 13:17:42 GMT

By Lesley Paulk

During Women’s History Month, the Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County Library in Fitzgerald, Georgia, became home to more than just books—it became home to a powerful story told through pages.

Library assistant Loretta Varnedore, who joined the library team in 2021, crafted a striking and meaningful display: a dress made entirely out of pages from discarded books. But this wasn’t just any paper dress—it was a tribute to the strength, talent, and resilience of women throughout history.

Using a premade dress form as her base, Loretta layered book pages, transforming them into a flowing paper gown. The pages became a canvas, showcasing printed images of influential women from all walks of life: protesters who marched for rights, singers who found power in their voices, politicians who broke barriers, women who lead the way in science, actresses who lit up the stage and screen, and athletes who redefined excellence.

Each name and face on the dress tells a different part of the larger story of women’s impact—women who dared to speak, create, lead, and fight. And each page repurposed in the design is a symbol in of itself: the past, reimagined to celebrate those who helped shape the present.

More than a creative project, the display invites visitors to reflect on history in a deeply personal way. It encourages conversations—not just about who these women are, but about how libraries, art, and storytelling can come together to honor voices that must never be forgotten.

Loretta’s creation is a reminder that Women’s History Month isn’t only about remembering—it’s about reimagining, celebrating, and continuing the work of those who came before us.

Stop by the Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County Library to see the dress for yourself, and let its pages inspire your own next chapter. To learn more about the library, go to https://cprl.org/locations/benhill.php.

Georgia State University Library’s Comics & Archives Program

Jillian Speck — Fri, 02 May 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Digital Comics artist Marcus Williams in conversation with GSU Librarian Jennie Law

By Jennie Law & Brittany Newberry

Georgia State University (GSU) Library’s Comics & Archives program provides students with opportunities to learn from local comic book professionals and showcases various comic creators based in Georgia. Established in the fall of 2022 by Brittany Newberry, GSU’s Music & Pop Culture Archivist, and Jennie Law, a GSU Perimeter librarian and comics historian, the program is held twice annually—once in the fall and once in the spring. Past events have featured notable individuals such as Shadia Amin, Andrew Aydin, June Brigman, Georges Jeanty, Dexter Vines, and Marcus Williams. Each session includes an interview conducted by Law, a student Q&A facilitated by Newberry, a live demonstration of drawing or writing, and a comics signing opportunity.

Inker Dexter Vines answers attendees questions moderated by GSU Archivist Brittany Newberry

The program also aims to highlight the GSU Archives’ comic collection, which currently comprises approximately 2,500 comics from publishers including DC Comics, Marvel, Archie, Charlton, and various independent publishers. The collection encompasses a wide range of genres, such as superhero stories and romance, published between 1944 and 2020, with a concentration of titles from the 1970s to the 1990s.

Historically, comics and their creators have not been widely represented in archival collections. Law and Newberry hope that initiatives like this will emphasize the importance of including this form of art and its creators in more formal archival and scholarly contexts.

Comics & Archives is open to the public and the university community. Many attendees are students who bring their own sketch pads or digital devices and participate in drawing during the sessions. Participants also have opportunities to learn about industry pathways, portfolio development, and techniques for improving their craft.

To learn more about the Georgia State University Library, go to https://library.gsu.edu/.

Fayette County Public Library Hosts Open Discussion on Grief: Death Cafe Offers Comfort and Connection

Jillian Speck — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 13:28:05 GMT

By Cintia Listenbee, Fayette County Board of Commissioners, Community Engagement Specialist

Fayette County, GA

In a unique approach to supporting the community during the holiday season, the Fayette County Public Library hosted a "Death Cafe." This open discussion focused on grief and provided a safe space for individuals to share experiences and connect with others who understand.

Sharing Stories Over Coffee and Cake

Participants enjoyed refreshments including coffee and red velvet cake while engaging in heartfelt conversations. The atmosphere fostered a sense of camaraderie, allowing attendees to reminisce about loved ones who have passed away.

Beyond Tears: Finding Comfort and Understanding

"The Death Cafe wasn't just about tears," said a participant who volunteers at a senior center. "It was about sharing stories of how our loved ones impacted our lives." Four family members found solace in attending together, each sharing their personal experiences with grief.

Grief: A Complex Journey

Led by Dr. Lisa Oliver, the discussion explored the complexities of grief. Dr. Oliver emphasized that "Grief is a normal response to many different kinds of losses. It's a journey, and it's not going to stay the same forever." The session delved into research-based information about grief, acknowledging the societal discomfort surrounding death and dying.

A Safe Space for Open Dialogue

"Death Cafe is a fantastic initiative," shared another participant. "It's important to create a space where we can talk openly about grief, acknowledging that it expresses itself differently for everyone." The discussion highlighted the need for respect and understanding.

Join the Conversation

The Fayette County Public Library encourages the community to learn more about Death Cafe and attend future sessions. Visit the library's website at https://fayettecountyga.gov/public_library/ for details and upcoming dates.

About the Fayette County Public Library

The Fayette County Public Library is committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all members of the community. Through a variety of programs and resources, the library strives to empower individuals and families on their journeys of learning, self-discovery, and well-being. To learn more, go to https://fayettecountyga.gov/public_library/.

Poetry Spotlight: A Collaborative Effort

Jillian Speck — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 14:18:57 GMT

By Tarmaria Chenta Davis

Georgia State University’s Clarkston Library has partnered with campus English professors to create a unique opportunity for students to step outside the classroom and give voice to their words.

What is the Poetry Spotlight?

Every semester, students are required to write papers and learn the art of composition. However, opportunities to read aloud are often limited. The Poetry Spotlight aims to bridge this gap by providing a platform for students, faculty, and staff to share their poetry, both original and classic.

It all started with Learning and Engagement Librarian Alvin Blount and his goal to turn the library into “a cultural center” for students, faculty, and staff. “I want the library to be more than a place where you can come and study for your next test,” he said.

Benefits of Participating:

Personal Growth: Sharing poetry can be a cathartic experience, allowing individuals to express their emotions and connect with others on a deeper level.

Skill Development: Participants can develop their public speaking skills and learn how to effectively communicate their ideas.

Community Building: The Poetry Spotlight fosters a sense of community and encourages creative expression.

Academic Incentives: Many professors offer extra credit to students who participate in the event.

Out of these benefits, Blount treasures the opportunities for students to try something new and challenge themselves on campus. As he said, “My favorite moment is when somebody walks up and says, ‘Thank you for allowing this because it helped me to grow.’”

How to Get Involved:

Read Poetry: Attend the poetry readings and listen to the work of others.

Share Your Own Poetry: Whether you're a seasoned poet or just starting out, everyone is welcome to share their original work.

Join the Craft Time: Participate in craft activities, such as knitting, sewing, drawing, or coloring, alongside the poetry readings. No prior experience is necessary.

As we move into 2025, we plan to expand the Poetry Spotlight by incorporating more craft-based activities. We believe that combining creativity and community can lead to even more enriching experiences for everyone involved.

Blount is excited for all of the different ways his poetry readings can evolve, especially now as more faculty and departments get involved behind the scenes. “Whatever I come up with does not have to be the ‘end all be all,’” he said. “I feel like what I did was plant the seed.”

To learn more about the Georgia State University Library, go to https://library.gsu.edu/.

The Palace Project from Georgia Public Library Service

Jillian Speck — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 14:04:13 GMT

By Angela Stanley

Last year, Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) launched a new ebook and audiobook service available to patrons across 46 participating public library systems through The Palace Project, an easy-to-use app that aggregates and delivers content from most providers. Participating libraries can now offer their patrons streamlined access to titles from Libby, eRead Kids, cloudLibrary, Biblioboard, Blackstone Unlimited, and ProQuest through the Palace Project app.

The Palace Project also offers unique content for library purchase, including exclusive access to Amazon and Audible titles, as well as items without holds, waits, or checkouts. Library cardholders experiencing long hold wait times for high-demand titles in other platforms can take advantage of added copies and unique titles available through the Palace app.

“We are excited to offer this convenient solution for patrons seeking eBooks and Audiobooks without the hassle of downloading several apps,” said Middle Georgia Regional Library System Director Jennifer Lautzenheiser. “By bringing our digital library collection together under the Palace Project umbrella, patrons now have a wider selection of titles in a single app.”

More Georgians are reading ebooks from their public library, with checkouts of ebooks increasing 12% in 2024. Since its initial launch in late June 2024, checkouts of titles available in The Palace Project have increased by over 5000%.

Public libraries across the state have increased their budgets for electronic resources, such as ebooks and downloadable audiobooks, by 60% over the last five years, according to preliminary 2024 fiscal year data. However, as libraries continue to expand their digital reading collections to meet patron needs, many struggle to keep pace with the demand due to complex licensing and lending rules, high costs, and availability. Many of the highest-demand titles are only available for a limited period of time or number of checkouts before the library has to repurchase access, contributing both to rising costs and patron confusion.

With the support of Lyrasis and the Digital Public Library of America, The Palace Project advocates with publishers for licensing models and competitive pricing that better fit the needs of libraries. They’ve also recently introduced a digital ownership model that would allow libraries to own electronic titles in perpetuity.

GPLS provided initial funding of nearly $575,000 to the library systems that opted in to curate a shared collection, as well as half a million dollars toward the establishment of a statewide, multilingual children's collection of perpetual access, simultaneous-use ebooks that supplement the titles already available in eRead Kids.

“Utilizing the Palace Project through Georgia Public Library Service funding not only enhances access to our statewide collection of ebooks and audiobooks, but it also significantly alleviates the financial strain libraries experience when acquiring digital content, particularly for smaller library systems,” said Vice Chancellor for Archives and Libraries and State Librarian Julie Walker.

The collections available through the Palace Project app join the growing number of digital materials made available to all Georgia public libraries from GPLS through the eRead Georgia collection. For more information, visit georgialibraries.org/eread-georgia or download the Palace Project app from the Apple App Store or Google Play and login with your public library card.

The Armstrong Campus Time Machine at Georgia Southern University

Jillian Speck — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 14:26:16 GMT

By Jessica Swaringen & Sabrina Wade

Each fall semester, colleges across the country prepare for homecoming celebrations. They welcome back the alumni, engage in fun traditions, and commemorate the community that makes the institution special. Homecoming and similar celebrations present an ideal opportunity to showcase institutional archives; Lane Library seized this opportunity in October 2024 at Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus in Savannah, GA.

The Armstrong Time Machine is an event featuring an exhibit and game; the project was designed to highlight the history of the Armstrong campus, particularly focusing on student life and diversity. The project was part of Celebrate Spirit Week, leading up to an annual festival for current students and alumni called “Celebrate: Together.” The Armstrong Time Machine sought to make the university’s archives more visible and accessible to students, and to recognize the often overlooked stories of Armstrong’s students of color.

Historical context is key to understanding Armstrong’s journey. Founded in 1935, Armstrong College initially excluded Black students. However, following the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision, the college was forced to confront racial integration. In 1961, Alfred Owens became the first African American to apply to Armstrong, though he was initially rejected. Two years later in 1963, Navy veteran Otis S. Johnson successfully enrolled after a tense period of racial unrest in Savannah. Despite the challenges, Johnson’s admission marked a significant milestone in the desegregation of Armstrong. Students were made aware that a copy of Johnson’s autobiography, From “N word” to Mr. Mayor: Experiencing the American Dream, is available through the university libraries.

Central to the exhibit was a set of posters featuring a timeline of Armstrong's history, with a focus on desegregation and a special section dedicated to the stories of Owens and Johnson. The display also featured a variety of archival materials, including student handbooks, event memorabilia, and yearbook clippings. Artifacts featured labels and QR codes linking to their digital records. These elements aimed to connect visitors with the university’s past while encouraging engagement with the archives.

While the posters and archival artifacts were featured all October, an interactive component of the exhibit was held from October 21–24. The game utilized a touchscreen Jeopardy-style game to engage visitors. Players were shown clippings from the student newspaper, The Inkwell, and tasked with identifying their publication year. Participants could scan QR codes for a “hint,” which would lead them to a digitized copy of the newspaper edition in question. The activity encouraged students to interact with history and explore the archives firsthand.

Over the four days, 55 people participated, with many using the QR code hints to delve deeper into the material. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive; 88% of respondents reported learning something valuable, with many expressing surprise at the depth of the campus's history. The exhibit successfully connected students to Armstrong’s history and sparked curiosity about the archives. We hope that the Armstrong Time Machine will prove to be another recurring event for Celebrate: Together moving forward. Engaging with the past can establish a new fall tradition.

To learn more about Georgia Southern University Libraries, go to https://ww2.georgiasouthern.edu/library/.

Spotlight on Gordon State College Library

Jillian Speck — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 14:02:18 GMT

By Angiah L. Davis

Nestled in Barnesville, GA, approximately 50 miles south of Atlanta and 30 miles north of Macon, the Dorothy W. Hightower Collaborative Learning Center & Library at Gordon State College stands as a beacon of modern academia, dedicated to fulfilling the dynamic needs of students, faculty, and staff. Celebrating its eighth year since an extensive renovation in April 2016, the library has continued to evolve into a pivotal campus partner and a respected regional leader.

Our dedicated staff of five brings a wealth of experience to Gordon State College Library, collectively boasting over 70 years of expertise in library services and academic support. A testament to its commitment to collaboration, student retention, and student success, the library frequently joins forces with academic and non-academic departments to host a diverse array of events. Highlights include the impactful African American Read-In in conjunction with the African American Male Initiative (AAMI), a thrilling Library Escape Room during Welcome Week for New Student Orientation, an inspiring Poetry Night recognizing National Poetry Month, and book signings to celebrate faculty accomplishments. The library's annual student art show in collaboration with the Art Department and the Faculty Publications Exhibit further underscore its role as a vibrant cultural hub on campus.

Regarding student retention, success, and engagement, student athletes utilize the library for weekly study hall sessions. Additionally, the Student Success Center provides in-person tutoring services within the library for all students. Collaborations have been established with various campus departments and organizations including Financial Aid, Student Life and Recreation, Counseling and Accessibility Services, the Education Department, Housing and Residential Life, and student organizations such as Esports.

In 2017, the library received a significant donation comprising books and artifacts, establishing the esteemed FDR Collection in honor of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This collection, along with a newly acquired FDR replica statue in 2021, serves as a poignant reminder of the historical ties between FDR, Barnesville, and Gordon State College and is prominently displayed on the library's first floor.

Unique offerings, such as the children’s book collection to support the education curriculum, faculty publications, and various specialized collections housed in the nearby Guillebeau Hall archives enrich the library's resources. Additionally, the Memorial / New Baby Book Fund allows faculty and staff to commemorate loved ones through donations of books, fostering a lasting legacy within the library's collection.

Each month the library curates monthly themed displays that span from semester staff picks to gaming and esports, and from student success to mental health awareness.

Our themed book displays bring specific books “front and center” where they can spark interest. Books displays help students discover books they never have discovered browsing on their own. Our displays also promote reading for pleasure as well as academic pursuits. - Paula W. Williams, Library Administrative Assistant

Practical amenities abound within the library, including an online learning room tailored for students with classes online, group and individual study rooms for exams and focused study, and a dedicated Mental Health Nook, where library users may relax and destress. The availability of scientific calculators, graphing calculators, and laptops for checkout further enhances the learning environment for students.

For those eager to delve deeper, the library invites exploration through its website: https://www.gordonstate.edu/departments/library/index.html

Dawson County Library’s Glow Painting

Jillian Speck — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 14:29:29 GMT

By: Amanda Carman

Program Name: Glow Painting

Occurrence: Annually

Location: Dawson County Library in Dawsonville, Georgia

Program Description: Calling all artists, art enthusiasts, and connoisseurs of fun. Join us for a time of creativity at our “Glow Painting” event! Dive into a world of neon colors and create your own luminous masterpieces under black light. Bring your friends and let your imagination shine as we transform the library into a glowing gallery of vibrant artwork. Get ready for an unforgettable evening of fun, friends, and fluorescent paints!

Supplies: black lights, neon paint, paint brushes, white canvases, neon paper (for decoration), and finally some glue, baking soda, and contact solution for making slime

Set Up: This program needs to take place in a room that has little natural light and/or a way to block out that light. We had a large black cloth we used to cover the one external window.

Cost: $50 (Part of this cost was investing in the black lights.)

Turnout: 40

Target Age Audience: Teens / Adults

Dawson County Library is lighting up the creative scene with its popular Glow Painting program! This unique program invites artists of all skill levels to explore their creativity with neon paints that come to life under black light. Imagine the library transformed into a glowing gallery of vibrant, fluorescent artwork—an experience that's as visually striking as it is fun.

Originally tailored for teens, Glow Painting has been such a hit we’re excited to announce the expansion of the experience with an adults-only edition coming in February! “Let's Glow Painting!” is the perfect opportunity for grown-ups to unwind, connect with friends, or their partners, and let their imagination shine. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just looking to try something new, this event promises an unforgettable evening of creativity and camaraderie.

To learn more about the awesome programs the Dawson County Library offers visit: https://chestateelibrary.org/events/index.php

Fayette County Public Library Presents: A Tween/Teen Escape Room Adventure The Lost Mummy

Jillian Speck — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 13:42:55 GMT

By Michelle Bennett-Copeland and Alyssa Williams

Fayette County Public Library provided fun for tweens and teens with our Escape Room in June. Participants were able to test their teamwork and puzzle-solving skills. They followed clues and searched for a room to break out as they searched for the lost mummy!

The young adult librarian, Alyssa Williams, had a ton of fun doing the escape room. She noted that the biggest challenge of this program was all of the preparation that goes into it. It was very time consuming, such as making sure that she knew the puzzles inside and out, having the materials cut out and ready for the program, and finding ways to assist the teens without giving too much information away. It was also challenging to find ways to implement hands-on activities to supplement the puzzles which were printed out.

To keep the momentum going during the program, she made sure to stay engaged with the teens and offer a lot of encouragement as they became frustrated or stumped on a particular piece of the puzzle. It was a two-hour program, so it required a lot of focus on their part.

A second escape room took place in October and was focused on all things zombies and surviving the apocalypse. Teens had to use clues to locate puzzles hidden throughout the library and check their answers. Alyssa loved incorporating the scavenger hunt aspect to the program because it was a great opportunity for them to get more familiar with the library and using the cataloging computers. They had a blast "taking out" the zombies at the end of the program with rubber unicorns.

Escape Room activities are bigger than just a game. Escape Room activities are great for team building, cognitive development, social skills, and fun!

Completing the escape room challenge can be a significant confidence booster. By working through challenges and overcoming obstacles, participants feel a sense of accomplishment and increased self-confidence. Inject a healthy dose of excitement and fun into the next Escape Room activity at the library.

To learn more about the Fayette County Public Library, go to https://fayettecountyga.gov/public_library/.

Spotlight on Open Education at Georgia State University Library

Jillian Speck — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 20:09:12 GMT

By: Charlene Martoni and Jason Puckett

Georgia State University (GSU) Library is once again hosting the Open for Student Success Symposium, an online conference where educators and students share knowledge, practices, and research centered around open education. The 2025 event, to take place March 7, will feature two keynote speakers. Virginia Clinton-Lisell, Associate Professor of Education, Health, and Behavior at the University of North Dakota, will discuss her recent research investigating student perceptions of access codes and their impact on student success. Paola Corti, Open Education Community Manager at SPARC (Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition) Europe, will also share how her work seeks to break barriers in the Open Education Movement and harness the power of an international community of librarians.

Last academic year, the symposium’s coordination team decided to transform their approach by fully opening it to anyone curious about open educational resources and their applications for higher education. Presenters represented Chattahoochee Technical College, Clayton State University, Columbus State University, Georgia Southwestern State University, Georgia State University, Jefferson Community College, Kennesaw State University, Middle Tennessee State University, University of Georgia, University of Utah, and Valdosta State University. Additionally, the symposium coordinators obtained permission from speakers to publish recordings of the 18 presentations to an openly accessible library research guide under a Creative Commons license. The event received high levels of attendance, with over 100 registrants and 80 unique attendees.

Notably, GSU professor, Hosanna Fletcher, and her students have participated in the symposium since its founding. Fletcher teaches a sociology course where she guides her students in the investigation of a social problem. Each year, her students have elected to investigate educational affordability, focusing on open education as a strategy to address the issue. Fletcher and her students will be participating in the symposium again in 2025, demonstrating how the event engages educators and students in open pedagogy and transformative learning.

The symposium will expand further next year with the selection of a theme of “Open Education: Fueling Equity in Learning.” The team has also put out a special call for GSU students to share their voices, seeking to highlight student-centered projects that culminate in strategies to address issues in open education. The symposium team has also developed a proposal rubric, adapted from the Georgia Library Association Conference evaluation rubric, and they intend to publish the 2025 symposium’s openly accessible recordings with accompanying open educational resources submitted by presenters.

The call for proposals for the 2025 Open for Student Success Symposium is now open! Proposals by any educator or student are welcome and are due by October 25, 2024. Session formats include 45 and 20-minute live sessions, as well as pre-recorded presentations. Questions can be sent to Charlene Martoni at cmartoni@gsu.edu.

About the symposium coordinators:

Though a world-wide event, the Open for Student Success Symposium started as a collaboration between two librarians, Mary Ann Cullen and Charlene Martoni, who were selected to represent Georgia State University (GSU) in the 2022-2023 OpenStax Institutional Partnership. The duo was later joined by their colleagues, librarians Jason Puckett, Denise George, and Stephanie Burnham, and this year, the team added librarians Christina Gangwisch and Brooke Fry to expand programming capacity on the university’s six campuses, and beyond.

To learn more about Georgia State University's Library, go to https://library.gsu.edu/.

1,000 Books With Head Start Reading Challenge Leads to 285,000 Books Read!

John Mack Freeman — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 17:59:42 GMT

By Lisa M. Echols

When Ann Rogers, Program Specialist for Ninth District Opportunity (NDO), got word that parents wanted more support to encourage reading at home, she reached out to the Hall County Library System to create a reading challenge that would impact more than 2,500 Head Start students in 25 Georgia counties!

Ninth District Opportunity is the nonprofit that manages Head Start and early Head Start centers around North Georgia, from Towns and Union Counties south to Cobb and Oconee County. Its preschool centers “promote school readiness by providing social, cognitive, and emotional development for low income children.” These amazing centers are free to attend and cover all aspects of education for kids and parents.

Ms. Rogers envisioned a reading challenge similar to 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, where classrooms across NDO could count both the reading they were doing at school as well as the reading families were completing at home and work toward reading goals in each classroom. Children and classrooms could earn prizes for meeting goals, and by incentivizing reading, families would feel supported in continuing their children’s literacy journey at home.

With input from NDO, Youth Services Director Lisa Echols developed 1,000 Books With Head Start, a Beanstack program that fit its needs for a multi-county, multi-center reading challenge. Each classroom would be encouraged to read 1,000 books throughout the year. Centers could create a “reader” account for each of their classrooms. Each month, the classrooms would track the books they read and also send home paper logs for parents to track reading efforts after school. At the end of the month, the center director would enter the reading totals into each classroom’s reader account. Classrooms could earn things like cupcake parties, and children could earn badges and books to keep forever, funded through Head Start grants and community partners. Families were also encouraged to join the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program at their local library for even more fun and prizes!

1,000 Books With Head Start premiered in January 2024. With only five months until the end of the school year, there was some concern that perhaps classrooms wouldn’t have enough time to reach their challenge goals. We wanted our challenge to be exciting and encouraging, not frustrating. We shouldn’t have worried. The Head Start centers and families embraced the challenge and ran with it. We were amazed to see that, by the end of the first month, they had already finished 75,000 books! By the end of May, every Head Start center and classroom reached their reading goal with a grand total of more than 285,000 books read throughout the 25 NDO counties.

Now that the work of developing the program has been tackled and our initial trial program found to be a shining success, NDO and the Hall County Library System are looking forward to starting the challenge again for the 2024-2025 school year and looking to break our previous records in reading for preschoolers! For more information about the Hall County Library System, check out our website at www.hallcountylibrary.org.