Information: www.afpls.org.
I’ve been a regular library user for most of my life and a patron of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System for over 20 years. I’ve spent a lot of time in the Southwest Branch and others in my neighborhood. In that time frame, I’ve checked out numerous books, utilized reference materials for research projects, attended author book signings, lectures and community meetings and taken computer classes.
When my children were toddlers we attended the weekly storytime program and as they grew, we attended other cultural activities and checked out books and other materials.
For as much as public libraries have been long revered institutions, they have not stayed stagnant, but have evolved to keep up with the times. Their expansion of services are not confined to the brick and mortar buildings, as they offer the ability to check out e-books and a variety classes for all age groups through the eCampus online learning suite of free resources.
Librarians also visit schools and provide access to services needed in the communities.
One of the newest library offerings is the access to the official online Georgia Driver’s Handbook for preparation to take the Georgia DMV Permit Test, which includes access to five free practice exams.
According to statistics shared with me by spokeswoman Kelly Robinson Vann, the library system’s website had nearly 8 million views in 2014.
“We refer to the website as our 35th branch,” Vann said. She noted that many patrons also utilize the website to search for titles and put books on hold to transport from other branches.
In 2008, Fulton County voters passed the Library Bond Referendum, which allowed for the building of eight new branches, which is part of Phase I to be completed by 2016, and enhancements at existing branches which will be part of Phase II.
Newest branches in South Fulton County include the Wolf Creek Branch on Enon Road and the Palmetto Library on Cascade Palmetto Highway, both of which serve areas that were not previously served by a library. New branches are also scheduled to open in Alpharetta and Milton in the coming months.
And while in 2014 budget reductions forced the library to cut hours, including the elimination of Friday hours at many branches, the good news is that budget has been restored and library operation hours will be restored to 2013 levels by April 1.
“Anyone can come into branches even if they don’t have library card,” Vann said. “All programs are free and open to public.” Those programs include, but are not limited to, SAT prep, GED classes and tax preparation sponsored by AARP, cooking classes and resume help.
“When we can get folks in the door, they can see a lot more that they love about it,” Vann said.
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